Sunkist’s latest launch — a vibrant new combo bag of California-grown grapefruit — isn’t just another seasonal SKU. It’s a smart, timely response to what today’s produce aisle demands: flavor-forward freshness, consumer-centric packaging, and year-round citrus relevance.
While grapefruit has long been pigeonholed as a winter fruit, Sunkist is breaking the mold. Their 3lb and 5lb grapefruit combo bags — now shipping nationwide — aim to reposition citrus as a summer staple, not a cold-season afterthought. And in doing so, they’ve handed supermarket merchandisers a ready-made retail opportunity.
Citrus Isn’t Just for Winter Anymore — It’s a Summer Power Player
Let’s be clear: grapefruit is having a moment. According to Sunkist’s own shopper data, more than 80% of fresh fruit consumers now eat some form of citrus weekly — up 6 points year-over-year. That’s not just a trend; it’s a shift in how shoppers perceive citrus as a year-round health hero.
So why should retailers care about combo bags?
They deliver on flavor and freshness, visibly and tangibly
They tap into the summer vibe, from backyard brunches to beach picnics
They offer a premium experience, with two varieties (Star Ruby and Marsh Ruby) in one pack
They align with wellness goals, offering vitamin-rich, low-calorie snacking
By shifting the focus from seasonality to versatility, Sunkist is rewriting grapefruit’s role in the fruit bowl — and that gives retailers a valuable narrative to build summer displays around.
Combo Bags = Smart Merchandising for Multi-Mission Shoppers
Retailers know the value of dual-purpose packaging. Sunkist’s combo grapefruit bags hit the sweet spot between planned purchases and impulse grabs — especially when paired with smart POS and recipe-driven content.
For buyers, here’s where the combo bags add value:
Encourage trial + repeat: New usage occasions (snacks, desserts, even dinner) drive volume
Support cross-category merchandising: Think citrus paired with yogurt, seafood, or cocktail mixers
Boost trade-up potential: Health-conscious shoppers are willing to pay for perceived quality
Fuel in-store display creativity: Sunkist’s Grapefruit Display Contest (May–August) adds momentum
With strong in-market trials, Sunkist has proof that the product resonates: shoppers are responding to the sweet-tart flavor, the visible freshness, and the bag’s visual appeal. They’re also showing a growing interest in incorporating grapefruit beyond breakfast — a key insight for meal-centric marketing.
From Breakfast Boats to Ceviche: Grapefruit Goes Gourmet
One of the smartest things Sunkist has done is back this launch with culinary content. From Grapefruit Breakfast Boats to Grapefruit Coconut Pie Cups and Grapefruit Ceviche, the brand is packaging not just fruit — but inspiration.
For retailers, these kinds of recipes:
Drive engagement across social, digital, and in-store
Encourage shoppers to see grapefruit as an ingredient, not just a side
Elevate the overall perception of the produce department
It’s retail storytelling 101: make it easy, make it appealing, and give people a reason to come back.
Final Take: This Combo Bag Has All the Ingredients for Success
Sunkist’s grapefruit combo bags aren’t just a summer refresh — they’re a blueprint for how produce brands can unlock growth through strategic seasonality and shopper-first innovation.
For supermarket buyers and category managers, the takeaway is simple:
Seasonal doesn’t have to mean limited. With the right packaging and positioning, citrus can shine 12 months a year.
And as health trends, snackable formats, and flavor-forward shopping continue to drive produce purchases, those who lean into products like these will be the ones turning traffic into loyalty — and margin into momentum.
