About Us | Fruit Growers Supply Company

OUR HERITAGE

Fruit Growers Supply Company is an agricultural supply cooperative company that was established in 1907 by the Sunkist Growers. We are the oldest non-profit supply cooperative in the nation, and we have grown at record pace alongside the West Coast’s citrus production. Although we were created exclusively to help Sunkist, today we can help everyone in agriculture. We aren't just citrus either; we've also achieved an incredibly high level of satisfaction with growers and packers in commodities such as stone fruit, avocados, nuts, grapes, and row crops.

SUPPLYING THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FRUIT EXCHANGE

Before 1907, members of the Southern California Fruit Exchange (now Sunkist Growers) needed a steady supply of reasonably priced box shook (wooden slats) for their wooden shipping crates. Unfortunately, most of the box shook manufacturers were operating at unreasonably high prices with a chronically low supply. By joining forces in 1907, the Sunkist citrus growers created a separate agricultural supply company, Fruit Growers Supply Company, to buy and manage timberlands and mills, and to act as a purchasing agent for all of their supplies.

The introduction of a new competitor helped lower costs and increase access for producers throughout the region. When a cartel controlled the sale of a chemicals that were critical to citrus growth, we brought back an alternative from Africa, forcing the cartel into a more reasonably competitive position. When the industry needed instant access to supplies, we established six storefronts throughout California and Arizona. When growers needed the most sophisticated, highest quality cartons ever created, we answered the call by designing one of America’s most highly-automated and efficient integrated carton plants.

Our commitment to providing better choices for producers combined with our spirit of innovation helped Fruit Growers Supply Company blossom into one of the strongest agricultural supply cooperatives in the country, now serving producers throughout the West Coast and beyond.

BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Today, thanks to our vertically integrated services, we offer the kind of products and services you expect from a company that has thrived for over a century. As times have changed, the role of our agriculture supply company has evolved as well; we recognize our responsibility to contribute to sustainable forestry practices and are committed to “Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) 2015-2019 Standard.”

Through our sustainability initiatives, we have integrated the responsible conservation of soil, water, air, wildlife, and natural aesthetics with our management, harvesting, and reforestation of our lands. We leverage state-of-the-art foresting practices, make every effort to preserve the unique biological qualities of our sites, and believe in protecting endangered species through collaboration with government agencies and conservation groups. Learn more about the Fruit Growers Supply Company’s commitment to sustainable forestry here. Contact us or drop by one of our full-service stores in Orange Cove, Woodlake, Porterville, Riverside, or Santa Paula to schedule your free consultation today.