The deal with Universal and Illumination comes well ahead of the theatrical release of Despicable Me 3 on June 30.

From Disney to Sesame Street, the North American produce industry has benefited greatly in recent years by leveraging beloved and well-known children's characters to market their products. 

In line with this trend, U.S.-based fruit grower, importer and shipper Dayka & Hacket has teamed up with Universal and Illumination to sell 'Minion Mandarins' in grocery stores nationwide.

"These mischievous and playful Minions are on a mission to provide a healthy snack for the whole family," the company said in a release.

"Available year-round, Minion Mandarins are a kid-sized, easy-to-peel delicious treat that also happens to be an excellent source of Vitamin C and other essential nutrients.

"The engaging Minion Mandarins graphics were created and developed for both 3lb and 2lb mesh-bag packaging designed by Ball Design, a leading, Fresno, CA based, marketing design firm that services the global produce industry."

The bags depict Minion, Carl, hungrily eyeing a sweet and tasty mandarin snack hanging from the branch above him.

Each order will be custom bagged at Dayka & Hackett packing facilities located in Wilmington, Delaware and Dinuba, California.

www.freshfruitportal.com