Fruit & Tree Nut Farming

Fruit & Tree Nut Farming

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry grow fruits and tree nuts for commercial production. Major companies include Blue Diamond Growers, Chiquita Brands, Dole Food Company, Fresh Del Monte Produce, the National Grape Cooperative and its Welch's subsidiary, Ocean Spray, and Tropicana, all based in the US.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by US population growth and consumer trends in food consumption. The profitability of individual companies depends on maximizing crop yield and minimizing risk of disease. Large companies and farm cooperatives have advantages in highly mechanized operations, branded food products, and access to low-cost labor. Small operations can compete effectively by specializing in agritourism as well as organic, heirloom, or unusual fruits and nuts.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major US products include grapes (20% of industry revenue), almonds (21%) and apples (10%). Other leading products include strawberries (9%) and oranges (6%).