SGS expanding into organics
SGS is a grower, packer and shipper of stone fruit, grapes, cherries and citrus, and it ships imported items year-round.
In 2023, the company has seen an increase in volume due to new plantings. It has also made some adjustments to its team by promoting Steve Rusca to general manager and hiring Kira Navison as the director of marketing.
Another exciting development is the addition of citrus to its product line this year.
“Success comes from growing the best varieties and having a full lineup of California stone fruit, grapes, cherries and citrus for coverage from beginning to end, having great customer service and maintaining strong relationships within the industry,” said Bryan Large, sales manager at SGS.
So far this year, things have been looking strong. Though the fruit started late this season, the quality has been great.
In 2024, the company will be introducing an organic stone fruit line-up. This addition will come from Kliewer Farms, an existing grower SGS currently represents.
Kliewer Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned-and-operated packing facility that has been in business for more than three decades. It is part of the SGS family, growing and packing some of the most desired varieties of peaches, plums, kiwis, nectarines, grapes and citrus.
There is a solar field onsite and the farm is SEDEX Certified, which is the social standard of business. This social audit ensures that the company’s employees are treated well at their place of employment and that they are enjoying where they work.
“Introducing organics is another way that the Kliewers are working toward a better future,” Large said. “An estimated 100,000 boxes of peaches, plums and nectarines will be the result of this three-year process to certified organics. We are looking forward to adding these commodities to our conventional lineup.”
2024 will also see SGS expand its citrus program in an effort to continue delivering what its customers desire.
“We are partnered with most major retailers,” Large said. “We maintain great connections through exceptional customer service and our strong grower base, who understand the relationship with our retail partners by planning and forecasting the timing of crops and newer varieties coming online.”
SGS is fortunate to have such a strong customer base and it cannot wait to continue to grow with them through 2024. You can visit the SGS website and follow the company on all social media platforms @sgsfruit for more details.
Photo: Jerry Kliewer and Jerin Kliewer.
