7 Interesting Facts About Sunkist

Sunkist is part of the Sunkist Growers, Inc. cooperative, which is owned by citrus farmers in California and Arizona. It’s not a traditional corporation with a single owner but rather a cooperative model where growers collectively manage the brand and share profits.

Revenue:

As for revenue, Sunkist Growers, Inc. generates significant earnings primarily through its citrus business rather than its soda line. While specific soda-related revenue figures are not readily available, the entire cooperative’s revenue is estimated to be around $1.2 billion annually from its citrus operations. Sunkist beverages are licensed and distributed by Keurig Dr Pepper, which contributes to its broader sales.

Market Position:

In the soda industry, Sunkist Orange Soda holds a strong position in the citrus soda market but doesn’t have the same overall market share dominance as brands like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or even Fanta. Among orange sodas, Sunkist competes closely with Fanta (by Coca-Cola) and Crush (by Keurig Dr Pepper). While Sunkist is one of the most popular orange sodas in the U.S., it is not a top contender in the overall soda market when compared to the larger cola brands.

Sunkist ranks high among orange sodas, but it doesn’t compete directly with cola giants like Coca-Cola or Pepsi in terms of global market share. These brands dominate the soft drink industry, with Coca-Cola leading, followed by PepsiCo. Sunkist’s niche remains in the fruity soda segment.

Interesting Facts About Sunkist

1. Sunkist’s Agricultural Origins: Sunkist was founded in 1893 as a cooperative of citrus growers in California under the name the Southern California Fruit Exchange. It was later renamed to Sunkist Growers in 1908, which aimed to promote and protect citrus fruits produced by its members. The goal was to improve sales by consolidating marketing efforts. The brand is still one of the largest citrus marketers globally.
2. Sunkist Soda Was Introduced in the 1970s: While Sunkist began as a citrus cooperative, it expanded into the beverage industry in 1979, with the launch of Sunkist Orange Soda. It quickly became one of the most popular orange sodas in the U.S. and remains a favorite due to its sweet and tangy flavor, often described as “juicy.”
3. Sunkist’s Range of Flavors: While best known for its orange soda, Sunkist has expanded its flavor offerings over the years. In addition to the original orange, the brand offers flavors like Grape, Strawberry, Peach, and Berry Lemonade. These flavors have helped the brand appeal to a wider audience, especially younger consumers.
4. Partnered with Keurig Dr Pepper: In the U.S., Sunkist soda is manufactured and distributed by Keurig Dr Pepper. The partnership helped Sunkist expand its reach and increase distribution throughout North America.
5. Legal Battle Over ‘Natural’ Claims (2014): In 2014, Sunkist faced a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. for using the term “natural” on its labels for products that contained high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Consumers argued that HFCS was a highly processed ingredient, making the “natural” label misleading. The case drew attention to the broader issue of labeling in the food and beverage industry and how brands market their products. The controversy contributed to the ongoing discussion about ingredient transparency in sodas.
6. Caffeine Recall Incident (2006): In 2006, some batches of Sunkist Orange Soda were recalled due to concerns over incorrect caffeine levels. It was discovered that some cans had excessive caffeine, which could have potentially caused health problems for consumers sensitive to caffeine. The company issued a recall and apologized for the mistake, ensuring that the issue was corrected in future batches.
7. Sunkist Logo Change Controversy: In the early 2010s, Sunkist underwent a rebranding effort that updated its iconic logo. While some fans appreciated the modernization, others criticized the new design for deviating too much from the classic, nostalgic logo that had been a staple for decades. This sparked debates among loyal consumers over brand identity and the value of staying true to a brand’s roots.