US: Sunkist to source Texas grapefruit exclusively from Lone Star Citrus Growers

Sunkist Growers and Lone Star Citrus Growers have announced that Sunkist will source its entire Texas grapefruit volume exclusively from Lone Star Citrus. The expanded joint program will enable Sunkist to provide customers a year-round supply of grapefruit. Lone Star Citrus is a vertically integrated grower, packer and shipper of Texas red grapefruit and oranges, headquartered in Mission, Texas, in the heart of the fertile Rio Grande Valley.

Sunkist, an international marketing cooperative headquartered in Sherman Oaks, CA, began sourcing and shipping Texas grapefruit in 2001. “Sunkist made the decision for the 2012-13 season to enter into an exclusive supplier arrangement. We are pleased to have Lone Star as our exclusive source for Texas grapefruit,” said Sunkist’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Kevin Fiori. “We have had a mutually beneficial association with Lone Star’s management team for more than a decade. Our new arrangement will provide the necessary mutual commitment to expand our footprint and offerings to our customers from Texas.”

Last season, Sunkist shipped more than 3 million cartons of California, Arizona and Texas grapefruit of which 350,000 cartons came from Texas. During the 2012-13 season, which is expected to get underway in late September or early October, Sunkist’s Texas volume is expected to increase substantially. “We have always enjoyed a great working relationship with our friends at Sunkist. Being their exclusive supplier in Texas opens many doors for both parties and allows for some exciting marketing opportunities. I look forward to building on what is already a very solid business relationship,” said Trent Bishop, Vice President of Sales at Lone Star Citrus Growers.

For more information:
Claire H. Smith
Tel: +1 818.379.7455
csmith@sunkistgrowers.com