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Sun-Maid's President Tapped for CEO Job
Edward Smith updated website photo 2024
By Edward Smith
Published 11 months ago on
August 7, 2024

Fresno-based Sun-Maid Growers named Steve Loftus to be the president and CEO of the nation's largest raisin growers' cooperative. (Sun-Maid)

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Sun-Maid brought up one of its own to take the helm of the nation’s largest raisin grower cooperative as their previous leader moves on to another brand.

Sun-Maid Growers of California named Steve Loftus as president and CEO of the organization. Loftus previously served as president and chief operating officer, hired in December 2022. At the same time, the previous CEO, Harry Overly, will complete his exit from the company, leaving the Fresno company for a Minneapolis-based snack company.

“I am honored to assume the role of CEO and grateful for the support of the board and our grower-members,” Loftus said. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with our team to build on our success and drive the business forward, ensuring that Sun-Maid remains a leader in the industry.”

Sun Maid’s Mission to Regain Snack Relevance

When Overly took over at Sun-Maid in 2017, one of his main missions was to return the raisin to snack relevance.

Some of Overly’s modernization strategies earned him death threats from growers, as he told the New York Times.

Overly had been vocal about the dried fruit’s popularity decline among children and adults. Under his leadership, Sun-Maid introduced multiple lines of flavored raisins.

The company also made its first acquisition under Overly, buying children’s snack maker Plum Organics.

“Harry’s commitment and leadership have been instrumental in guiding Sun-Maid through a significant period of growth and transformation. We are appreciative of his services and optimistic about Sun-Maid’s future under Steve’s direction,” said Paul Toste, chairman of Sun-Maid’s board.

In 2022, Overly stepped aside as CEO to become chairman of the board. Shortly before the announcement of Loftus’ position, Flagstone Foods announced Overly would be become that company’s CEO.

Flagstone produces several lines of nut-based snacks, including Nature’s Harvest.

Before coming onto Sun Maid, Loftus had been at Treehouse Foods.

 

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Edward Smith,
Multimedia Journalist
Edward Smith began reporting for GV Wire in May 2023. His reporting career began at Fresno City College, graduating with an associate degree in journalism. After leaving school he spent the next six years with The Business Journal, doing research for the publication as well as covering the restaurant industry. Soon after, he took on real estate and agriculture beats, winning multiple awards at the local, state and national level. You can contact Edward at 559-440-8372 or at Edward.Smith@gvwire.com.

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