Founding Member Limoneira to Rejoin Sunkist Growers

Rhea-AI Summary

Limoneira Company (LMNR), a founding member of Sunkist Growers, announced its return to the citrus marketing cooperative effective November 1, 2025. Under the agreement, Limoneira will maintain its independence while transferring its fresh citrus sales and marketing operations, primarily focused on lemons, to Sunkist at the start of the new citrus season. The reunion aims to enhance market access, optimize citrus supply, and strengthen the cooperative's ability to meet customer and grower needs. The strategic move represents a significant alignment between two historic industry players, with both companies committed to ensuring a smooth transition and continued service excellence.

Positive

• Strategic partnership that expands market access and optimizes citrus supply chain
• Limoneira maintains operational independence while leveraging Sunkist's marketing capabilities
• Consolidation of sales and marketing operations could lead to improved efficiency and cost savings

Negative

• None.

VALENCIA, Calif., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunkist Growers, Inc., a citrus marketing cooperative founded in 1893, announced today that Limoneira Company, one of its original founding members, will rejoin the organization effective November 1, 2025. The move marks a meaningful reunion and a bold step forward for both companies.

"This is more than a return—it's a powerful alignment of shared history, values, and vision," said Jim Phillips, President and CEO of Sunkist Growers. "Together, we're transforming our collective capabilities into greater value for our growers, packers, and customers."

Under the new agreement, Limoneira will continue to operate as an independent business entity. However, all of Limoneira's fresh citrus sales and marketing responsibilities—primarily focused on lemons—will transition to Sunkist at the start of the new citrus season.

"We have long respected Sunkist's leadership and legacy in the citrus industry," said Harold Edwards, President and CEO of Limoneira. "Now is the right time to rejoin. Both organizations have evolved, adapted, and strengthened—and we're excited to build on that momentum to create lasting value for our growers and customers."

This reconnection is expected to drive expanded market access, optimize citrus supply, and strengthen the cooperative's ability to meet evolving customer and grower needs.

Both companies are looking forward to strengthening Sunkist's market position and expanding our reach through this renewed momentum and are committed to ensuring a seamless transition and continued service excellence heading into the new season.

About Limoneira: (Nasdaq: LMNR), a 132-year-old international agribusiness headquartered in Santa Paula, California, has grown to become one of the premier integrated agribusinesses in the world. Limoneira (lē moñ âra) is a dedicated sustainability company with 10,500 acres of rich agricultural lands, real estate properties, and water rights in California, Arizona, Chile, and Argentina. The company is a leading producer of lemons, avocados, and other crops that are enjoyed throughout the world. For more about Limoneira Company, visit www.limoneira.com.

About Sunkist: Sunkist Growers, Inc. is a citrus marketing cooperative, founded in 1893, which is owned and operated by more than 1,000 growers made up of family farmers growing citrus in California and Arizona. For more information, visit www.sunkist.com.

All Rights Reserved. Sunkist is a registered trademark of Sunkist Growers, Inc., USA © 2025

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SOURCE Sunkist Growers, Inc.

FAQ

When will Limoneira (LMNR) rejoin Sunkist Growers?

Limoneira will rejoin Sunkist Growers effective November 1, 2025

What will happen to Limoneira's operations after joining Sunkist?

Limoneira will continue operating as an independent entity, but its fresh citrus sales and marketing responsibilities will transition to Sunkist

How will the Sunkist-Limoneira partnership affect their market position?

The partnership is expected to drive expanded market access, optimize citrus supply, and strengthen the cooperative's ability to meet customer and grower needs

What products will be affected by Limoneira's partnership with Sunkist?

The partnership primarily affects Limoneira's fresh citrus sales and marketing, with a focus on lemons