Maid Sun-Maid Raisins

The History and Origin of Sun-Maid Raisins

Sun-Maid is an iconic American brand founded in 1912 in Turlock, California. Originally established as the California Consolidated Raisin Growers Association, it was created by a collective of farmers who sought to standardize the quality and marketing of raisins from the San Joaquin Valley. The brand is world-famous for its 'Sun-Maid Girl' logo, which was inspired by a real resident of Fresno, California.

Manufacturing and Sourcing

Sun-Maid raisins are predominantly grown and processed in the Central Valley of California, particularly around Fresno. This region provides the ideal Mediterranean climate for drying grapes. The company operates the world's largest raisin packing plant in Kingsburg, California. While they have expanded into other fruit snacks, their core raisin products remain rooted in American agriculture.

Ownership and Global Presence

Sun-Maid Growers of California remains a privately owned cooperative. Unlike many major food brands that have been acquired by global conglomerates, Sun-Maid is owned by approximately 600 family farmers. This structure allows the brand to maintain quality control from the vineyard to the box, ensuring that the legacy of California-grown raisins continues into 2026 and beyond.