CLAREMONT, CA - Growing up in California, citrus has always been a quintessential part of the winter holidays, and I know that is true for many other consumers nationwide. Helping retailers keep the zesty tradition alive for their shoppers, Sunkist Growers’ Christina Ward, Senior Director of Global Marketing, tells me how buyers can take advantage of the opportunities that exist this holiday season as it kicks off its California citrus season.

“This is an exciting time of year for us! We’re at the top of California citrus season with the return of Sunkist® Navel oranges. The crop is looking good, and the fruit is tasting delicious,” Christina says. “Sunkist Navel oranges are sweet, juicy, seedless, and an excellent source of vitamin C, which is why we call them The Essential Orange.”

Throughout November, other offerings from Sunkist include California Mandarins and large, delicious Pummelos, which Christina mentions are around for a limited time and are perfect for the holidays, especially Lunar New Year. Later in the season, Blood oranges will be available along with Cara Cara Navel oranges and Minneola tangelos. Both Sunkist lemons and grapefruit are available year-round, and right now is the sweetest time to promote the brand’s Meyer lemons.

To help its retail partners, Sunkist uses its 130 years of expertise to provide data-led and shopper-focused marketing programs created to drive in-store sales, increase volume, and grow the citrus category.

“With an omnichannel approach, Sunkist Marketing is focused on highly-targeted, real-time shopper strategies to meet shoppers where they want to buy,” explains Christina. “For example, we know more and more consumers are turning to digital recipes and searching food blogs, social media, and online food newspapers and lifestyle magazines for inspiration. We are here for our retailers, motivating consumers with new recipes and DIY ideas and making it easier to add Sunkist citrus to their baskets.”

Turning its attention toward holiday opportunities, Sunkist has unveiled an exclusive limited-edition Guardians of the Galaxy holiday special 10 lb Navel orange carton and merchandising displays in collaboration with Marvel Studios.

“According to IRI data, our movie-themed promotions have historically supported a more than 20 percent increase in Navel orange sales at retail,” Christina imparts. “We look to continue this tradition in this new citrus season.”

The grower also offers custom 10 lb cartons featuring ready-to-gift designs, including a Year of the Rabbit box to celebrate the Lunar New Year on January 23, 2023.

“During the New Year, citrus is a symbol of good fortune, and these custom cartons are the perfect tool for retailers to meet consumer demand for eating and giving health-centric gifts throughout the holidays,” adds Christina.

A Sunkist-commissioned study shows that consumers prefer to shop for produce, particularly oranges, in store, showing the importance of eye-catching designs and displays. To support retailer programs, Sunkist offers ready-to-display options and point-of-purchase materials that educate consumers about varietal flavor profiles and nutritional attributes to drive the category.

“Our Peel Good Citrus merchandising is available for our entire portfolio of citrus offerings in both square and quarter bins. Shopper tested, the displays feature a dark blue background, big, bold fruit, and concise messaging,” continues Christina. “Both are great tools to help sell the category, especially within a small footprint. Plus, the newly designed quarter bins feature varietal-focused QR codes guiding consumers to recipe inspiration, nutritional information, interactive games, and more.”

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of increased sales by teaming up with Sunkist and embracing its custom marketing programs. It’s truly the gift that keeps on giving.

Sunkist Growers