Fourth-generation citrus grower-shipper Mulholland Citrus has joined the Sunkist cooperative, according to a press statement released Aug. 24.

Mulholland Citrus packs about eight million, five-pound carton equivalents of mandarins annually. The company joins Sunkist’s network of packinghouses.

Heather Mulholland says, “In the four generations of our family’s farming history, Mulholland Citrus has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with Sunkist and we are pleased to now be joining the cooperative.”

Mulholland says the company’s sales, marketing, and values line up well with Sunkist.

Sunkist President-CEO Russ Hanlin says, “Sunkist’s quality promise is central to our brand, and we deliver on that promise by working with best-in-class growers and shippers.”

“Mulholland Citrus has a rich history of growing and shipping exceptional quality citrus,” Hanlin said in the statement. “We are honored to welcome this industry leader to Sunkist and are looking forward to working together to deliver premium fruit to our customers.”

Mulholland Citrus will pack under the Sunkist brand starting Nov. 1 to launch the 2017-2018 citrus season.

Sunkist has thousands of grower members in California and Arizona, and handles 40-plus fresh citrus varieties. Sunkist was founded in 1893.

www.sunkist.com