New citrus merchandising drives in-store visibility and volume

Fresh citrus is heating up summer sales across the U.S., and Sunkist is at the centre of it. With California-grown Valencia oranges, lemons, and grapefruit now in peak season, Sunkist is shipping its top varieties nationwide — just in time for warm-weather snacking, juicing, and entertaining.

Citrus remains one of the top-performing produce categories during summer. In fact, industry figures show a 12% increase in citrus volume around the 4th of July compared to last year. Overall, citrus is outpacing both total fruit and general produce growth, with a 9% boost year-over-year, highlighting its continued popularity at key seasonal moments.

To match rising demand, Sunkist is spotlighting its lemons with a new in-store campaign built around bright visuals and usage inspiration. The “Lemonade Stand” merchandising setup — complete with themed bin headers and clip cards — positions lemons as the go-to fruit for summer drinks, marinades, and grilled dishes. With lemon sales up 11% during the summer period, this strategy is aimed at driving even more shopper engagement.

Meanwhile, Valencia oranges continue to gain traction as the only California-grown orange available in summer. Valued especially for juicing, Valencias offer a reliable, high-quality option from June through October, filling the gap as Navel season ends. According to Circana, Valencia orange volume rose 5% last year, further confirming their strong seasonal appeal.

To celebrate the holiday season, Sunkist is releasing a limited-edition 8lb (3.63 kg) Valencia combo bag featuring an American flag design — ideal for barbecues and family events. A 4lb (1.81 kg) classic bag is also available, and both formats are supported by new bin wraps to help retailers promote bulk citrus buys throughout the summer.

Completing the seasonal range, Sunkist’s California-grown grapefruit, including Star Ruby and Marsh Ruby, are in full swing. These varieties bring colour and nutrition to everything from breakfast plates to refreshing snacks.

Retailers are encouraged to make use of themed merchandising, combo packs, and promotional displays to capture summer citrus demand. For tailored support, Sunkist’s sales team is available to assist with in-store planning and marketing tools.

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