US snacks business Sun-Maid Growers of California has promoted chief operating officer Steve Loftus to CEO.

Loftus first joined the California-based farmer’s cooperative as president and COO in 2022. He previously held roles at Kraft Heinz in finance and general management.

Most recently, before joining Sun-Maid, he was vice president and general manager of the condiments business unit at private-label heavyweight TreeHouse Foods.

“I am honored to assume the role of CEO and grateful for the support of the board and our grower-members,” said Loftus.

“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.”

Founded in 1912, Sun-Maid is a farmer’s cooperative of hundreds of grower families with vineyards in California’s Central Valley.

Sun-Maid announced the change in leadership alongside Harry Overly stepping down from executive chairman of the cooperative’s board of directors.

The raisin company said he will instead focus on his role as president and CEO of Flagstone Foods.

Flagstone was acquired by Atlas Holdings in 2019 and in late 2022 hired Overly to accelerate the company’s growth as a snacking firm. However, he remained on Sun-Maid’s board.

Paul Toste, chairman of the board, said: “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. Without question, Steve's vision and dedication to our grower families and the company will propel Sun-Maid to new heights.”

Last year, Flagstone Foods acquired the Emerald Nuts brand from Campbell Soup Co. Emerald is a manufacturer and distributor of private-label healthy snacks. The business generated net sales of $66m in FY 2022 and $46m for the nine-month period ended 30 April 2023.