Limoneira citrus rejoins Sunkist Growers

SANTA PAULA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Limoneira Company BB #:168478, a diversified citrus growing, packing, selling and marketing company with related agribusiness activities and real estate development operations, today announced a strategic merger of its citrus sales and marketing operations with Sunkist Growers, Inc. BB #:102141, creating a powerful platform to serve foodservice and retail sectors.

Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, Limoneira will return to Sunkist as one of their largest lemon growers and an exclusive Sunkist private licensed packer.

This strategic reunion is expected to generate $5 million in annual cost savings and EBITDA improvement starting in fiscal year 2026 through planned streamlined operations and enhanced supply chain efficiency. Under the new agreement, Limoneira’s sales and marketing team will transition to Sunkist, creating operational synergies through shared storage, washing, and packing capabilities across the Sunkist network.

Harold Edwards, President and Chief Executive Officer of Limoneira, stated, “This strategic partnership represents a transformative moment in the citrus industry, combining two pioneering organizations to create an unmatched market presence. By uniting Limoneira’s operational excellence with Sunkist’s comprehensive distribution network and brand power, we are creating an industry-leading platform that strives to drive significant value for our customers, growers, and shareholders. 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.”

Jim Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Sunkist, stated, “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.”

The partnership provides Limoneira with instant access to Sunkist’s comprehensive citrus portfolio and premier retail customer base. This will create a stronger operational foundation for sustainable EBITDA growth and margin expansion. The company anticipates significant growth potential through enhanced grower recruitment capabilities and expanded access to foodservice and retail customers. Importantly, packing margins per carton are expected to increase, providing greater stability against lemon price fluctuations.

The transaction is expected to close on November 1, 2025.

About Limoneira Company
Limoneira Company, 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 Growers, Inc.
Sunkist Growers is a citrus marketing cooperative, founded in 1893, which is owned by and operated for over one thousand family farmers growing citrus in California and Arizona. For more information, visit www.sunkist.com.