Sunkist adds buzz in US citrus industry

Bee Sweet Citrus has signed up to become the newest member of Sunkist Growers.

Founded in 1987, Bee Sweet Citrus is a grower, packer and shipper of citrus in the heart of California's Central Valley. With a product list that includes Navel and Valencia oranges, lemons, grapefruit, mandarins, and several exotic specialties, Bee Sweet brings more than six million cartons into the Sunkist system.

"It just makes sense," said Bee Sweet president Jim Marderosian. "Our two organisations share a common commitment to excellence. Bee Sweet has an excellent product and Sunkist has an excellent marketing network - and a brand name that is known and trusted worldwide."

"We're extremely pleased to welcome Bee Sweet into the Sunkist system," said Nick Bozick, chairman of Sunkist's board ofd. "This new affiliation demonstrates the expanding opportunities and benefits offered to citrus growers and packers by Sunkist."

"At Bee Sweet, we grew from a small packer to an industry leader by building our company on quality products and customer service," Marderosian added. "We're known for our hands-on approach to growing and packing and for our customer service. Our packing, storage, marketing and distribution facilities are, literally, surrounded by our orchards, giving us complete quality control from tree to truck."