Sun Pacific expects more fruit and more sales of ‘Cuties’ brand
Sun Pacific expects more fruit and more sales of ‘Cuties’ brand
VISALIA, CA — It has been another challenging year for California citrus growers, who have struggled against historic drought conditions, the Asian Citrus Psyllid and accelerated maturity during the past season.
“It has been no fun for growers,” Al Bates, president of Sun Pacific Farming, said June 17 at the company’s grower recruitment meeting. “But demand for Cuties is still greater than the supply.”
Sun Pacific held the meeting to show the results of its sales and marketing efforts. Bates and Berne Evans, chief executive officer, addressed the crowd of several hundred current and potential Cuties growers.
Despite those challenges, Sun Pacific’s “Cuties” brand has enjoyed success, and growers in the San Joaquin Valley of California are continuing to plant Mandarins, Murcotts and Tangoes for the popular commodity.
About 170 million five-pound boxes were sold over the past season, and it is estimated that there will be 250 million available next year based on plantings that are just coming into production, according to Evans.
Market research has shown that “Cuties” is one of the more recognized produce brands in the United States, and getting the popular fruit into McDonald’s Happy Meals has certainly helped to boost that presence. Sun Pacific and McDonald’s are expected to renew their deal for the coming year.