Sunkist Growers Celebrates the Return of Valencia Oranges and Summer Citrus
VALENCIA, CA - As summer beckons us with her siren call, Sunkist Growers is giving us another reason to sing. Celebrating the return of the summer season and Valencia oranges, Sunkist is launching a new campaign speaking to an “all-American summer.”
“Consumers are always interested in keeping their immune systems strong, and citrus is one of the easiest ways to consume this powerful antioxidant," said Julie DeWolf, Director of Marketing Operations. “The research also divulged that consumers greatly prefer purchasing domestically grown products when they are available, so we have developed a ready-to-go marketing campaign to continue to support the citrus category and to keep the U.S.-grown promotions going strong."
Over recent weeks, oranges have become a top seller in produce, largely due to their high vitamin C content.
Valencia oranges are one of the only U.S.-grown orange varieties in the summertime, a press release noted, earning its title, “The Official Orange of the American Summer.” Grown in California, Sunkist Valencia oranges are available now through October and will peak in availability in July.
"More and more, consumers want to know about the health benefits of what they’re eating," said Christina Ward, Director of Global Brand Marketing. "Through our social media promotions and digital events, we’re bringing nutrition and wellness information to shoppers everywhere. From our virtual 'Facts from the Grove' series, where our California and Arizona citrus growers answer frequently asked questions, to our easy at-home recipes, we’re squeezing the most out of the summer citrus season."
Offering U.S.-grown grapefruit and lemons year-round, Sunkist's California Star Ruby grapefruit is only available through July, and the Marsh Ruby variety will be available through October.
Lemon and grapefruit volume is also up this season, supporting the increase in demand for citrus. Custom promotions for the in-season California Star Ruby grapefruit have continued at various retailers nationwide, with increased activity in Giro and combo bags. In comparison, lemons sell most frequently in bulk and 2 lb bag options.
For more citrus updates, produce innovations, and marketing extravaganzas, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
