Limoneira Announces New Joint Venture With Wileman Bros. & Elliott; Harold Edwards and Brian Johnson Comment
SANTA PAULA, CA - Venturing into the unknown is kind of our thing in fresh produce. We continue to pave the way for our world’s food footprint, and Limoneira is helping to lead the charge. In its most recent venture, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wileman Bros. & Elliott to join forces and sell their combined citrus volumes under the One World of Citrus Alliance.
“We are very excited to be joining with Wileman Bros. & Elliott to expand our citrus offerings under the One World of Citrus™ program. By having all of [our] efforts together under the One World of Citrus, we truly are growing our One World, One Team, One Service model,” said Harold Edwards, Limoneira President and Chief Executive Officer.
Wileman Bros. & Elliott is a 95-year-old citrus business located in California’s Central Valley, a press release explained. It is a large grower and independent shipper of California citrus with a focus on oranges, Mandarins, and specialty citrus, complementing Limoneira’s worldwide citrus operation with large holdings in California of lemons, oranges, and other specialty crops. Moving forward, Limoneira’s oranges and specialty citrus, including grapefruit and pummelos, will be packed and shipped by Wileman Bros. & Elliott.
The press release explained that both entities will maintain and expand their current brands and packaging, however sales representatives from both companies will be responsible for the entire combined citrus portfolio from all growing regions, including imports. One World of Citrus’ “One Service” program allows for a single invoice to be sent to the customer.
“We are very pleased to be teaming up with Limoneira in this new venture,” said Brian Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Wileman Bros. & Elliott. “Combining our volumes, service, and expertise with Limoneira’s, under the One World of Citrus program, will enable us to focus on grower returns while providing an outstanding service level and value to our customers.”
We tip our hats to Limoneira as the company sets out on this new venture.