LOS ANGELES, CA - Expanding off the successful introduction of its line of specialty stonefruit clamshells last year, Pacific Trellis Fruit and Dulcinea Farms® is following up this year with two more items: Donut Peaches and Extra Sweet Nectarines.

“This is a great opportunity to capture strong sales for the winter stonefruit category. There has been much excitement about the offering, and this program has shown tremendous interest, with a current situation of demand exceeding supply,” Howard Nager, Director of Marketing and Business Development for Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea Farms, shared as he explained the new additions will be present at Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure next month. “Our promise of quality, convenience, and safety in these high-graphic-labeled packages pop on the shelf and are inviting for consumers to purchase.”

The line already contained Extra Sweet Plums, Lemon Plums, Sugar Plums, and Watermelon Plums. Now, available from Chile, the new Donut Peaches and Extra Sweet Nectarines will be packed in 1 lb or 2 lb clamshells.

With upcoming holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Passover, and summer months approaching, Howard pointed out how the timing for Southern Exposure is excellent to discuss programs and opportunities with retailers.

“The Dulcinea brand generated approximately 100 million impressions in 2023 and is backed by strong consumer awareness, brand loyalty, and consumer confidence. These impressions are spread across the produce department on our melons, grapes, cherries, citrus, and stonefruit,” Howard shared.

Dulcinea PureHeart® melons will continue to be available from Mexico throughout the spring as well, along with Guatemalan availability through April before the harvest moves to Yuma in late May, transitioning to California in mid-July.

“The calendar is locked in and ready,” Howard told me. “Mini yellow seedless watermelon, called the SunnyGold®, Tuscan Style Cantaloupe, and organic mini- and full-sized seedless watermelon will arrive in mid-May; with great anticipation, our line of high flavor, great tasting Kiss Melons will begin in June!”

From these melon plans to imported grapes continuing to drive the category for the balance of the spring until the arrival of Dulcinea grapes from Mexico in early May, the company is a dedicated year-round supplier of both categories. Find out all about it when you swing by booth #111 in Tampa, Florida, March 7–9 for Southern Exposure!