“We began harvesting most varieties in mid-to-late October, with volume continuing to ramp up in this month,” said Randy Stucky, director of harvesting and grower relations for Bee Sweet Citrus. “The volume of our fruit looks good; we don’t forecast any drastic increases or decreases for any of our varieties.”

For buyers, that predictability means more confident planning. Bee Sweet’s field and packing teams began evaluating this year’s crop before last season ended. By late July, the company already had preliminary forecasts in hand; by early September, volume and timing estimates were finalized to align with retail demand.

Complete Domestic Portfolio
Bee Sweet’s California season features one of the industry’s most comprehensive citrus lineups:

• Navel Oranges: Mid-October – June
• Heirloom Navels: January – May
• Valencia Oranges: April – October
• Cara Cara Navels: November – April
• Royal Reds: December – June
• Pummelos: October – March
• Golden Gem Grapefruit: Mid-October – January
• Lemons / Meyer Lemons: Year-round
• Mandarins: November – June

That breadth enables Bee Sweet to support promotions across multiple citrus segments and respond quickly to shifts in shopper interest—from early-season Navels to specialty varieties and late-season Valencias.

Geography plays a key role in Bee Sweet’s reliability. The company draws fruit from several growing districts that mature at different times, effectively extending the season and balancing supply.

“We harvest lemons in District 2 year-round, begin harvesting in District 3 in September, and start in District 1 shortly afterward in October,” Stucky explained.

That staggered structure ensures a continuous flow of fruit to Bee Sweet’s packing operations and gives retail partners the flexibility to plan promotions weeks in advance.

To prevent gaps between domestic and offshore fruit, Bee Sweet closely monitors field conditions and adjusts harvest pace in real time.

“Our field team monitors our estimates and will slow down harvest if necessary to ensure we can stretch the availability of our varieties for as long as possible,” Stucky said.

For retail buyers, that attention to detail translates to reliable load scheduling, fewer surprises, and smoother transitions between varieties.

Outlook for Winter
While weather across the state remains unpredictable, Bee Sweet reports no major shifts in maturity or timing this year. Fruit quality and size are tracking well, and the company anticipates steady supply across all major categories.

“We’re looking forward to a high-quality season,” Stucky said. “Our team has been preparing for months to make sure our customers have the fruit they need, when they need it.”

With its year-round program, district diversity, and proactive crop management, Bee Sweet Citrus continues to be the kind of partner retailers can count on—helping them keep citrus displays full, fresh, and shopper-ready all season long.