Wonderful Citrus, headquartered in Delano, California, is one of the largest integrated growers, packers, and marketers of fresh citrus in the United States. As a division of The Wonderful Company, a US$5 billion privately held global enterprise, Wonderful Citrus oversees a vertically integrated citrus supply chain from seed to store shelf. The company is widely recognized for its innovation in sustainable agriculture, premium fruit branding, and its expansive citrus product portfolio.
Company Overview
Wonderful Citrus manages over 60,000 acres of citrus groves across California, Texas, and Mexico, positioning itself as a global leader in fresh citrus supply. Through sophisticated cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest technologies, the company delivers consistently high-quality fruit year-round to major retailers and distributors worldwide.
Product Portfolio
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Mandarins
- Wonderful Halos – seedless, sweet, easy-to-peel mandarins
- One of the most successful branded produce launches in the U.S.
-
Oranges
- Navel and Valencia varieties
- Available in bulk and packaged formats
-
Lemons
- Wonderful Seedless Lemons – proprietary variety with no seeds
- Extended shelf-life and culinary flexibility
-
Limes
- Mexican-grown Persian limes
- Packed for retail and foodservice
-
Grapefruits
- Wonderful Sweet Scarletts – sweet red grapefruit
- Rich in antioxidants and marketed as a wellness product
The products are distributed both under the Wonderful brand umbrella and the legacy Paramount Citrus label.
Brands
- Wonderful Halos
- Wonderful Seedless Lemons
- Wonderful Sweet Scarletts
- Paramount Citrus
- Wonderful Citrus
Each brand is supported with targeted marketing campaigns, consumer education, and sustainability messaging to ensure high market recall.
Infrastructure & Operations
- Integrated packinghouses in California, Texas, and Mexico
- Industry-leading cold storage, sorting, and packaging technology
- In-house logistics and supply chain management
- Strategic sourcing alliances in Latin America for year-round supply continuity
Certifications & Compliance
- Global GAP Certified
- USDA, FDA, and FSMA Compliant
- Ethical Sourcing and Labor Transparency Programs
- Non-GMO Certified for select products
- Sustainably Grown Certification (via SCS Global Services)
The company’s compliance standards ensure access to premium markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Market Reach & Distribution
- Domestic Distribution: Nationwide U.S. retail chains (Walmart, Costco, Whole Foods, Kroger)
- International Markets: Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, UK, and Middle East
- Export Volume (2023 est.): Over 4 million cartons globally
Wonderful Citrus supports partners with marketing collateral, retail promotions, and data-driven supply chain transparency.
Financial Insights
As part of The Wonderful Company, Wonderful Citrus contributes significantly to the group’s revenue:
- Estimated Annual Citrus Revenue: Over USD 1.2 billion
- Market Share: Top U.S. mandarin supplier (~60% share)
- Brand Equity: Wonderful Halos ranks in the top 10 most recognized produce brands (Perishables Group, 2022)
The company continues to invest in varietal development, robotics, and regenerative agriculture to stay ahead of market trends.
Sustainability Commitments
- Water Conservation: 25% reduction in irrigation water use over 5 years
- Solar Power: On-site renewable energy facilities
- Zero Waste Goals: Recyclable packaging, composting of organic waste
- Community Investments: $1 billion commitment to Central Valley infrastructure, education, and health programs
Wonderful Citrus aligns its business operations with the broader ESG goals of The Wonderful Company.
Customer & Market Recognition
"Wonderful Halos revolutionized the mandarin category—great flavor, packaging, and retail execution."
— VP of Produce, U.S. Grocery Chain
"The seedless lemon has been a game changer for our premium produce program."
— European Importer
Industry Awards & Participation
- Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Impact Award
- United Fresh Innovation Award for seedless lemons
- Founding member of Alliance for Citrus Science and Sustainability
- Regular exhibitor at Fruit Logistica, PMA Fresh Summit, and Asia Fruit Logistica
Wonderful Citrus exemplifies best practices in integrated produce operations, brand building, and agricultural innovation, making it a cornerstone of global citrus supply.