FLORIDA, ALABAMA, & GEORGIA - Sweet Valley Citrus is armed and ready to help buyers take advantage of this citrus season, reporting strong promotable volumes for the 2022 Satsuma season, as well as a new website and a host of creative marketing tools.
"The new website helps expand the allure of Sweet Valley Citrus, especially Satsumas, and will generate demand for the special fruit that grows there," said Karen Nardozza, President and Chief Executive Officer of Moxxy, the marketing agency that created the Sweet Valley brand, website, and marketing materials to promote the region.
North Florida, South Alabama, and South Georgia comprise the Sweet Valley Citrus region, with unique soil and weather that promote great-quality citrus. According to a press release, Sweet Valley Citrus includes Satsumas marketed under brands such as Southern Sassies, Southern Juicys, and Cherokee Jewel. These premium fruits are grown on local family farms, tree-ripened, and shipped daily from farmer-owned packing facilities.
This year, ideal conditions have allowed Sweet Valley Citrus to bring a host of opportunities to retail and foodservice buyers.
"Favorable late Spring weather and more groves reaching maturity have contributed to a heavy set of great-looking fruit as we approach the 2022 Satsuma season," explained Kim Jones, Owner of Florida Georgia Citrus and President of Cold Hardy Citrus Association. "The trees are heavy with beautiful, uniform fruit. We anticipate a record Satsuma crop for 2022."
Satsuma production has increased in the Sweet Valley region from less than 1,000,000 pounds produced by 15 growers in 2014 to 12,000,000 pounds and more than 150 growers in 2021, the release noted. Production is expected to continue this upward trend in the upcoming years, as new plantings already in the ground are anticipated to push production to over 100,000,000 pounds by 2027.
"Easy-to-peel Satsumas are a special fruit with a delicious flavor profile and limited season, which makes them ideal for retailers and consumers looking for something local and extraordinary," said Mack Glass of Cherokee Satsumas. "We'll begin shipping in early November, with full production available from mid-November to mid-January."
Sweet Valley Citrus also noted that its convenient, Southeast locations along major interstate highways have been less affected by supply chain issues. With a reduced shipping time, the provider can extend shelf life from a few days to several weeks and ensure customers and consumers receive top-quality, ready-to-eat-fruit.
To further uplift its brand, Sweet Valley Citrus recently launched a new website with useful information for retailers, foodservice buyers, and consumers. The website also helps retail and foodservice buyers connect with growers and packers, and provides detailed information on seasonality, varieties, nutrition, selection, and storage.
Nardozza added, "While the website is primarily intended to inform retail and foodservice buyers, it's also important to support sales and consumption with consumer education and inspiration to maximize success of the fruit in all channels. One way the marketing accomplishes that is with 20 delicious recipes and videos, spanning breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and beverage consumption occasions, to demonstrate how Satsumas are much more versatile than just a quick, healthy snack. The recipes will be shared on Sweet Valley's social channels throughout the season."
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