The newly released USDA forecast for Florida citrus is has changed from what it released in October. According to the USDA, all orange production is estimated at 46 million boxes, down 1 million boxes from the October forecast. If realized, this will be 13 percent less than last season’s final production.

The estimate for grapefruit production was increased to 4.1 million boxes, up about 300,000, and would equal last season’s production. The tangerine and tangelo estimate remained unchanged from October at 900,000 boxes.

Suppliers are reporting good quality on a new crop California navel oranges. The eating flavor is good and getting better as the season heightens. Beginning sizes will be 72, 88 and 113 count. Sizing will get better when 56 count and larger are harvested.

Even though this year's crop is lighter than last year, there will still be a good supply starting out. There should be aggressive deals on smaller fruit with value pricing on size 88s and 113s from now through January. Those are the sizes that will peak.

SiCar Farms' winter citrus season is thriving and supply is expected to be steady throughout the season. The company reports record volumes and unprecedented quality. 

Lemons: Mexico production season is July through December and California lemon production is year round. Consistent volumes are available per week of Meyer and Eureka lemons and their quality has been reported spectacular.  Varieties are available in bagged and bulk.

Peelz Citrus of Fowler Packing Co. announced the launch of its Thiz iz Peelz campaign, the brand's first-ever national media campaign.

Homegrown Organic Farms unveiled its Buck Brand organic specialty citrus micro-brand. The new brand will add to the growing list of specialty micro-brands, like the recently announced Mammoth Kiwi program, and will further differentiate it in the organic marketplace.  

For Sunkist Growers, citrus is a way of life. Sunkist’s growers have deep roots in citrus, with many members being third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation growers. More than 2,000 Sunkist growers produce nearly 40 different citrus varieties in California and Arizona, and every single one of the varieties has its own personality and flavor.