Sweet Valley Citrus Prepares to Make its Debut; Kim Jones and Karen Nardozza Comment
MONTICELLO, FL - A new regional brand will soon hit the market as The Cold Hardy Citrus Association (CHCA) announces its newly created regional brand—Sweet Valley Citrus.
“Our growers and packers are distributing under multiple labels and building their own brands, yet everyone’s fruit shares the exceptional qualities that are unique to our growing area,” said Kim Jones, Current President of CHCA. “The new Sweet Valley Citrus label and brand identifies to buyers and consumers that this is a truly special fruit, locally grown on small farms—just what shoppers are looking for.”
Comprised of more than 75 growers, handlers, processors, and allied businesses of all sizes, the CHCA oversees groves and packing facilities throughout the Florida Panhandle, Eastern Alabama, and Southern Georgia regions. Rich soils, warm summers, and cool spring and fall seasons contribute to the super-sweet, easy-peel, and seedless fruit consumers prefer.
“The cooler climate and higher humidity compared to other citrus growing regions really make a difference in the eating experience,” Jones added. “Sweet Valley Citrus is remarkably more flavorful, with consistently higher Brix values.”
As noted in the release, Sweet Valley Satsumas fly off the shelves by the carton during the very short season from October through January. They are asked for with excited anticipation by consumers, provide retailers the opportunity for stunningly beautiful displays and profitable promotions, and give community organizations a popular fundraising tool for schools and charities.
“Sweet Valley is a mythical place,” said Karen Nardozza, President and Chief Executive Officer of Moxxy Marketing, the marketing agency CHCA hired to develop the new regional brand and generate awareness. “While you can’t find Sweet Valley on a map in the multi-state, Southeast areas where CHCA members grow, harvest, and pack, the name is meant to provide a memorable moniker that describes the most beloved quality of the citrus fruit grown in the cool climate there—primarily Satsuma mandarins.”
Peak season is in full swing for Sweet Valley Satsuma Mandarins, with strong volumes expected through mid-January. Sweet Valley Satsumas are known for their outstanding flavor and sweetness and are a Southeastern favorite with retailers, consumers, schools, and foodservice professionals.
Because of their convenient Southeast locations, amplified by supply chain issues at United States ports, Sweet Valley Citrus packers also offer some of the freshest fruit and fastest shipping to locations East of the Mississippi, which can extend shelf-life from a few days to several weeks.
Known for its extraordinary Shiranui Mandarins, Cara Cara Navel oranges, grapefruit, Kishu Mandarins, Tangerines, and lemons, CHCA will debut its Sweet Valley Citrus brand on December 15, 2021.
AndNowUKnow will report on the latest brands, products, and innovations landing on the shelf, so check back for the latest.