QDC Fresh to ship first Australian citrus of the season to the US

The produce aisle is set for a mid-summer refresh. Wholesale distributor QDC Fresh announced that an inaugural consignment of Australian citrus will hit the United States market in mid-July. The shipments were secured through an exclusive supply agreement that the company says will make it the first importer to market in 2026 with Australian Cara Cara and Navel oranges.

Aside from the two popular orange varieties, the program includes blood oranges and mandarins. Fruit has already been harvested and is currently in transit.

According to QDC Fresh, the Cara Cara and Navel oranges are expected to arrive with Brix levels between 13.5 and 15, making them very sweet and palatable. The company said the citrus offers a flavor profile and sweetness comparable to premium California-grown fruit.

The company attributed the fruit's outstanding Brix levels to growing conditions that feature cool nighttime temperatures and significant day-to-night temperature variation, which it says support sugar development while maintaining acidity.

The launch follows QDC Fresh's recent expansion in Los Angeles, where the company added citrus bagging facilities. According to the firm, the investment makes QDC Fresh the only Australian citrus importer in the US operating its own bagging machine. In addition to bulk fruit, the company will offer a branded bagged citrus program for retail customers.

"Retailers are constantly looking for opportunities to keep their citrus category fresh, exciting, and well supplied throughout the year," said Robert Peña, Business & Product Development for QDC Fresh. "This exclusive partnership allows us to be first to market with premium Australian citrus, giving our customers access to exceptional fruit before anyone else. Combined with strong eating quality and dependable supply, this program creates a unique opportunity for retailers to differentiate their citrus set and generate excitement at shelf."

QDC aims for key marketing moments

The company said its bagged citrus offering is designed to support merchandising programs during the summer, back-to-school, and fall selling periods.

"Our new bagged program adds another layer of value for retailers," said Rachelle Schulken, Director of Marketing for QDC Fresh. "We've developed high-visibility packaging with vibrant artwork designed to stand out in the produce department and immediately capture shoppers' attention."

*All images courtesy of QDC Fresh, Inc.

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