Produce departments are under increasing pressure to differentiate the shopping experience, inspire consumers and drive profitable growth.
Florida Grapefruit gives retailers an opportunity to do all three.
As consumers increasingly seek foods that are flavorful, fresh, healthy, and versatile, Florida Grapefruit aligns with many of today’s fastest-growing food and beverage trends, while its exceptional juiciness and flavor deliver the premium taste and quality shoppers expect from Florida Citrus.
Florida Does Citrus Best
Florida’s warm days, cool nights and abundant sunshine create ideal growing conditions for grapefruit, producing fruit known for its exceptional juiciness, natural sweetness and vibrant, tangy flavor.
A recent survey found that two-thirds of U.S. consumers identify Florida as the state where the best-tasting citrus is grown.1
That distinctive “best taste” eating experience, including its consistent juiciness, makes Florida Grapefruit a compelling choice for retailers looking to capitalize on consumers’ desire for foods that elevate everyday moments.
The 2026-27 citrus season will also provide access to an expanded crop of premium grapefruit grown through the Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) production system. CUPS is a protected growing environment that produces exceptional interior and exterior fruit quality, including the juicy, flavorful eating experience consumers expect, while delivering more consistent supply, an extended season and environmentally responsible production using less land, water and fertilizer.
Recent Florida Department of Citrus research also found that weekly citrus shoppers place significant value on fruit clearly identified as grown in and recently shipped from Florida groves. Nearly three-fourths said they are willing to pay more for fresh Florida Citrus.1
This strong preference for Florida-grown citrus aligns with several of today’s biggest consumer trends, positioning Florida Grapefruit as far more than a breakfast staple. It is an ingredient that naturally fits the way consumers are eating today.
Florida Grapefruit by the Numbers
According to new 2026 consumer research from the Florida Agricultural Market Research Center, Florida Grapefruit is showing encouraging signs of consumer demand and purchase potential:
- 60% of active buyers are more willing to purchase fresh grapefruit when it is from Florida.
- 55% definitely or probably plan to purchase Florida Grapefruit in the coming year.
- 50% increased their fresh grapefruit purchases over the past year.
- 45% are willing to pay more for fresh grapefruit when it is from Florida.
- 75% have purchased or would be most likely to purchase grapefruit at a large supermarket.2
Juicy, Bold Florida Flavor Wins
From restaurant menus to home kitchens, bold citrus flavors are showing up across meals, beverages and desserts.
Fresh grapefruit delivers a vibrant balance of sweet and tart notes that creates a distinctive flavor experience. Its bright, refreshing taste adds complexity to both sweet and savory dishes and its juiciness appeals to consumers looking for more adventurous, craveable flavors.
Fresh grapefruit brings color, freshness and a premium feel that transforms everyday meals into something more memorable. Whether featured in salads, seafood dishes, breakfast, desserts or beverages, it delivers restaurant-inspired appeal with minimal effort.
The Rise of Real Food
Consumers continue embracing whole, minimally processed foods as part of the growing “Eat Real Food” movement.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Americans say they actively choose foods made with clean ingredients.3
Fresh grapefruit naturally aligns with this preference as a simple, single-ingredient fruit with no artificial ingredients or additives. As shoppers continue moving toward fresh produce, Florida Grapefruit delivers exactly the kind of real food consumers are looking for.
Growth in GLP-1 Aligned Foods
The rise of GLP-1 medications is changing how many consumers think about food, increasing interest in nutrient-dense, hydrating foods that provide fiber and fullness support.
More than three-fourths of food shoppers associate regular citrus consumption with weight management.
Florida Grapefruit naturally delivers fiber, hydration and essential nutrients, making it an excellent fit for consumers seeking nutritious, satisfying food choices.
Mocktails Are Here to Stay
Nearly half (49%) of U.S. consumers say they are trying to drink less alcohol4, fueling continued demand for sophisticated nonalcoholic beverages.
Florida Grapefruit’s exceptional juiciness and bright citrus profile makes it a natural foundation for sparkling refreshers, premium mocktails and brunch beverages that feel elevated, refreshing and on trend.
More than two-thirds of consumers say they would like to try smoothies containing fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, while 56% are interested in trying cocktails featuring fresh grapefruit juice.2
Tropical Flavors Continue to Grow
Consumers continue embracing bright, citrus-forward and globally inspired flavors that evoke freshness and escape.
Grown under Florida sunshine, Florida Grapefruit delivers the naturally juicy, tropical flavor consumers increasingly seek in both food and beverages.
Its refreshing profile pairs beautifully with ingredients like mango, pineapple, coconut and passion fruit while remaining familiar enough for everyday use.
Premium Produce Continues to Stand Out
Even as shoppers become more intentional with grocery spending, they continue investing in fresh foods that deliver exceptional quality, flavor and value.
Florida Grapefruit gives retailers a premium produce offering that stands apart through its versatility, vibrant appearance and juiciness that delivers an exceptional eating experience.
Retail Merchandising Opportunities
Retailers can help shoppers discover new ways to enjoy Florida Grapefruit by:
- Cross merchandising with seafood, salads and premium proteins
- Featuring grapefruit in mocktail and brunch displays
- Highlighting Florida origin during peak season
- Inspiring purchase through recipes and usage ideas
The Retail Opportunity
Today’s consumers are not simply looking for healthy foods.
They are looking for products that create better meals, better gatherings and more memorable everyday experiences.
Florida Grapefruit is uniquely positioned to meet that need.
By merchandising Florida Grapefruit around today’s most relevant food and beverage occasions, retailers have an opportunity to inspire shoppers, encourage new usage occasions and create more moments worth remembering.
Because the best meals are not always the most elaborate.
Sometimes all it takes is Florida Grapefruit to make the moment.
Sources:
1 Florida Department of Citrus, “Fresh Oranges and Citrus Consumer Purchase and Consumption Behaviors” (January 2026). Online survey of 1,032 U.S. adults age 18+ who are primary or shared grocery shoppers for their household, conducted December 15-20, 2025, across Southern, Eastern and Midwestern states with shipping proximity to Florida.
2 Florida Agricultural Market Research Center. Consumer Perspectives on Florida Citrus: United States, 2025–26. FAMRC Report No. 2026-10, 2026.
3 Ipsos. What’s Changed and What Hasn’t in Our Food Habits. Ipsos Consumer Tracker, January 2026.
4 NCSolutions, a Circana company. Nearly Half of Americans Plan to Drink Less Alcohol in 2025, up 44% From 2023. January 2025.