Sunkist Cara Cara orange

Citrus giant Sunkist Growers and Fruit Growers Supply Company (FGS) have announced the formation of a consolidated management structure to lead both companies moving forward.

The two companies will remain legally separate entities with a shared leadership structure headed by Russ Hanlin as president and CEO of both organisations.

“Sunkist Growers and Fruit Growers Supply are sister cooperatives that service the same constituencies,” said chairman of the Sunkist board of directors, Gerald Denni. “A shared management structure will increase efficiencies in both organizations and drive a culture that best serves our membership.”

FGS was established by the same growers who formed the Sunkist marketing cooperative to supply wood for their crates, and in addition to supplying Sunkist’s needs, it delivers vertically integrated services throughout the industry such as manufacturing shipping pallets, corrugated cardboard cartons, coatings as well as providing equipment designs, irrigation services along with parts and materials.

“These organisational changes at Sunkist Growers and Fruit Growers Supply will streamline operations of both companies,” said Hanlin. “This structure will allow us to fully utilise talent and resources across both organisations to optimise service and value to our constituents.'