OJAI GOLD NUGGET SEASON HAS ARRIVED

When mandarin season arrives, one variety stands above the rest. The Ojai Gold Nugget is the mandarin California citrus lovers wait for all year, and Westlake Produce is proud to be its exclusive distributor.

What Makes the Gold Nugget Different

Developed by the University of California and grown in the hills of Ojai, California, the Gold Nugget earns its reputation through exceptional sweetness, a bright and complex flavor, and a pebbled rind that peels effortlessly. Seedless by nature, it's the kind of fruit you can hand to a customer with zero caveats.

Where other mandarins run watery or one-note, the Gold Nugget delivers depth. Floral, rich, and consistently sweet from the first of the season to the last.

When to Expect Them

Gold Nuggets peak from late March through June, making them one of the later-season mandarins on the calendar. When Clementines and Halos have come and gone, Gold Nuggets are just hitting their stride. Their thick, easy-peel skin also gives them excellent shelf life, making them a reliable performer in the produce department well into early summer.

Why Retailers Love Them

• Exclusive availability through Westlake means shoppers cannot find these anywhere else

• Seedless and easy to peel, a genuine crowd-pleaser for families and snackers

• Thick rind protects flavor and extends display life

• Premium positioning with a price point that reflects the quality

• A California-grown story rooted in Ojai that resonates with natural and specialty food buyers

How to Merchandise Them

Lead with the exclusivity. Signage calling out "Only at [Store Name]" gives shoppers a reason to buy now and buy more. Pair them with other seasonal citrus for a full display, or let them anchor a California-grown endcap. The distinctive bumpy skin and deep orange color are natural eye-catchers. Let the fruit do the selling.

From Our Growers to Your Department

Westlake Produce sources Ojai Gold Nuggets directly from trusted California growers, ensuring every case arrives at peak ripeness and ready for display. As the exclusive distributor, we control supply from harvest to delivery, which means consistent quality, reliable availability, and a product your customers will come back for season after season.