California Ag Network

Tag: Jeff Jue

  • How to Keep California Raisin Vineyards in the Ground

    Over the last couple years, Central Valley raisin growers have been receiving great prices for their crop; however, that hasn’t stopped the continual raisin grape vineyard pullouts going on. So what’s going to change the tide and bring more balance and longterm prosperity for this much needed industry in California? Check out this interview with Sun-Maid Chairman Jeff Jue and CEO Harry Overly to find out, and read more about it in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

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  • Sun Maid Rationale Behind Opting out of the Raisin Bargaining Association

    Sun-Maid made a big decision this year to opt out of the Raisin Bargaining Association’s negotiated field price for the first time ever.  While growers were excited about receiving the highest price ever for their raisins, Sun-Maid representatives felt the price was too high under current circumstances in the world raisin market.  Watch this interview with Sun-Maid Chairman Jeff Jue, as he shares their stance on the raisin market and what this means for the industry moving forward.  Read more about it in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

    Enjoy our Ag video news?  Be sure to let our sponsor Duarte Nursery know & thank them for their industry support!

  • “NEW” SUN-MAID HOLDS 106th ANNUAL MEETING

    Sun-Maid Growers of California held its 106th Annual membership meeting at the Convention Center’s “New Exhibit Hall” in Downtown Fresno.  The theme “It’s A New Sun-Maid” was evident throughout the event with a newly created management team and marketing strategy.  The meeting was moved for the first time in over 30 years from the Saroyan Theater to accommodate Disney’s production of The Lion King. More than 1,000 raisin growers, families and guests were in attendance.
     
    Sun-Maid President & CEO, Harry Overly laid out the company’s transformational plans to reinvigorate Sun-Maid – the Timeless & Trusted brand – and revealed an all-encompassing marketing strategy to target today’s younger millennial parents.  Sun-Maid’s 2019 marketing efforts, set to launch in January, will include a national television and digital campaign in addition to a portfolio of new products.  President Overly went on further to describe Sun-Maid’s heavy emphasis on innovation and marketing, indicating nearly 40% of the company’s growth will come from new products. 
     
    “We’ve learned so much about the Sun-Maid brand over the past year talking to consumers. We intend to take those consumer insights and grow this business with exciting new products and a new marketing campaign that reminds all consumers of their strong emotional connection to Sun-Maid,” said Overly.
     
    President Overly also highlighted the strength of the association with net sales steady at $362 million in this past fiscal year, and reported that for the 32nd consecutive year, Sun-Maid member payments will exceed the established industry field price. 
     
    Chairman Jeff Jue provided a review of this year’s growing conditions.  He also addressed the current outlook of the raisin industry, which has seen an increase in the 2018 crop size of more than 10% and deliveries exceeding 2017 by 22%.  With this larger crop, both Jue and Overly confirmed the California crop will be easily cover today’s demands.  However, Overly indicated cautious guidance in regards to worldwide raisin demand trends and the impact of emerging foreign competitors.  Overly reviewed weakening US shipment trends and the potential influence on California raisin pricing.
     
    Founded in 1912, Sun-Maid Growers is the world’s largest marketer of raisins and other premium quality dried fruits. Sun-Maid’s sales are approximately half retail consumer products and half ingredient products for items such as cereals, breads and a variety of other food products. Located in Kingsburg, California in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley’s raisin producing district, Sun-Maid products are distributed throughout the United States and in more than 50 countries around the world.
     
    For more information about Sun-Maid, visit www.sunmaid.com.

  • Short 2017 Crop Forces Allocation of CA Raisins

    What started off as a short raisin crop this year, got even shorter with high heat and two rainstorms during harvest. At the 105 Annual Meeting of Sun-Maid held in early December, Chairman of the Board Jeff Jue shared that the California raisin industry would be allocating raisins in the coming year due to the the supply and low inventory. Watch Jue’s interview and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Sponsored By:

    Calagnet & YARA

  • Jeff Jue Shares Sun Maid’s Stance on the RAC Referendum

    Growers are voting on a referendum regarding some changed to the terms and conditions of the Federal Marketing Order for Raisins. At the 105th annual meeting of Sun-Maid Growers, Chairman Jeff Jue shared Sun-Maid stance on the Marketing Order and encouraged growers to vote. Watch Jue’s interview and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Sponsored By:

    Calagnet & YARA