The California citrus cooperative will form new parent company Sunkist Growers Inc to oversee both entities, building on shared management structure established in 2017 and approved five-year strategic plan
Citrus cooperative Sunkist Growers has announced that it and Fruit Growers Supply Company, its sister supply company founded in 1907, will strategically reorganise effective 1 November 1.
A new California cooperative, Sunkist Growers Inc, is being formed and will serve as the holding company of the existing Sunkist Growers and Fruit Growers Supply Company.
According to the cooperative, the strategic move will better position the combined entity to serve customers and growers with enhanced innovation and efficiency, as well as driving future growth in the citrus industry.
“We are excited to bring together the deep sales and marketing experience of Sunkist with the supply chain expertise of Fruit Growers Supply,” said Jim Phillips, president and CEO of Sunkist and Fruit Growers Supply.
“This will allow for a more seamless experience for both customers and growers.”
Since adopting a shared management structure in 2017, Sunkist and Fruit Growers Supply have increasingly aligned their operations.
Sunkist noted that both organisations have seen “significant benefits” from closer cooperation and see further strategic benefit to the reorganisation of the two entities.
”This marks the beginning of the next phase of transformation and reflects a natural evolution of the partnership that management has developed,” the group stated.
The Sunkist and Fruit Growers Supply boards have approved a new five-year strategic plan to ensure there is a clear vision for the future and growth path as the combined entity moves forward.
“Sunkist and Fruit Growers Supply have been operating as sister companies for over a century, and we anticipate this reorganisation will allow the combined entity to better prepare for a rapidly evolving citrus market,” explained Gerald Denni, Sunkist and Fruit Growers Supply chairman of the board.
”With the changes that have been made over the past several years, we are in an excellent position to enter the next phase of growth as one company.”
The group noted that the leadership team of the parent company will be composed of key leaders from both Sunkist and Fruit Growers Supply, ”ensuring continuity and a smooth transition for customers, growers, and employees”.
