Sunkist said it now has more than 40 varieties of fresh citrus for the new season, along with new packaging, merchandising displays and promotional programs.
According to the company, growth continues in specialty varieties such as Cara Cara navels as well as blood oranges. Research shows that once consumers taste these varieties, they enjoy the unique flavor profiles and come back for more, the company said. Sunkist Delite™ mandarins begin shipping in early November with higher volumes this season than in their launch a year ago. Mandarins have the appeal for being sweet, seedless and easy-to-peel.
“Specialty citrus is about education and experience for consumers,” said Sunkist Director of Retail Marketing Julie DeWolf. “Sunkist has a wide array of retail marketing programs, including sampling, digital coupons, high-graphic secondary display bins and in-store point of sale materials that highlight flavor profiles, nutritional benefits and recipes to build awareness, drive trial and increase sales.”
For California grown navel oranges, one themed marketing element, specifically geared towards the Lunar New Year celebration, is the 2019 limited edition “Year of the Pig” 10-pound gift carton, which will be on display in the booth.
Sunkist specialty varieties available include pummelos; Texas Rio Star, Florida, Sweetie and Melo Gold grapefruit; and Satsuma mandarins. Throughout winter and spring, several additional varieties will be available such as minneola tangelos, royal and gold nugget variety mandarins, and Fairchild and Ojai pixie tangerines.
In addition to seasonal specialties, Sunkist said it offers lemons, limes and grapefruit year-round. Retailers are encouraged to use Sunkist’s secondary display options to promote citrus outside the produce section in departments such as seafood and liquor. The company also says specialty lemons are growing in demand, creating opportunities for seedless, pink variegated Zebra™ lemons, and Meyer lemons, which Sunkist says are a juicy, sweet and less acidic mandarin/lemon hybrid. Sunkist also offers a range of organic citrus in promotable volumes.
PMA Fresh Summit attendees can visit the Sunkist “We Are Citrus™” booth (#2443), which will feature a live cooking demonstration by Chef Jill Davie and a sampling of delicious Smoked Chicken and Citrus Flatbread. An open juice bar will be serving freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juice.
For more information:
Brenda De Alba
Tel: +1 (323) 761-6603
brenda.dealba@edelman.com
www.sunkist.com