Creekside Organics is celebrating the arrival of citrus season with earlier start dates and expanded programs. The company is also debuting the first certified organic Dulce mandarins in the U.S, sold under their Fruit World label.
The season has already begun with organic California lemons out of the D3 growing region, harvested about four weeks earlier than last year. Organic grapefruit and sweet limes kick off this week, with mandarins following. Organic navels are on track for early November, and Cara Caras will start in December, expanded by three blocks that obtained organic certification this year.
© Creekside Organics
Operational improvements supported Creekside's growth this season. The Reedley packing facility, previously operated by Eastside Packing, is now leased by Cobblestone Fruit. This transition strengthens Creekside's relationship with the operation and supports the consistency and capacity of its citrus programs. Customers will not see any changes to Fruit World packs.
One highlight of this season is the introduction of Fruit World's organic Dulce mandarins. Developed by co-CEO Bianca Kaprielian's father and harvested just before clementines, these mandarins completed their three-year organic transition this year, allowing Creekside to bring them to market as certified organic for the first time.
"This variety is really special to us—sweet, tangy, and the first organic mandarin of the season," said Kaprielian.
Kaprielian also highlighted another family favorite: organic clementines from Sky Ranch, grown in an area known for its mineral-rich soils and unique hillside microclimate. "These mandarins are the best you'll eat all season," she said. The mandarins from Sky Ranch will be ready in mid to late November.
© Creekside Organics
Creekside is building consistency across its organic lemon program with expanded acreage, ensuring a year-round supply for retailers. "Shoppers rely on lemons, so they are a great way to drive repeat sales," said co-CEO Brenda Haught.
On the specialty side, Cara Cara production is also ramping up thanks to young blocks coming into maturity. This gives retailers more opportunities to promote this consumer favorite, which is known for its bright color and sweet-tangy flavor. Creekside also increased volume on kumquats, Minneolas, and blood oranges. Sweet limes are poised to stand out this season thanks to their unique flavor and versatility in cooking and juicing.
Haught encourages retailers to build citrus programs that balance core items with intriguing specialties, adjusting assortments as the season progresses. "The best citrus displays showcase abundance, variety, and flavor. Colorful sets that mix bagged and bulk fruit side by side draw shoppers in and invite them to discover something new," she says.
As winter approaches, Creekside Organics and its Fruit World label give retailers a variety of in-season organic staples and specialty varieties.
For more information:
Creekside Organics
Tel.: +1 (661) 859-0346
[email protected]
https://www.creeksideorganics.net/
http://www.fruitworldco.com
