Sengelmann’s Proven Track Record Fuels Promotion (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Richvale, California – Lundberg Family Farms, a family-owned rice producer with nearly nine decades of history, elevated Suzanne Sengelmann to the role of chief executive officer on March 27, 2026. The promotion marks the first time a woman has led the company, succeeding Craig Stevenson, who served as its inaugural non-family CEO.[1][2] Sengelmann steps into the position after driving key growth initiatives as chief growth officer since 2022. The leadership shift comes as the company celebrates surpassing ambitious sustainability targets and robust sales performance.
Sengelmann’s Proven Track Record Fuels Promotion
Suzanne Sengelmann joined Lundberg Family Farms in fall 2022, quickly shaping an enterprise-wide growth strategy. She strengthened the company’s position in Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) leadership and refreshed its brand voice to appeal to contemporary consumers.[2] Her efforts also advanced long-term planning, positioning the business for expanded market reach.
Prior to Lundberg, Sengelmann held executive roles in the consumer goods sector. She served as CEO of Sensitive Home from 2019 to 2022 and as chief brand officer at Oh My Green during overlapping periods. Earlier, she acted as chief marketing officer for Angie’s Boomchickapop popcorn from 2016 to 2018.[1] These experiences equipped her to build purpose-driven brands, a skill set that aligns with Lundberg’s sustainability ethos.
Roots in Innovation: A Family Legacy Since 1937
The Lundberg family arrived in Northern California in 1937, fleeing the Dust Bowl in Nebraska. Albert and Frances Lundberg, along with their four sons, began rice farming on irrigated land, adopting early practices like plowing rice straw back into the soil for fertility.[3] This commitment to leaving the land better evolved into pioneering organic rice in 1969 on 76 acres.
Key milestones shaped the company’s path:
- 1973: Co-founded California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), the nation’s first organic certifying body.
- 1970s: Launched rice cakes using premium rice for superior quality.
- 2004: Offset 100% of headquarters power with wind energy, earning EPA recognition.
- 2023: Introduced the first U.S.-grown ROC rice brand.
Today, the operation spans 19,000 acres managed directly and through partners, with family members like Bryce Lundberg, vice president of agriculture, overseeing farming.[4]
Achieving Full ROC Certification Ahead of Schedule
Lundberg Family Farms transitioned all its organic acres to ROC status, exceeding its 2027 goal. This certification verifies high standards in soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness across the 19,000 acres.[2] Practices include winter flooding of fields to mimic wetlands, cover crops for biodiversity, and hand-rescuing duck eggs—efforts that saved about 30,000 by 2023.
Bryce Lundberg emphasized the alignment of stewardship and profitability. “For over 85 years, our family has cared for the land as if our lives depended on it, because they do,” he stated. “Earning Regenerative Organic Certified across our organic acres affirms that thoughtful stewardship can align with strong business performance.”[2]
Sales Momentum from Sustainability and Innovation
Since launching its first ROC rice in April 2024, the company posted 14% year-over-year overall growth, with no price hikes over organic counterparts.[2] Packaged rice grew 19%, while ready-to-heat products surged 107% in natural channels.[5]
Products reach consumers nationwide via natural, mainstream, and club retailers, plus partnerships like Sweetgreen and Amy’s Kitchen. Recent expansions include on-the-go formats and the Sweet Cakes snack line. Sengelmann noted the formula for success: rigorous standards paired with optimal packaging and pricing to boost repeat buys and category health.[5]
Key Takeaways:
- 100% ROC certification on 19,000 acres, ahead of 2027 target.
- 14% YoY growth since ROC launch, proving sustainability drives sales.
- First female CEO leads expansion into conventional retail like Kroger and Target.
Vision for Scaling Regenerative Impact
Sengelmann expressed enthusiasm for the role. “It is an exciting time to take the lead at a company that has been doing good and doing well for generations,” she said. “As retailers and operators are looking for proof points that sustainability sells, we are providing the proof.”[1]
Future plans focus on penetrating conventional channels and de-risking supply chains for partners. The company aims to demonstrate regenerative organic viability at scale, building on its organic foundation. This leadership transition reinforces Lundberg’s blend of tradition and forward momentum.
Lundberg Family Farms continues to exemplify how environmental care fuels enduring success. What do you think of this leadership shift and its sustainability focus? Tell us in the comments.
