Limoneira's John Chamberlain Discusses California Citrus Market
SANTA PAULA, CA - California citrus is running full steam ahead as we count down the days till the New Year, and say adios to 2016. As December continues to wind down, I caught up with John Chamberlain, Director of Marketing for Limoneira, to discuss the status of the season and what offerings will be brightening up produce departments.
“We are in the thick of it with lemons as we wind down in Yuma, Arizona, and picking up in California D1–the San Joaquin Valley. “We’ve got a great supply of Meyers that look beautiful and Megan Roosevelt, aka Healthy Grocery Girl, registered Dietician and spokesperson for Limoneira’s One World of Citrus™ is sharing recipes and lifestyle tips on Meyers for our retail grocers.”
Limoneira is seeing balanced market conditions between supply and demand for lemons, with even more demand this year for the company’s pink lemons. The company’s pink lemons provide a distinct flavor profile and unique exterior that creates extra interest for culinary creations. With specialty citrus demand on the rise, this item has been flying onto shelves–and off.
“Supply is tight for our pink lemons, but we expect this to improve in the near term. Navels are in good supply, peaking on smaller to medium sizes,” John adds. “The set looks good and we expect a good crop. Our Cara-Caras and Moro Blood Oranges will be coming to markets beginning in January, and we’ll begin providing our Star Ruby Grapefruit.”
Limoneira’s Navels are maturing early, with a high brix content and excellent eating quality. Currently, the company is supplying domestic markets and will soon be exporting them. In January, Minneolas will be coming from Central California and Limoneira will have availability until May.
In January also, as the company begins 2017, Limoneira will be sharing a number of ways for families to get healthy with citrus through its Global Nutritionist Opinion Leaders and Megan.
Limoneira has a complete 12-month calendar of promotions for retailers and foodservice customers as part of its One World of Citrus™ program. And as John tells me, it is an ideal time to get those orders in and promote, promote, promote!
