California Ag Network

Tag: Sun-Maid Growers

  • Global Raisin Production Decline Could Help Growers After Rains

    Poorly timed rains led to difficulties in the 2025 harvest, but California raisin growers might benefit from international market conditions.
    This includes a below average crop in Turkey and tariffs boosting domestic sales. At Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Fruit Tree Expo and in an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, Sun-Maid Growers President/CEO Steve Loftus shared the state of raisin industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Sun-Maid Growers Report Success in New Product Development & Global Demand for Calfornia Raisins

    The State of the Raisin Industry address was once again a big hit at Malcolm Media’s recent Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo.  In addition to hearing from Raisin Bargaining Association representatives, Steve Loftus from Sun-Maid Growers shared his perspective of 2024 raisin harvest, how the global raisin market is performing, and what Sun-Maid is doing to build demand for California raisins with new product development and consumer outreach. Watch his brief interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and read the full report in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Sun-Maid Growers Evolve to Meet Consumers Where They are Today

    At the annual meeting of Sun-Maid Growers of California in downtown Fresno, grower members gathered for a nice brunch while listening to the cooperative’s leadership on the current performance of the iconic brand and how California raisins can continue to command a premium market share around the world.  Watch this video with Sun-Maid President Steve Loftus, and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Celebrate Central Valley Grapes, Raisins & Wines at the Whole Vine Festival

    The inaugural Whole Vine Festival is coming to Fresno State University Oct. 21-22, 2023. Grape growers and consumers alike are invited to gather to celebrate the best of the San Joaquin Valley.  Watch this brief interview with Whole Vine Festival President Vickie Goudreau as she shares more details.  American Vineyard Magazine is proud to be among the Founding Sponsors and supporters of this free-admission event, so be sure to read more about the festival in the latest issue.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor the U.S Department of Agriculture for their industry support.

  • Why Sun-Maid Growers Acquired Plum Organics

    When Sun-Maid Growers announced its acquisition of baby food brand Plum Organics in 2021, it came as a surprise to many.  Naturally, raisin growers wanted to know how this might benefit the California raisin industry, beyond simply growing and diversifying Sun-Maid’s portfolio.  Watch this brief interview with Sun-Maid Growers Executive Chairman Harry Overly as he explains.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • Barry Kriebel Takes the Helm as President of the Raisin Bargaining Association

    Former Sun-Maid President Barry Kriebel has returned to industry leadership as the new President of the Raisin Bargaining Association (RBA).  Approved by the association board of directors on the evening of Feb. 2, watch this brief interview with Barry and Chairman of the selection committee Mitch Sangha to learn more. Read about it in the next issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • Reinforcing Buy American Food Act in California School Districts

    Finding that California school districts have not been following the Buy American Act regarding food purchases, Ag Council of California sponsored legislation to reinforce the provision with successful results.  Watch this brief interview with Emily Rooney, President of Ag Council, for more details and how this will support California agriculture and the local economy.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • State of the California Raisin Industry with Steve Kister

    From the Annual Meeting of Sun-Maid Growers, watch this brief interview with Chairman of the Board Steve Kister as he reports on the results of the 2022 crop and State of the Raisin Industry.  Read more about it in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Introducing the New President of Sun-Maid Growers

    Sun-Maid Growers of California has recently gone through some leadership changes, and at their annual meeting in December, growers were introduced to a new President of the cooperative, Steve Loftus. Watch this brief interview to get to know Steve and what he plans to bring to Sun-Maid.  Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Sun-Maid Leadership Changes, Overly Takes New Role

    There have been rumors that Sun-Maid Growers’ CEO has left to take the position as CEO of another snacking food company.  Watch this video interview with outgoing CEO Harry Overly as he clarifies his position at Sun-Maid.  Read more about it in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.