U.S.-based produce company Giumarra has announced the launch of its new Bright Bites brand mandarins at the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Southern California Expo on Jul. 18. 

“Mandarins are the top seller in the citrus category and show no signs of slowing down,” says Kellee Harris, western region business director for Giumarra.

“We are pleased to offer our customers an exciting new bag option that emphasizes the fun, playful nature of this ‘easy peel’ fruit.”

Bright Bites are available this season in both 2-lb. or 3-lb. bags, which the company says are ideal for “grab and go” merchandising displays. The bag features orange mesh and a bright green wrap with signature Bright Bites monster graphic.

“We are currently shipping mandarins grown in Australia and Peru, with Chile to begin shortly,” says Fernando Soberanes, sales manager of Giumarra Southern Hemisphere.

“Our Bright Bites season will conclude at the end of September and return again when the domestic mandarin season begins in early 2018.”

Jeannine Martin, director of sales for Giumarra Reedley, notes Bright Bites will be available from local California growers starting in January and continuing through March next year. Fruit will be available in a variety of bag sizes to fit all retail needs, she adds.

“We want to encourage healthy snacking for kids of all ages with our new Bright Bites packaging,” says Martin.

“Mandarins are high in vitamin C and the perfect addition to a lunchbox or after-school snack.”

www.freshfruitportal.com