A new beginning

Jay and Mark Gillette are happy to announce a significant change to our packing operations. As of the end of this summer citrus season, Gillette Citrus Inc. will cease operations, as we have been purchased by Kings River Packing in Sanger California.  Jay and Mark will continue to farm oranges, lemons and mandarins and they will now be packing their family fruit with Kings River. Please see press release below.

 NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2023

Kings River Packing Expands for the Future

SANGER, CA, June 13, 2023 – Kings River Packing is making strategic investments to continue its legacy as a leading supplier of citrus for future generations. A new corporate headquarters is opening in July, making space for additional personnel. During the past season, in-house marketing was expanded to provide tailored resources for retail partners, while also inviting consumers to be part of the Kings River family through its social channels. In addition, Joel Yeary, Martin Garcia, Alex Marriott, and Seth Nordell joined the sales team to maintain the high level of service that Kings River Packing is known for as business grows.

“I am happy to be a part of such a dynamic company with deep roots and prominence in the citrus industry. Their commitment to their employees and retail partners is truly unique and I am excited for the plans ahead.” – Joel Yeary, Sales Account Representative.

Plans that include the recent acquisition of Gillette Citrus, Inc. This expansion of the Kings River Packing portfolio brings together two family run companies with a rich history and reputation for delivering quality citrus. The Gillette family has been farming in the San Joaquin Valley since the 1970s and has grown to be a leader in both domestic and export citrus. “It gives us satisfaction knowing the legacy we have built will continue through the Kings River Packing family.” says Mark Gillette, Former Co-Owner of Gillette Citrus.

This acquisition comes as the families of Kings River Packing undergo construction of a new 225,000 sqft state- of-the-art packing facility, expected to be completed in time for the upcoming season. “Proactive planning and investment are necessary for us to stay competitive and ensure the legacy can continue from one generation to the next. Many of the plans have been years in the making and it is awesome to finally see them come to life.” - Bobby Hines, Director of Sales/Family Owner of Kings River Packing.

Strategic investments to increase supply and sales resources allow Kings River Packing to provide year-round supply at scale for retail partners looking to reduce complexity and build long-term partnerships. Kings River is committed to investing in these areas that strengthen our partnerships, now and for years to come.

Gillette Citrus, Inc:

The Gillette Family began farming citrus in Southern California in the late 1800’s. In the early 1960’s, with the housing boom on the horizon, the family began farming citrus in the San Joaquin Valley, eventually relocating their operations to the region in the late 1970’s. In 1983, the idea to vertically integrate became a reality with the formation of Gillette Citrus, a packing facility that would enable greater control on all aspects of growing, packing and shipping. Three years later Gillette Citrus joined Sunkist Growers Inc. as a licensed packer to help take their brands around the world. Today, Gillette Citrus operates two packing facilities and handles over 100 million pounds of fresh citrus per year.

   

Kings River Packing:

Kings River Packing, Inc. is a family-owned business that has been growing citrus for over 8 generations. Located in the San Joaquin Valley of California, our company is proud to be a grower, packer, and shipper of quality citrus where the founding family still oversees operations across departments. Learn more about our story at www.kingorange.com or follow @KingsRiverPacking on Instagram.

Press Contact:

Michelle Alo

Director of Marketing 559-360-0402 michelle@kingorange.com