FOWLER, CA - Citrus. Citrus. Citrus.
That is what I imagine is going on in consumers’ minds as the warmer weather creates a craving for all things juicy and refreshing. With demand continuing to climb and reports of a tight market in multiple categories, I got in touch with the team at Bee Sweet Citrus to discuss the details of the citrus sector.
“The quality of our Navel oranges has been excellent. They’re sweet and juicy, and we have a good mix of sizes available,” says Keith Watkins, Vice President of Farming. “Volume, however, is currently down with demand exceeding supply. Mandarin supply is also tight and will finish early this season, compared to the recent past. Our lemon supply is adequate, with District 1 supplies available into June and District 2 supplies available throughout the summer months.”
With a steady lemon supply, Bee Sweet is reporting normal prices for this time of year. The Navel and Mandarin categories, however, are currently seeing higher pricing due to limited supplies.
To supplement the ever-climbing demand for citrus, Bee Sweet also provides its partners with grapefruit, and is currently reporting good quality for its crop.
“Our grapefruit is in its prime,” Keith adds. “They are flavorful, juicy, and the size is peaking at 40s and 48s.”
Recognized for both excellent eating quality and positive health attributes, the citrus category continues to collect consumer attention, and as Director of Communications Monique Bienvenue notes, retailers can still capitalize on this heightened demand even as some categories see lighter volume.
“With Blood oranges, Meyer lemons, and grapefruit still in season, there are still excellent opportunities to highlight seasonal domestic varieties with unique characteristics,” Monique notes.
ANUK is here to bring you the latest updates on all fresh produce categories, so be sure to keep a lookout for our next newsletter.
