The Pick A Local, Pick SA! Campaign Encouraging Shoppers to Support Local Growers as Citrus Season Gets Underway
Fresh Riverland citrus, including oranges, lemons, mandarins and limes, are beginning to fill fruit bowls and shop shelves across South Australia as the state’s citrus season gets underway.
While citrus is a winter staple for many households, it’s also one of South Australia’s most important horticultural industries, supporting regional communities and generating hundreds of millions of dollars for the state’s economy.
The Riverland remains the heart of South Australia’s citrus industry, producing fruit that’s enjoyed across Australia and exported around the world.
Despite lower rainfall and challenging seasonal conditions, growers are optimistic about this year’s crop, with warm sunny days helping produce fruit with excellent colour, sweetness and flavour.
According to the latest figures, South Australia’s citrus industry generated $132 million in export sales last year, while the domestic market contributed an even larger $263 million.
That means local shoppers continue to play a major role in supporting growers and regional communities.
Picking Local Matters
That message is being backed by the industry-led Pick A Local, Pick SA! campaign, which recently partnered with Citrus SA to celebrate the start of the season.
The 2026 SA Citrus Season Launch at the Adelaide Central Market brought together growers from the Riverland and other citrus-growing regions to showcase their produce, connect with buyers and highlight the importance of supporting South Australian fruit and vegetables.
Pick A Local, Pick SA! ambassador and former MasterChef contestant Callum Hann was also part of the event, sharing simple and creative ways citrus can be used in everyday cooking.
Citrus SA Chair Mark Doecke said growers were looking forward to seeing consumers enjoy locally grown fruit throughout the season.
“Despite some challenging seasonal conditions and lower rainfall, growers are optimistic about the flavour and eating quality of this year’s citrus crop,” he said.
“The warm sunny days experienced across the growing season have helped produce citrus with excellent colour, sweetness and flavour.”
“South Australia has built a strong reputation for premium citrus both domestically and internationally, and our growers take enormous pride in producing high-quality fruit for consumers.”
From lunchbox snacks and fresh juice to baking, salads and winter cooking, citrus remains one of South Australia’s most versatile seasonal crops.
And with the season now underway, growers hope consumers will continue reaching for local fruit and helping keep one of South Australia’s most important horticultural industries thriving.
