California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: Fruit World

  • Domestic Citrus Season Brings First-to-Market Organic Mandarins from Fruit World

    Creekside Organics, a grower-shipper representing family farms across California, is celebrating the arrival of citrus season with earlier start dates and expanded programs. The company is also proud to announce the debut of the first certified organic Dulce mandarins in the U.S, sold under their Fruit World label.

    The season has already begun with organic California lemons out of the D3 growing region, harvested about four weeks earlier than last year. Organic grapefruit and sweet limes are kicking off this week, with mandarins following. Organic navels are on track for early November, and Cara Caras will start in December, expanded by three blocks that obtained organic certification this year.

    Operational improvements supported Creekside’s growth this season. The Reedley packing facility, previously operated by Eastside Packing, is now leased by Cobblestone Fruit, whose leadership and investment are positioning the site for continued growth. This transition strengthens Creekside’s relationship with the operation and supports the consistency and capacity of its citrus programs. Importantly, customers will not see any changes to Fruit World packs.

    One highlight of this season is the introduction of Fruit World’s organic Dulce mandarins. Developed by co-CEO Bianca Kaprielian’s father and harvested just before clementines, Dulce mandarins completed their three-year organic transition this year, allowing Creekside to bring them to market as certified organic for the first time.

    “This variety is really special to us—sweet, tangy, and the first organic mandarin of the season,” said Kaprielian. “It’s a true celebration of what makes citrus season so exciting.”

    Kaprielian also highlighted another family favorite: organic clementines from Sky Ranch, grown in an area known for its mineral-rich soils and unique hillside microclimate. “These mandarins are hands down the best you’ll eat all season,” she said. The mandarins from Sky Ranch will be ready in mid to late November and are not to be missed.

    Creekside is building consistency across its organic lemon program with expanded acreage, ensuring a year-round supply for retailers. “Shoppers rely on lemons, so they are a great way to drive repeat sales,” said co-CEO Brenda Haught.

    On the specialty side, Cara Cara production is also ramping up thanks to young blocks coming into maturity. This gives retailers more opportunities to promote this consumer favorite, which is known for its bright color and sweet-tangy flavor. Creekside also increased volume on kumquats, Minneolas, and blood oranges. Sweet limes are poised to stand out this season thanks to their unique flavor and versatility in cooking and juicing.

    Haught encourages retailers to build citrus programs that balance core items with intriguing specialties, adjusting assortments as the season progresses. “The best citrus displays showcase abundance, variety, and flavor. Colorful sets that mix bagged and bulk fruit side by side draw shoppers in and invite them to discover something new,” she explained.

    As winter approaches, Creekside Organics and its Fruit World label give retailers a dazzling variety

    of in-season organic staples and specialty varieties. They’re the ideal ingredients for vibrant produce sets that shoppers will remember.

    To learn more or place an order, contact the Creekside sales team at salesteam@creeksideorganics.com. Additional information is available at www.creeksideorganics.com and www.fruitworldco.com.

    About Creekside Organics, Inc.

    Creekside Organics, Inc. is a leading certified organic grower-shipper based in California, sourcing from organic farms across California and Mexico. Offering year-round organic fruit and vegetable programs, Creekside is dedicated to expanding market reach for its growers, preserving family farms, and upholding the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Through a growing family of brands—including Fruit World and Capay Organics—Creekside continues to build a stronger, more resilient future for organic agriculture. Learn more at www.creeksideorganics.com.

  • Fruit World Anticipates Abundant Organic California Lemon Crop

    In a season that has been difficult for many citrus growers, the family-owned grower-shipper Fruit World has announced several bright spots in their 2022-23 citrus season. In particular, Fruit World is expecting a large volume of high-quality organic lemons throughout their year-round program, with promotable volumes peaking from mid-October through February. This year’s crop is even stronger than it was in 2021, which was also above average.

