The cooperative opens a massive new processing plant in Fresno, dubbed the finest factory building this side of Detroit. It would be Sun-Maids home for the next 46 years.
1915
Advertising executive E.A. Berg originates name "Sun-Maid."
1912
The new California Associated Raisin Co. launches its first advertising program with a Raisin Train bound for Chicago. Placards on the cars proclaimed "Raisins Grown by 6,000 California Growers."
1916
The co-op adopts the name Sun-Maid. Miss Lorraine Collett posed for a painting which would become the company’s new trademark and soon one of America’s most recognized product symbols.
1915
Produced for sale at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, this recipe booklet celebrates California themes, mothers ("vitally interested in good things to eat"); and, of course, "The Best Raisins Under the Sun."
1912
A group of San Joaquin Valley raisin growers propose a new grower-owned cooperative the Californian Associated Raisin Company. At the time, rapid uncontrolled growth of the raisin industry was leading to wide fluctuations in supply and prices.
