Sunkist® Brand Strawberries Enter Foodservice Marketplace

A full array of oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, and specialty citrus is still the mainstay of Sunkist’s product line. However, customers will now be able to purchase fresh strawberries from Sunkist.

California produces over 75% of the nation’s strawberries and the Sunkist strawberries are produced in two of California’s major berry districts, Watsonville and Santa Maria. Still in limited supply, Sunkist strawberries are available from spring through early fall. According to John Corrigan, Sunkist’s Manager, Berry Sales Operations, "Sunkist’s goal for our berry program is steady growth. We plan to build the right partnerships with our growers and our customer base, to deliver consistent quality berries to the marketplace. Using the same tight quality specifications we use in our citrus program, the response to Sunkist brand strawberries has been extremely positive."

Sunkist markets strawberry varieties developed through the University of California breeding program. Like other California berry growers, Sunkist markets a mixture of berry varieties. However, the industry is moving away from the predominate Diamonte variety and increasing acreage in the Albion variety. "The Albion is an excellent foodservice berry, with a sweet flavor that cuts red throughout the berry; we are excited about marketing more of the Albion variety in 2006," stated Corrigan.

Strawberries are a popular, versatile menu item served throughout all dayparts adding color and freshness to everything from desserts to main dishes and beverages. Like fresh citrus, strawberries enhance global cuisines and blend well with savory and sweet flavors. The complex flavors of berries and citrus even work well together in everything from tarts and scones to salsas and chutneys. Contact your Sunkist sales representative for more information on Sunkist brand strawberries.