VERO BEACH, FL – We would like to reflect on the exciting past year of 2019, full of growth and innovation, while looking forward to the New Year ahead in anticipation for this month’s “diet month,” February “grapefruit month”, and plentiful volumes to extend us through the season. The unmatched taste of Florida grapefruit and citrus has a bright future as we look toward new opportunities in innovation and technology in the citrus industry.
The industry continues to change, but IMG Citrus remains passionate and invested in Florida citrus. With the 4,000 acre grove acquisition earlier this year, which doubled our volumes of grapefruit, we are now the largest grapefruit grower in Florida and still have ⅔ of the crop remaining on the tree. During the second half of the season, we expect consistent, promotable volumes on red and white grapefruit through the month of April and juice oranges through the month of June (including storage Valencias). Tangerines, minneolas, and specialty varieties will also fill in between. This will transition us to imports beginning in May.
It has been exciting to experience the delicious Florida tastethis season, which defines our citrus, especially grapefruit. The trees are responding positively to the nurture and care we put into them over the years, reflecting through the quality of fruit we see this year and paralleling mother nature. While greening is still existent, we continue to innovate and change the way we grow. We continue to invest and replant significantly, experimenting with different techniques and methods along the way. And we continue to have volume to supply our valued customers. We look forward to continuing to supply your citrus needs in 2020, and we hope to see you February 29, 2020 at Southern Exposure 2020 in Tampa, FL at our booth #650.
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About IMG Citrus:
IMG Citrus is a second-generation citrus grower, packer, marketer, and shipper in Vero Beach, Florida, with over 9,000 acres of productive AGland. Family owned and operated for 40 years, IMG Citrus was founded by Michel and Veronique Sallin. Born and raised on a French farm, Michel has a genuine love for sustainable agriculture, and an entrepreneurial spirit that fuels a passion for using the most innovative processes and technologies. Today, a second generation of family-operators is involved and working alongside the most professional industry leaders that make up the IMG Citrus team.
About Happy Food:
Happy Food is IMG Citrus’ primary consumer brand, and is marketed in North America, Europe, and Asia. The brand features bright colors, happy fruit faces, and is used to pack citrus including grapefruit, oranges, and mandarins grown in Florida, as well as South America and Mexico. Since its launch in 2013, Happy Food continues to re-energize the citrus aisle with a cheerful, contemporary brand that promotes a healthy, happy lifestyle.
About IMG Enterprises:
IMG Enterprises, the holding company for IMG Citrus, is a Florida owned and operated family enterprise with business in citrus, ornamental tree nursery, real estate, mitigation banking, and landscape construction and maintenance. The mission of IMG Enterprises is to manage a sustainable enterprise rooted in the land which benefits its family, employees, and community while having a positive impact on the environment. With over 500 employees, the company ranks 37th on the list of Top Privately Held Companies by the Orlando Business Journal.
