Sunsweet Story

About SUNSWEET

SUNSWEET was founded in 1917 in California. From the beginning, the business was set-up as a marketing co-operative,which means it was fully owned by a select number of prune tree growers. For over 90 years, SUNSWEET growers have tended their prune orchards to meet the SUNSWEET Total Quality (STQ) standard. Because of this, SUNSWEET has built a brand that people trust and enjoy. In fact SUNSWEET prunes have become the world’s favourite; sold in over 45 countries worldwide, one in every three prunes eaten is a SUNSWEET prune.

SUNSWEET was founded in 1917 in California. From the beginning, the business was set-up as a marketing co-operative, which means it was fully owned by a select number of prune tree growers. For over 90 years, SUNSWEET growers have tended their prune orchards to meet the SUNSWEET Total Quality (STQ) standard. Because of this, SUNSWEET has built a brand that people trust and enjoy. In fact SUNSWEET prunes have become the world’s favourite; sold in over 45 countries worldwide, one in every three prunes eaten is a SUNSWEET prune.

To see what real SUNSWEET consumers think, have a look at these testimonials

Our Prunes

Prunes are dried plums but they can only be made from a specific variety of plums; we use the Prune d’Agen, selected for its quality and great taste. This variety was first introduced to Europe in the 15th century from Asia and was taken to California in 1856 by French nurseryman, Louis Pellier. It’s been the principal type of prune grown here ever since.

Harvesting

This takes place once a year during August and September. Immediately after harvesting the plums are taken to drying facilities, all deliberately positioned nearby to prevent damage or bruising during transportation from the fields. It’s here that our plums are dried to prunes and prepared for pitting.

Quality as Standard

Knowing where and how the plums for our prunes are grown, dried and packed is the only way to ensure their quality. SUNSWEET prunes come exclusively from our SUNSWEET orchards. This means that we can care for every prune from the orchard in California to the pack. That’s what we call “SUNSWEET Total Quality” … and you call delicious.

SUNSWEET’s Unique Pitting System

The pitting process we use at SUNSWEET, the SUNSWEET Pitting System (SPS), is unique: no other prune producer has one like it. Each prune is pitted individually using a system that’s so precise it can seal in all the prune’s lush juices and nutrients whilst gently removing the stone. It’s impressive stuff and is what has helped to make SUNSWEET prunes a worldwide favourite!