SANGER, CA - Industry efforts certainly look to be paying dividends in terms of citrus demand. The connection between the category and staying healthy during cold and flu season is a strong one, and Kings River Packing is encouraging retailers to build even further on it as the season is in full swing.

“We are excited about all things citrus here as the new 2024 year begins. Fruit continues to look sharp, and we are picking daily with full color coming out of the field. Our size profile on most commodities is peaking on larger sizes. We have the supply and variety to help retailers build large colorful displays!” said Jesse Silva, Sales Manager.

With an increase in supply this year, the word is that now is the time to keep those shelves stocked for consumers and the heightening demand for citrus. 

Building large displays and highlighting health benefits makes it easier for consumers to make healthy choices while having bins at checkout can help with those impulse purchases as well, the company noted in a press release.

“There are so many citrus options, but Navel oranges are what comes to mind when you picture a traditional orange. We have seen an increase in households buying Kings River Packing Navel Oranges, more than one time, showing consumers love that traditional flavor and are coming back for more,” Nicole Sandoval, Senior Category Management Analyst, commented.

Kings River also encouraged retailers to build large displays to highlight the different varieties to be found in citrus and use in-store signage and point-of-sale material to show consumers the versatility and extra flavor boost to both sweet and savory dishes.

Available domestically from October to June, it looks like the time is now to capitalize on the known Navel oranges.