Pomegranates are wonderful — just ask SunnyGem Produce LLC.

The company, headquartered in Dinuba, CA, is one of California’s premier growers of the “Wonderful” variety pomegranates.

“We are vertically integrated, with 2,460 acres of Wonderful variety pomegranates,” President Brian Haley told The Produce News.

SunnyGem Produce LLC grows Wonderful variety pomegranates on 2,460 acres in California. All of the company’s product is moved in the fall and winter months. (Photo courtesy of SunnyGem Produce LLC)“One hundred percent of our product is moved in the fall and winter months,” Haley commented.

Conditions during the growing season have been optimal. “We had ideal weather in the spring, and the trees look fantastic,” Haley commented.

“Eighty percent of our trees were planted in 2008 or after,” he continued. “With ideal weather and trees maturing another year, we are looking at great quality and expecting a 40-percent increase in volume. Sizing is also up due to another year of maturity and the aggressive pruning/thinning program implemented this year.”

The California drought has made daily headlines. But Haley said SunnyGem has fared well given the circumstances.

“We have been fortunate. We have not had to cut back on water,” Haley stated. “This is the most important part to getting size.”

“Everyone is feeling the effects of water,” he added. “Fortunately 98 percent of our trees are in a good water area. We did cull out a 75-acre block due to extremely high water costs this year. So yes, we are having water issues. But from what we hear, significantly less than other districts.”

SunnyGem markets pomegranates and juices under several labels. The fruit is sold under the “SunnyGem” and “Buena Vista Fresh” brands, and juice is marketed under the “Arils” label.

“We are introducing a new item this year, 100-percent pomegranate juice under the ‘SunnyGem’ brand,” Haley said.

“It’s available in 15.2- and 30-ounce bottles, made at our own juice plant from our own trees,” he added.

The juice is BRC-certified, Kosher-certified, NON-GMO and gluten free.  “Our goals is to make healthy living more accessible from a cost perspective,” he commented.

The company’s customer base is comprised primarily of retailers and club stores. Pomegranates are also exported to South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Brazil, Mexico and Canada.

This season, retailers can take advantage of a new bin, which SunnyGem will be introducing.

“We have a new low profile bin that can be used in smaller store formats. It is easy to use, just pops right up to make display, holds about 2.5 cases,” Haley said.

He also aded that a starter promotional kit will be offered for new customers, and existing customers can take advantage of an aggressive promotional calendar.