Sunkist had a large selection of specialty citrus fruit on display at the CPMA trade show in Calgary two weeks ago. “It’s perfect timing as this time of the year, many specialty varieties are in season,” says Joan Wickham with Sunkist. “Gold Nugget mandarins are in season now and are extremely sweet and juicy.” They are a loose peeling fruit with the shiny, bumpy skin coming off very easily. Ojai Pixie tangerines are in season as well. They are only grown in the Ojai region, a secluded valley that doesn’t get the winds that some other areas get. “Ojai Pixies are a smaller piece of fruit and that’s where the name Pixie comes from,” mentioned Wickham.
Joan Wickham with Sunkist holding a bag of Gold Nugget mandarins
Nutrient-rich Cara Caras
Cara Cara oranges are in season now through June. This navel variety differentiates itself from regular Navels as it is very nutrient rich. “In addition to being really sweet, Cara Caras are 20 percent higher in vitamin C and 30 percent higher in vitamin A than a regular Navel,” according to Wickham.
Customizable bins
“Because the specialty varieties are in season for only a short time, it is important to educate consumers on their limited availability as well as how they are different. We find the best way to do that is through point-of-sale material,” said Wickham. “We are giving consumers nutritional information and ideas of how to use the piece of fruit by providing information on the store bins.” Sunkist works with its retail partners on customizing the bins as every retailer has a different way of presenting the produce department. “Customization allows them to put their own spin, but we can also help with providing content,” shared Wickham. Turnaround time of a customized bin is less than a week and they are available in large and small runs.
For more information:
Joan Wickham
Sunkist
Tel: (+1) 818-379-7430