SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. – The Lil Snappers(tm) citrus line of kid-sized fruit is now available as the newest member of the Sunkist(r) family. The launch is part of Stemilt's Lil Snappers program to market kid-sized fruit for small hands. The convenient grab 'n go 3 lb. citrus bags join Stemilt's robust apple and pear lineup.
Lil Snappers come in five Sunkist citrus varieties available in the U.S. and Canada: Navel oranges, Cara Cara navel oranges, Moro blood oranges, Minneola tangelos, and California mandarins. In addition to the new citrus offerings, Sunkist and Stemilt plan to introduce mixed-variety bags, such as Gala apples and Navel oranges, later this year.
"Kids love citrus and the introduction of the Sunkist/Lil Snappers citrus line will give them so many choices in just the right size AND in fun, convenient packaging," said Julie DeWolf, Director of Retail Marketing at Sunkist Growers. "This launch offers our retail partners an opportunity to increase the value of their citrus portfolios and programs."
Sunkist and Stemilt will be driving demand at the retail level with engaging packaging and display elements. Retailers can customize their Lil Snappers program with colorful display-ready trays, pop-up quarter bins and customizable point-of-sale materials and in-store promotions.
Supporting the launch is a new Lil Snappers consumer website (www.lilsnappers.com) with nutrition information, kid-friendly recipes and games. Lil Snappers packaging features a QR code that takes consumers to a mobile version of the website for on-the-go product information.
"With the launch of the Lil Snappers website, we are engaging moms and kids with creative kid-friendly recipes and sharing tools like Facebook and Pinterest," said DeWolf. "Consumers will be able to access this content, even before making a purchase, with the QR code on each Lil Snappers bag."
The Lil Snappers Sunkist/Stemilt collaboration was announced last fall. The premium, kid-sized fruit is packaged in re-sealable three-pound bags that are designed to stand up in retail displays and consumers' refrigerators for easy storage. In addition to convenience, the Lil Snappers line will offer variety as well with new citrus/apple and possibly pear combos being offered later this year.
Both companies will maintain sales of their own products under the Lil Snappers brand, with Stemilt handling apples and pears, as well as the combo bags, and Sunkist handling oranges. The two companies will collaborate on cross-category consumer and trade promotions.
About Sunkist
Sunkist is a cooperative of family growers since 1893. Steadfast to its commitment to provide quality fresh fruit, Sunkist is one of the world's oldest and largest citrus marketing cooperatives, packing millions of cartons of fruit each year. Expanding its presence beyond the produce aisle, the Sunkist(r) brand has licensed its name to more than 700 products – ranging from vitamins to beverages – in over 55 different countries. For more information about Sunkist, visit www.sunkist.com. Follow Sunkist on Twitter, Facebook, and You Tube. Sunkist is a registered trademark of (c)2013 Sunkist Growers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About Stemilt
Stemilt Growers is a leading tree fruit growing, packing and shipping company based in Wenatchee, Washington. Owned and operated by the Mathison family, Stemilt is the leading shipper of sweet cherries and the largest supplier of organic tree fruits in the nation. Stemilt has also demonstrated a commitment to sustainable agriculture and social responsibility since 1989, when founder Tom Mathison launched the company's Responsible Choice program. For more information about Stemilt, visit www.stemilt.com and follow Stemilt on Facebook, Twitter, and You Tube.
"Sunkist is a registered trademark of Sunkist Growers, Inc. Lil Snappers is a trademark of Stemilt Growers, LLC, used under license."
Source: Stemilt & Sunkist
