Limoneira, a founding member of the US-based citrus farming group Sunkist Growers, is set to rejoin the cooperative.
The deal, structured as a merger of Limoneira’s sales and marketing operations with Sunkist, is anticipated to be finalized in November.
Based in California, Limoneira will return to Sunkist as one of its largest lemon growers and an exclusive licensed packer, according to a statement from the agri-food group.
This strategic move aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within Limoneira’s supply chain. The company expects the merger to generate $5 million in annual cost savings and improvements in EBITDA.
Sunkist has emphasized that the transaction will “drive expanded market access, optimize citrus supply, and strengthen the cooperative’s ability to meet evolving customer and grower needs.”
Harold Edwards, CEO of Limoneira, stated, “Together, we plan to deliver reliable supply, operational efficiency, and complete category coverage to the nation’s premier food service and retail customers while generating meaningful cost savings and establishing a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.”
Similarly, Jim Phillips, CEO of Sunkist, remarked, “This is a strategic reconnection of entities with shared legacy, collaboration, values, and trust. We are focused on transforming our collective capabilities, insights, and expertise into increased value for our growers, packers, and customers.”
Limoneira Company, headquartered in Santa Paula, California, stands as an international agricultural business. Founded in 1893, the fruit packer oversees 10,500 acres of land, real estate, and properties, with water rights extending across California, Arizona, Chile, and Argentina. Its diverse product portfolio features lemons, avocados, and other crops.
In parallel, Sunkist Growers, also established in 1893, is owned and operated by over 1,000 farming families who cultivate citrus in California and Arizona.
