Important invitation for retailers: Join the National Citrus Celebration on March 1
National Sunkist Citrus Day is a way to honor the growers who have worked for generations to produce top-quality citrus.
On March 1st, Sunkist Growers celebrates the third National Sunkist Citrus Day (NSCD). This day recognizes the hard work and dedication of family-run citrus farms that have been growing fresh fruit for over 100 years.
Officially listed on the National Day Calendar, NSCD is a chance for shoppers and stores to learn more about Sunkist's farming history and its role in the citrus industry. Sunkist is using in-store displays, online promotions, and interactive activities to show how citrus supports a healthy diet and to encourage more people to buy fresh fruit.
Cassie Howard, Senior Director of Category Management and Marketing at Sunkist, said that National Sunkist Citrus Day is a way to honor the growers who have worked for generations to produce top-quality citrus. She added that the day is also an opportunity to share the season's best fruit with customers.
March is a great time for citrus, with popular fruits like Navel, Blood, and Cara Cara oranges, lemons, California mandarins, grapefruit, and Minneola tangelos at their peak. With more people choosing fresh and healthy foods, Sunkist offers a variety of flavorful citrus that fits easily into everyday meals and snacks.
To help stores, Sunkist has created new point-of-sale materials, such as colorful signs, fun lemon-themed decorations, 'Meet Cali™' cards, and a digital recipe tool that gives customers new ideas for using citrus in their cooking. Stores are encouraged to build large citrus displays, advertise Sunkist fruit in their flyers, and post on social media with #NationalSunkistCitrusDay.
Howard also noted that citrus sales are strong, with Navel oranges up 5%, Blood Oranges up 19%, and Cara Cara oranges up 27% compared to last year. She said that seasonal events like National Sunkist Citrus Day are a great way for stores to increase sales and grow their fresh produce section.
Sunkist is also inviting customers to try its online recipe tool at sunkist.com/calisunshine/. By choosing their favorite citrus and meal type, users get custom recipe ideas that inspire them to cook with citrus more often.
Stores can join the celebration on March 1st by using NSCD materials, including QR code signs and eye-catching displays, to show off their citrus selection and boost sales.
If you’re a retailer interested in joining the celebration, reach out today to get started!