The 2025 U.S. Best Managed Companies honored 61 private businesses for “making an impact, being dedicated to excellence and inspiring others to do the same.”
Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies, and “Gold Winner” status is awarded to companies that have received the honor for at least four years.
Among the Gold winners, several fresh produce companies were honored including Ocean Spray, 99 Ranch Markets, Schnuck Markets and Sun Maid Growers of California.
The Best Managed Companies program is a mark of excellence for private companies. U.S. designees have revenues of at least $250 million, according to a news release. Hundreds of private companies around the world have competed for this designation in their respective countries through a rigorous and independent process that evaluates four key criteria in their management skills and practices — strategy, execution, culture and governance/financials.
“We are deeply honored and humbled to receive the U.S. Best Managed Company award for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold Winner status,” said Todd Schnuck, chairman and CEO for Schnuck Markets. “This recognition reflects the unwavering dedication of our nearly 12,000 teammates to our customers and our company mission to nourish people’s lives as well as our leadership, board and shareholders’ aligned commitment to our strategic vision. “
Another Gold Winner was Sun-Maid Growers of California.
“Being named a Best Managed Company for the sixth year in a row is a testament to the dedication and teamwork that defines Sun-Maid,” said Steve Loftus, president and CEO of Sun-Maid Growers of California. “It starts with our growers, who set the standard for excellence, and continues through our quality assurance and plant operations teams, who uphold that standard every day. As Sun-Maid enters its 113th year, this recognition celebrates the strong cultural foundation that drives our financial performance, innovation, operational excellence and unwavering commitment to growth.”