    “We’re seeing exceptional volumes and beautiful fruit this season,” shared CJ Buxman, co-founder of the company and director of supply. “To ensure a steady year-round supply, we grow in California’s District 3 desert region through March before transitioning to the Central Valley’s District 1. This year’s volumes are also supported by several young blocks that kicked into production this season.”

    Fruit World’s flagship mandarin program is on track to start slightly earlier than last season, with conventional fruit shipping from late October into early May and organic mandarins available from mid-November through early May. Conventional and organic mandarin volumes are both up from the 2021 season, but are still down from typical yields. Climate change conditions including extreme heat and irregular precipitation are the greatest challenges facing the industry this year, and growers have been pivoting as quickly as possible to adapt. Overall quality is strong, and a sizable portion of Fruit World’s conventional crop will be transitioning to organic in the 2023-2024 season.

    Stem and leaf mandarins are seeing increasing demand year-over-year, and Fruit World has been building their program to meet the rush of popularity particularly during the holiday season. “We will have plenty of supply for our main promotional periods, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Lunar New Year,” said co-founder and CEO, Bianca Kaprielian. “We’re continuing our special packs from last season under the Lucky Tiger label, and will start shipping prior to Thanksgiving through early May.” Fruit World stem and leaf mandarins will be available in 4-lb clamshells, 10-lb boxes, and standard half-bushel boxes.

    The company has also begun shipping the popular organic Rio Red grapefruits, known for their gorgeous interior color, fantastic flavor, and superb quality. Volumes and fruit size are down slightly compared to last season, but supply is still anticipated to be on par with a standard season and able to meet consumer demand into January.

    Rounding out the organic specialty citrus program, Fruit World’s Sweet Limes are seeing increased interest, as consumers and retailers become more familiar with the fantastic flavor profile. The classic lime freshness paired with sensational sweetness make this variety perfect for refreshing juices, bright salad dressing, and sweet treats. Promotable volumes are anticipated through mid-December; the fruit is currently available in 1-lb bags, though special packs are available to fit any retailer needs.

    As part of a continued growth strategy for the Fruit World brand, the company has brought several new grower relationships online in the past year, which are expected to make a positive impact on this year’s citrus season. Navel oranges, which are experiencing 15% to 20% lighter volumes industry-wide will actually end up with an increased supply for Fruit World over last year, thanks to more growers. Likewise, Fruit World welcomed the next generation of growers for Cara Caras from an up-and-coming grower family who are eager to convert the crop to organic.

    The brand is also continuing to forge ahead with new product lines—exciting additions like mandarinquats, kumquats, and their newly-planted lemonade lemons—ensuring lively, well-rounded citrus seasons for years to come.

    For more information or to place an order, call (559) 650-0334 or visit fruitworldco.com.

    About Fruit World

    Fruit World is a fresh and creative produce company with generations of history. Fruit World grows and ships the most flavorful fruit in California—including organic and conventional citrus, organic grapes, organic stone fruit, and more—and works with customers who share a passion for quality and taste. They’re all about honoring their growers, staying true to their farming heritage, and keeping family farming thriving into future generations. Visit fruitworldco.com.

  • Fruit World Reports High Quality, But Lower Volume, For Early Season Central Valley Stone Fruit

    Fruit World, a family-owned, values-driven grower-shipper of organic and conventional fruit, has been harvesting and shipping delicious organic apricots and cherries since mid-April from their Central Valley orchards. “The March freeze tempered early stone fruit production volumes throughout California, especially compared to the banner year we had in 2021,” explained CJ Buxman, Fruit World co-founder. “Fortunately, the fruit that set is looking good, and all our ranches are yielding great product.”

    Severe weather events this spring impacted California’s cherry crops substantially. “We have been extremely fortunate that our organic cherries from the Patterson area were eleven days earlier than last year and had exceptional quality and a larger peak size. We will finish shipping our cherries by the end of next week with Corals, Brooks and Tulares,” said Fruit World Director of Sales, Cindy Richter.

    As a family operation that is focused on quality and sustainability, Fruit World continues to expand their use of cardboard punnet clamshells. “We have found many of the consumers who are seeking premium fruit, especially organic varieties, are also seeking out more sustainable packaging options,” reveals Bianca Kaprielian, Fruit World co-founder and CEO.

