VALENCIA, CA - Backed by a formidable network of growers, a monumental partnership, and a comprehensive marketing portfolio, Sunkist Growers is announcing a strong kickoff to the lemon season. Reporting good quality as the season begins, Cassie Howard, Senior Director of Category Management and Marketing, gave us a closer look at the supplier’s lemon crop.

“Our network of California and Arizona growers has reported healthy trees and strong fruit set, with early volume already shipping from the desert region as well as the Central Valley,” Cassie Howard, Senior Director of Category Management and Marketing, tells me. “Sunkist fancy grade fruit is looking great, and we are hearing really positive feedback from our customers on the quality they are receiving. Our Organic Lemon crop is also seeing strong quality, with good movement across a wide variety of sizes.”

The grower cooperative expects promotable opportunities for both bagged and bulk lemons throughout the holiday season and into 2026. Further elevating the company’s lemon program, Sunkist is happy to welcome Limoneira Company, one of its original founding members, back into the organization.

“This strategic alignment strengthens our lemon category foundation and ensures enhanced service and supply for our customers,” explains Cassie. “This partnership amplifies our ability to meet demand year-round, bolstering a lemon program that already includes conventional and organic fruit and multiple growing districts for seasonal continuity. It also reinforces our long-term vision: delivering category leadership through service, supply, and the strength of a grower-owned system.”

Effective November 1, 2025, Limoneira transitioned its fresh citrus sales and marketing into the cooperative, bringing expanded scale and optimized access to market.

“As a cooperative built by growers, Sunkist remains focused on delivering category growth through quality fruit, robust supply chains, and retail-ready marketing support,” Cassie concludes. “Our year-round lemon program allows partners to plan with confidence, while our broader citrus portfolio continues to drive seasonal momentum. That includes programs like our NBCF Pink Cara Cara initiative and our growing Sunkist Cali™ Mandarins line—both of which continue to resonate with today’s citrus shopper.”

With great quality, enhanced capabilities, and proven strategies for driving demand, Sunkist Growers is helping retailers maintain the strength of this staple category. Continue reading ANUK as we bring you the latest industry news.