The SA citrus season is officially under way with the launch taking place late last week.
The first fruit has hit produce store and supermarket shelves across the state with navel oranges and new season Mandarins arriving from the Riverland.
Citrus SA Chair, Mark Doecke said the cold spring of 2021 had meant a later start to the 2022 season.
"But that will translate into an above average crop load full of flavour," he said.
"South Australian citrus is now available and starting to come into good supply with the first of the season navel oranges and satsuma mandarins being picked."
South Australian Produce Market chief executive officer Angelo Demasi said it was always great to see a new variety of locally-grown fruit coming into the market, as it signified a change in season and new line of local produce for consumers to enjoy.
"Citrus has a gross revenue value of some $388 million per annum in South Australia," he said.
"The industry is a major contributor to the local economy with an expected growth target of $474m by the year 2030."
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Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven was on site at Barossa Fresh Nuriootpa to cut the red ribbon, while former Masterchef contestant Callum Hann prepared a citrus souffle.
New this season being grown in South Australia is a variety of blood orange - the Ippolito, which is expected to be in-store later in June.
Pick a Local, Pick SA! campaign manager Penny Reidy said the community could support SA citrus growers is through the simple act of purchasing citrus.
"Filled with Vitamin C, citrus provide a great immunity boost during winter, oranges play a key role in half time energy boosts for kids winter sports and mandarins are a great addition to a lunchbox for school or work," she said.
