Sunkist® stories, articles & musings

A second‑generation Sunkist grower carrying forward a family story built on hard work, collaboration, and a deep love for the land.

When Curt Holmes talks about farming, he doesn’t begin with trees or markets or weather. He begins with people — the people he learned from, the people he works alongside, and the people he hopes will enjoy the fruit he grows. His citrus story is one of legacy, community, and the quiet belief that good work matters.

From Kentucky Roots to California Citrus

Curt’s father grew up in Kentucky, helping with small‑scale farming — mostly tobacco and whatever the family could grow — before serving in World War II. After the war, he landed on the West Coast and never left. He and Curt’s mom ran Holmes Market, a corner grocery store where the family lived in the back room, with a butcher shop tucked behind the storefront.

From that humble beginning, Curt’s dad made his first farming move: buying a raisin vineyard in the 1950s. In 1974, looking to diversify, he purchased the family’s first citrus ranch — the start of a legacy Curt would grow up in, literally.

“I grew up on the ranch,” Curt says. “We started with grapes, then citrus. I went to Fresno State thinking I’d do something else with my ag business degree… but farm life is peaceful. It pulls you back.”

Today, the Holmes family still farms grapes, figs, and almonds — managed by Curt’s brother — but citrus belongs to Curt. It’s personal to him in a way only lifelong growers understand.

The Art and Challenge of Growing the Best Fruit Possible

Every grower has a north star. For Curt, it’s simple:

Grow the best fruit you can.
Quality and quantity. No shortcuts.

“My challenge is to grow the best fruit I can grow,” Curt says. “You can only do that by helping others — and learning from them.”

That’s the beauty of the co‑op model. In Sunkist, growers aren’t competitors; they’re collaborators. Curt leans into that fully.

“I’m not shy about sharing what I learn. And I’m always appreciative of the help I get from other growers. We do better when we’re all succeeding.”

Farming is demanding — year‑round citrus harvest means there are very few true “off” months — but Curt finds peace in the rhythm of it.

“I can remember working nights when I was growing up, and it was so peaceful,” he says. “My favorite memories are with people — my dad, my kids, my grandkids, the employees I work with. At the end of the day, it all connects to something bigger.”

A Brand That Shaped His Childhood — and His Calling

Ask Curt about Sunkist, and his face lights up in recognition. As a kid in the 1960s, he remembers a commercial:

“If it doesn’t say Sunkist, you don’t know what’s inside.”
The orange cracks open like an egg and a purple dinosaur pops out.

“It was fun as a kid — I didn’t understand the message then. But as a Sunkist grower now? I get it. It was about quality. About growing the best fruit with care and patience.”

Sunkist has been a part of Curt’s life for as long as he can remember. As a second‑generation grower, he’s proud to carry that torch.

“To be part of a group that’s been doing this for over 130 years — growers of all sizes, from 10 acres to 100 — it’s pretty incredible. It’s something to be proud of.”

And he doesn’t take the consumer for granted.

“I’ve always wanted to ask someone in the grocery store picking up Sunkist fruit, ‘Do you like it? Is there anything we could do better?’ I just want to make sure we’re doing our best.”

Farming as a Craft — and a Joy

For Curt, farming is equal parts craft, challenge, and joy. Citrus markets vary — some buyers want perfect appearance, others want peak flavor — and balancing that takes skill.

“It’s a challenge sometimes,” he says, “but it’s part of the fun. We’re always trying to put out a perfect product.”

And when it’s good? It’s deeply satisfying.

“It’s a pleasure to grow this fruit. It’s healthy, it’s good for you, it checks all the boxes. I love it.”

A Legacy That Continues Through Every Tree

Curt didn’t always plan on being a citrus grower — but he can’t imagine a better life.

Peaceful nights in the groves.
Teamwork with fellow growers.
The pride of seeing the Sunkist label on fruit that traveled across continents.
The memories with family under the trees.
The desire to always do better.

That’s what keeps him grounded, season after season.

And as long as he’s able, Curt Holmes will keep doing exactly what his dad set in motion in 1974:
growing fruit with care, sharing knowledge freely, and strengthening a community of growers who lift each other up.

Because in Curt’s words:
“We do better when we’re all succeeding.”