    Grower partnerships have been key to Fruit World’s growth and success. “We are fortunate to have formed long-term relationships with several growers who share our values, dedication to farming, and approach to business,” Kaprielian said. “Blossom Hill’s apricots and Masumoto Family Farm’s peaches and nectarines allow us to provide more varieties, higher volumes and longer seasons of top-notch fruit. They are seamless brand extensions, and fully integrated into the Fruit World family.”

    “No farmer works alone. We depend on partners like organisms in the living soil, good neighbors, talented farm workers, to name a few,” said Nikiko Masumoto, fourth-generation farmer and artist. “Fruit World is one of our loyal partners. We get to focus on what we do best in the fields and Fruit World helps us find a home for our fruit. We couldn’t do it without them!”

    Today’s consumers are thoughtful about the environment and sustainability, and appreciate high-quality fruit packed with flavor. Delight them with extraordinary organic cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines, all grown by family farms, and available from Fruit World.

    For more information or to place an order, call (559) 650-0334, or visit fruitworldco.com to learn more about the Fruit World story.

  • Fruit World Anticipates Strong Volumes of Organic Minneolas, Blood Oranges and Cara Caras Through April

    Fruit World, a family-owned, flavor-focused grower-shipper of organic and conventional citrus and more, is reporting a strong season for their premium specialty citrus, including organic Minneola tangelos, Blood oranges and Cara Cara oranges. While California growers are experiencing shortened seasons of navel and mandarin oranges, Fruit World expects a gap-free and strong transition to Valencia season.

    “Between last year’s heavy crop and early summer heat, the state has lower production volumes of navels and mandarins, but we’re maintaining good quantities to ship through an early season end of late-March to early-April,” said Bianca Kaprielian, Fruit World co-founder and CEO. “Ending the season early ensures high quality and exceptional color throughout. And since citrus is an alternate bearing crop, we predict a return to steady volumes next season.”

    Fruit World expects a seamless transition from navels to Valencias by mid-April. The company anticipates consistent volumes of the summer variety, especially as the season ramps up in May, with availability through the beginning of October.

    “We’re also seeing impressive volumes of quality fruit for our specialty citrus varieties, and expect to be shipping into April,” Kaprielian continued. “The overall quality is top notch, and supply is strong for our Minneolas, Blood oranges and Cara Caras, with peak flavor expected from now through the end of the season.”

    This is also shaping up to be a banner year for organic lemons from both the Desert (District 3) and Central Valley (District 1) regions, with load volumes available weekly and excellent ad opportunities into May.

    “Our emphasis on flavor and fun, bold packaging is paying off for our customers, and consumers are asking for the Fruit World brand,” added Kaprielian, “Our statewide growing regions provide us with year-round supply of lemons and orange varieties. In addition to coolers in the desert and Fillmore, we offer consolidated pickup—including desert production—at our cooler in Reedley. This gives our retail and wholesale partners the benefit of a convenient and consistent loading location for all products throughout the year.”

    Fruit World commemorated the Lunar New Year in February with ½ bushel, 10-pound cartons and 4-pound clamshells of stem-and-leaf mandarins in their new Lucky Tiger label. “Beyond Lunar New Year in early February, the stem-and-leaf mandarins are maintaining appeal,” noted CJ Buxman, co-founder of Fruit World and organic citrus grower. “Our stem-and-leaf production increases every year as consumers have confidence the fresh leaves are indicative of recent harvest and the freshest fruit. We’re one of the few companies offering organic stem-and-leaf mandarins as well, which are available to our partners upon request.”

    For more information or to place an order, call (559) 650-0334 or visit fruitworldco.com.

