Sweet, fresh navel oranges, clementines and mandarins from Chile are turning summertime into citrus time, with supplies of these fruits increasingly available nationwide.
Chile is one of the world’s largest producers of fresh fruit, and with citrus available now through November, the Chilean Citrus Committee, with the support of ProChile (Chile’s promotional bureau), is redoubling its North American marketing efforts to ensure retailers have the materials and support to drive Chilean citrus sales. Fresh citrus makes snacking refreshing, healthy and convenient, and merchandisers stationed across the U.S. and Canada are working with retailers and wholesalers on contests and promotions to bring Chilean citrus center stage, according to a news release.
“We’ve developed an array of new merchandising materials, including point-of-sale cards, nutritious recipes and videos, all with the goal of giving consumers more reasons to put Chilean citrus in their shopping baskets,” says Karen Brux, the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association’s managing director for North America. “This year, in response to retail feedback, we’ve brought Chilean citrus growers to North America’s doorstep by shooting videos of them in the groves. Retailers can use these videos throughout their social media outlets to connect their customers with Chilean citrus. You really get a sense of place, passion and commitment when you see growers talking about the land and the fruit they grow for us.”
Last year, Chile exported more than 100,000 tons of citrus to the U.S., double the amount of just three years ago. While the Chilean citrus season kicked off with clementines, consumers can now find both navels and clementines at major retailers throughout North America. Mandarins will make their debut this month, with Chilean citrus available into November.
