In produce, citrus remains a powerful category driver—but success doesn’t happen alone. Strong partnerships between retailers and suppliers, combined with thoughtful category management and dynamic merchandising, help citrus reach its full potential. Leading buyers share how collaboration and smart strategy keep citrus thriving in today’s produce department…
“Consumer demand for fresh citrus continues to grow as shoppers look for flavor, quality, and year-round availability. Meeting that demand takes strong partnerships across growers, suppliers, and retailers. When the industry works together, we can bring consistent quality, innovation, and value to the shelf. Citrus is a category where collaboration truly drives better outcomes for both retailers and customers.”
“Citrus is a year-round anchor in the department and makes up a significant part of fruit sales. With that in mind, it’s very important to partner with suppliers who can satisfy that strong customer demand with the highest quality fruit. When challenges arise in the supply chain, it is important to have a supplier you can come together with and find solutions that better the category. Strong collaboration also opens the door to better merchandising strategies and promotional planning that keep citrus top of mind for shoppers. When retailers and suppliers align on the bigger picture, the entire category benefits.”
“Citrus is a global category, and the strength of the supply chain ultimately determines the strength of the program. By building partnerships across multiple growing regions, we can manage seasonality and keep quality citrus on shelves year-round. But behind every piece of fruit is a network of people—from the growers and pickers in the orchard to packinghouses, logistics teams, retailers, and merchandisers. We are all working together to deliver a nutritious, affordable product to families across America and that is something I am extremely proud to be a part of.”
“Citrus isn’t just a staple in the produce department. When it’s done with confidence and excitement, your room feels like a party happening all over the world. Building trust can be a long, slow process, and it can be destroyed quickly. So it’s CRITICAL to invest time with people who share your ambitions for quality, consistency, and variety, and stick WITH them to navigate the perpetually turning world together. Slot machines are not made to be a team sport! Conversely, it can be a real blast to take colorful risks with a true partner.”
“Citrus is a high-impact category for our customers, where demand is driven by flavor, freshness, and consistency. To truly differentiate, it takes more than supply; it requires strategic partnerships with suppliers who can deliver quality, drive innovation, and execute with precision. That collaboration is what allows us to deliver standout quality and create real differentiation on shelf.”
“At Sysco, we remain committed to working alongside both our supplier partners and our customers to navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise throughout every season. Crop challenges are commonplace across produce due to a variety of factors, including weather events. In recent years, we have experienced growing demand for citrus—specifically for oranges—just as supply is challenged. The majority of our supply is grown in the United States, and due to our size, scale, and our broad supplier base, we are able to supplement our offerings; especially during the transition from Navels to Valencias with product from South America to help meet demand. We are also able to offer customers other varieties of oranges, such as Cara Caras or Blood oranges, if there is a supply shortage in more popular fruit.”
“Citrus continues to be one of the most dependable drivers of excitement and sales in the produce department. At Harps, our partnership with Sunkist® helps ensure we deliver exceptional quality, flavor, and consistency for our customers. When retailers and growers work closely together, we create stronger programs, better merchandising opportunities, and ultimately a better eating experience that keeps shoppers coming back to citrus year-round.” 