    About Fruit World:
    Fruit World is a fresh and creative produce company with generations of history. Fruit World grows and ships the most flavorful fruit in California—including organic and conventional citrus, organic grapes, organic stone fruit, and more—and works with customers who share a passion for quality and taste. They’re all about honoring their growers, staying true to their farming heritage, and keeping family farming thriving into future generations. Visit fruitworldco.com or find them on social media at linkedin.com/company/fruitworld, instagram.com/fruitworldco, and facebook.com/fruitworldcompany.

  • Bountiful Crop of Organic CA Citrus Now Shipping From Fruit World

    Fruit World, a family-owned, flavor-focused grower-shipper of organic and conventional fruit, has announced they expect a robust citrus season, particularly for this year’s organic lemon crop. Promotable volumes of organic lemons from California’s desert region are anticipated through early March. Fruit World will also offer a diverse citrus program throughout the season, including organic and conventional mandarins, organic oranges, and organic specialty citrus such as sweet limes and Minneola tangelos.

    “This year’s organic lemon crop is looking very strong—both in terms of volume and quality—and we’re seeing exceptional taste, appearance, and juiciness,” shared Bianca Kaprielian, Fruit World co-founder and CEO. “This year’s desert volume makes for great ad opportunities through March, with our Central Valley ranches filling out availability through May.”

    Fruit World also expects a strong organic specialty citrus program this year. “This is our second year offering organic sweet limes, and we are already delivering promotable volumes which should last into December,” Kaprielian added. “This variety pairs the classic fresh lime flavor with exceptional sweetness, making them perfect for juicing, as a salad topping, or even cut into wedges as a snack because they are so sweet.”

    Fruit World’s flagship mandarin program will kick off in early November, starting with stem & leaf Satsumas and their proprietary Early Dulce mandarin variety. Organic Satsumas and Clementines will start in November, with additional varieties available into April.

    A lighter than typical season is expected for mandarins this year, a concern seen industry-wide due to excessive heat in May and June paired with last year’s large crop set affecting this year’s bloom. “To establish high flavor and exceptional color right from the start of the season, we plan to start shipping mandarins and navels about two weeks later than usual and have a slightly earlier end to the season,” noted CJ Buxman, co-founder of Fruit World and organic citrus grower. “This shift also allows us to ensure uninterrupted supply of high-quality fruit throughout the season.”

    In addition, the company has already started shipping the popular organic Rio Red grapefruit variety. “Our California-grown Rio Reds are top-notch quality and have beautiful interior color. We’ve seen strong demand, partly due to last season’s freeze in Mexico and Texas which affected the overall grapefruit supply,” said Buxman.

    Navel oranges will start shipping at the end of October, followed by Minneola tangelos in early December, with the season rounding out with Cara Caras and blood oranges starting in January.

    As they plan for the future, Fruit World is expanding their specialty citrus program by planting organic mandarinquats, kumquats, lemonade lemons and more that will be available in upcoming seasons. The company also has a significant amount of mandarin and navel acreage in transition from conventional to organic, including heirloom navels in their second year of transition, so coming years should see increased organic volume.

    For more information or to place an order, call (559) 650-0334 or visit fruitworldco.com.

  • Stone Fruit Season Kicks Off With Early Season Organic Cherries and Apricots

    Fruit World, a family-owned, flavor-focused grower-shipper of organic and conventional fruit, is now shipping their organic cherries and will begin packing and shipping organic apricots the first week of May. “What a difference one year makes,” said Bianca Kaprielian, Fruit World co-founder and CEO. “2020 was a bumpy stone fruit season in California, but this year we had enough chill hours and favorable weather, and the trees are full of great looking fruit.”

    Unaffected by the late April rains, Fruit World’s Coral, Lynn and Tioga cherries are at peak flavor. Packed at Podesta Packing in Linden, CA, a new, state-of-the-art optical sorter ensures that only the best of the best cherries make it into the retail pack. “The fruit looks spectacular. We are really happy with this year’s crop, and it looks great in our fun and bright packaging,” said Richter. Fruit World’s organic cherry season continues through the end of May.

