If you grew up in the 90s, the bright orange glow of a Sunny Delight bottle in the fridge was basically a status symbol. It wasn't quite juice, but it wasn't soda either—it was that "purple stuff" alternative we all craved. But if you’ve been looking at the label lately and wondering who owns Sunny Delight, the answer has changed significantly over the last few years.
As of early 2026, the brand is no longer just a small piece of a massive American conglomerate or a private equity experiment.
In a massive $1.5 billion deal that shook the beverage industry in 2025, Castillo Hermanos, a Guatemalan powerhouse with a 140-year history, took the reins. They didn't just buy the brand; they bought the whole house, acquiring Harvest Hill Beverage Company, which had been SunnyD’s home since 2017.
The Guatemala Connection: Why Castillo Hermanos Stepped In
It’s kinda wild when you think about it. This iconic American drink, birthed in Florida and once a crown jewel of the Midwest, is now part of a Central American empire. Castillo Hermanos isn't some faceless shell company. They are a massive, family-owned group founded way back in 1886. Most people in the U.S. might recognize them for Gallo Beer (often sold as Famosa stateside), but they are absolute titans in the Latin American food and drink space.
Why would they drop billions on SunnyD?
Basically, they wanted a permanent seat at the table in the United States. Before this acquisition, they were mostly importing products. By buying Harvest Hill, they gained six massive manufacturing plants across the U.S. and a distribution network that hits every major grocery store.
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They didn't just want SunnyD, though. They wanted the whole "kid-friendly" portfolio, which includes:
- Juicy Juice (The lunchbox staple)
- Little HUG (Those little plastic barrels)
- Daily’s Cocktails (The frozen pouches)
- Nutrament (The energy/nutrition drink)
Roberto Lara, the CEO of Castillo Hermanos, basically said this was their "milestone moment" to stop being a regional player and start being a global force. Honestly, it makes sense. If you want to own the American fridge, you start with the brands that have decades of nostalgia baked into them.
The Long, Messy History of Who Owned SunnyD
To understand where we are now, you've gotta look at the trail of breadcrumbs this brand left behind. It’s been passed around more than a hot potato.
The P&G Years (1989–2004)
For a long time, Sunny Delight was the baby of Procter & Gamble (P&G). They bought it in 1989 and turned it into a global phenomenon. In the late 90s, it was the third best-selling soft drink in the UK. People thought it was healthy because of the "Delight" and the orange pictures, though that eventually led to some PR nightmares regarding the actual juice content.
The Private Equity Era (2004–2016)
P&G eventually decided they didn't want to be in the beverage business anymore. In 2004, they sold the brand to J.W. Childs Associates, a private equity firm. This is when "Sunny Delight" officially became "SunnyD." Private equity firms are great at cutting costs and streamlining, but they usually aren't long-term "forever" owners.
The Harvest Hill / Brynwood Chapter (2016–2025)
In 2016, Brynwood Partners (another private equity group) bought Sunny Delight from J.W. Childs and eventually merged it into their existing platform, Harvest Hill Beverage Company. This was a smart move. They bundled it with Juicy Juice to make a "beverage powerhouse."
And then came the big payday in 2025. Brynwood sold the whole operation to Castillo Hermanos, marking the largest exit in Brynwood's 40-year history.
What This Means for Your SunnyD Vodka Seltzer
If you’ve noticed SunnyD in the alcohol aisle lately, you aren't hallucinating. The SunnyD Vodka Seltzer launch was one of the brand's most successful pivots in years.
Interestingly, the deal with Castillo Hermanos includes these "adult" versions of the drink. Since Castillo Hermanos already has deep roots in the beer and spirits industry (remember Gallo Beer?), they are uniquely positioned to take the SunnyD alcohol line and run with it.
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They aren't just looking at kids anymore. They're looking at the 30-somethings who grew up drinking the stuff and now want it with a 4.5% ABV at a tailgate.
Why the Ownership Change Matters to You
You might think, "Who cares who owns it as long as it tastes the same?" But ownership shifts usually dictate what's actually in the bottle.
- Manufacturing Shifts: Castillo Hermanos plans to use those six U.S. plants to produce their other Latin American brands, like Del Frutal juices. This could lead to more variety on the shelves.
- Product Stability: Unlike private equity firms that look to flip a company in 5 to 7 years, Castillo Hermanos is a 139-year-old family business. They tend to play the long game.
- Investment: The deal was backed by Centerview Capital, which is led by former Gillette CEO Jim Kilts. When big names like that are involved, it usually means there’s a massive budget for marketing and new flavor innovation.
The Verdict on Who Owns Sunny Delight Today
If you're looking for the short answer: Castillo Hermanos owns it through their subsidiary, Harvest Hill Beverage Company.
It’s a new era for the brand. We’ve moved past the "Procter & Gamble" days of the 90s and the "private equity flipping" era of the 2010s. Now, SunnyD is part of a global family legacy that seems intent on keeping the sun shining on that iconic bottle for another few decades.
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What you can do next:
If you're curious about how your favorite brands are changing under new management, keep an eye on the labels for Harvest Hill or Castillo Hermanos branding. You might also see new Central American juice brands appearing in your local grocery store as they begin to utilize their new U.S. distribution network. Check out the "About" section on the official SunnyD website periodically—they've been updating their corporate history to reflect these massive shifts.