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Frozen fruit co. partners with Sweetbay

TBO – May 1, 2011

DUNDEE – CitraPac Inc. announced a new partnership with Sweetbay Supermarket to distribute Fruit Pearls frozen snacks in 104 Florida stores.

“We will continue to seek out strategic marketing partners nationwide,” said Gregg Harshman, president of CitraPac Inc. “Fruit Pearls provide retailers with a unique consumer product that promotes healthy eating and supports the Florida citrus industry. This is truly a win-win proposal for everyone.”

Fruit Pearls frozen snacks combine the individual juice cells from fresh oranges and tangerines with pearl-shaped pieces of additional fruit purées. The fruit is flash frozen to maintain all of the natural juices, nutrients and texture, creating a snack.

Fruit Pearls are available in 3.25-ounce cups in the frozen food section of supermarkets and come in four flavors: Guava Mango, Tropical, Wild Berries and Cream, and Chocolate Strawberry.

Fruit Pearls utilize a unique process invented by the Florida Department of Citrus in 2001. Scientists discovered how to separate individual juice cells from fresh citrus fruit while preserving the integrity and taste of the fruit, thereby creating “citrus pearls.” CitraPac was granted an exclusive license to produce Fruit Pearls using the citrus pearls technology.

“The Florida citrus industry supports the successful expansion of Fruit Pearls through additional retail channels,” said Ken Keck, executive director, Florida Department of Citrus. “Our mission is to expand the market for Florida citrus and Fruit Pearls offer consumers a non-traditional way to enjoy citrus year round.”

Harshman, who lives in Sebring, wants to expand Citrapac and is looking at Highlands County as well as other counties.

Harshman said he has been working with the Highlands County Economic Development Commission and has looked at the industrial park at Sebring Regional Airport and other properties.

The expansion will initially create 70 jobs and 200 within five years, Harshman said.

A decision on that is expected to be made in 90 days, according to Harshaman.

For more information, visit www.fruit-pearls.com.

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