    “I’ve never seen the trees so heavy with apricots,” said Fruit World sales director, Cindy Richter. “It was a great set. The color and sugars are still developing, a week or so behind schedule due to the weather cooling off a bit, but as soon as we start shipping we’ll have promotable volumes through June and maybe into July.” Fruit World grows organic apricots in Reedley, CA. Continuing a long and fruitful partnership, Fruit World is also marketing Blossom Hill apricots from their ranches in Patterson, CA. In addition to the standard pack styles, this year they are excited to offer a new sustainable cardboard clamshell.

    When it comes to peaches and nectarines, Fruit World is the exclusive marketer of the world-renowned organic Masumoto Family Farm fruit. “We appreciate growers who share our values and vision. That’s why we’re super excited about our partnership with Masumoto Family Farm, bringing their legendary peaches and nectarines to market,” Kaprielian effused. “And we’re also excited to begin shipping organic peaches this year from our own orchard.”

    If your customers long for the juicy, flavorful stone fruit their parents and grandparents reminisce about, delight them this year with organic cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines from Fruit World.

    For more information or to place an order, call (559) 650-0334, or visit fruitworldco.com to learn more about the Fruit World story.

    About Fruit World

    Fruit World is a fresh and creative produce company with generations of history. Fruit World grows and ships the most flavorful fruit in California—including organic and conventional citrus, organic grapes, organic stone fruit, and more—and works with customers who share a passion for quality and taste. They’re all about honoring their growers, staying true to their farming heritage, and keeping family farming thriving into future generations. Visit fruitworldco.com.

  • Fruit World Enters Citrus Season with New Sustainable Packaging and Increased Volume of Organic and Conventional Offerings

    Fruit World, a family-owned, flavor-focused grower-shipper of organic and conventional fruit, enters their 2020 citrus season with bold, new recyclable packaging and increased availability of 100% California-grown organic and conventional mandarins, along with organic oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and sweet limes.

    “We’re really excited about our new fun and colorful conventional mandarin packaging design, especially because it’s fully-recyclable,” said Bianca Kaprielian, Fruit World co-founder and CEO. “We love the extension of the Fruit World brand, and how these bags add to the sustainable values which are core to our company.” All Fruit World cartons and bags are bright, bold and distinctive, and perfect for creative retail displays. 

    Fruit World is one of few growers with uninterrupted season-long programs for both their organic and conventional mandarins. “While orchard yield per acre across the state is expected to be on par with the past few years, we’re excited to be entering mandarin season with increased availability from our own farms and growers,” said CJ Buxman, co-founder of Fruit World and an organic mandarin grower. “On the conventional side, our proprietary sweet Early Dulce and Dulce mandarins will be first to market in mid-October, followed by organic and conventional Satsuma mandarins, then Clementines. We’ll go all the way into June with our Gold Nugget and proprietary Klondike varieties.” By mid-November, all Fruit World mandarin varieties will be available as either stem & leaf or bald fruit.

    Fruit World has just started shipping new crop organic Rio Red grapefruit, available in bright header bags and the company’s signature bold cartons. Organic navel oranges are close behind, shipping in mid- to late-October once Valencia oranges are finished packing. “Navel orange yield is expected to be down 5% this season,” said Buxman. “However, we have added some acreage to our mix, so our supply will increase by about 15%.” Additionally, Fruit World has a year-round organic lemon program with promotable volumes starting with desert-grown lemons in early November, through the end of the Central Valley harvest in March.

    “We’re committed to providing the most flavorful fruit, and the best customer service possible,” said Kaprielian. “We excel at working with our retail and wholesale partners and tailoring programs to their needs, so they can best serve their customers.”

    For more information or to place an order, call (559) 650-0334, or visit fruitworldco.com to learn more about the Fruit World story.

    About Fruit World
    Fruit World is a fresh and creative produce company with generations of history. Fruit World grows and ships the most flavorful fruit in California—including organic and conventional citrus, organic grapes, organic stone fruit, and more—and works with customers who share a passion for quality and taste. They’re all about honoring their growers, staying true to their farming heritage, and keeping family farming thriving into future generations. Visit fruitworldco.com.