Oppy’s citrus category shines with global diversity and peak season quality
Strong volumes, rising organic and Fair Trade offerings and growing consumer favorites fuel success
With import citrus at its seasonal peak, Oppy’s category continues to deliver premium quality and consistency from a deeply diversified global network of trusted growers.
Featuring dozens of varietals from over nine countries, Oppy’s citrus program brings the best of the Southern Hemisphere to shelves across North America. From juicy Murcott, Tango and Daisy mandarins to vibrant Navels and Cara Caras from Chile and Uruguay, the season is one of strong supply and standout flavor.
“It’s a privilege to work alongside the world’s top citrus growers and bring their fruit to the U.S. and Canadian market,” said Category Manager Michael Schaefer. “Our trusted grower-partners remain at the heart of everything we do. Their expertise and resilience shape every season, driving the quality and exceptional service Oppy is known for.”
This season’s crop from the Southern Hemisphere has arrived with excellent quality and promotable volumes. Back-to-school timing aligns perfectly with the easy-peeling mandarin lineup now available, while the high-sugar Navels and Cara Caras offer eye-catching color and exceptional flavor for late summer citrus displays. South African grapefruit, increasingly recognized for its premium quality, has also arrived in good supply despite potential tariff challenges noted Schaefer.
Oppy continues to focus on the varietals that drive success in the citrus category — easy peelers, Navels and lemons — while refining the mix within each to deliver even greater performance at retail. Investing in what works and doing it better each season means better flavor, improved shelf life and stronger partnerships from field to store shared Category Director Rodrigo Lopez.
Organic citrus remains a key area of expansion, particularly in the mandarin and grapefruit segments. Oppy is growing its organic lineup through trusted producers in South Africa, meeting increasing consumer demand for organic options.
Ethical sourcing continues to be a priority for Oppy, with its Fair Trade Certified easy peeler mandarins from Peru expected to expand significantly over the next three years alongside new plantings of Fair Trade Navels in Chile further strengthening the program as volumes will also increase in future seasons.
“Consumer interest in specialty citrus remains strong, particularly for Cara Cara oranges, which continue to gain popularity in the U.S. market year after year. Blood oranges are also on an upward trend, and Oppy will support that demand with a strong Australian program this season,” said Lopez.
With premium fruit from a wide range of global origins, a growing focus on organics and Fair Trade Certified offerings, and an emphasis on top-performing varietals, Oppy’s citrus program is well-positioned for continued success. As demand for high quality, ethically sourced citrus rises, Oppy remains committed to delivering flavorful, reliable options that meet the needs of today’s consumers and retail partners alike — now and into the seasons ahead.
