Fruit & Tree Nut Farming Industry Profile

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.

The global fruit and nut farming market is forecast to reach about $2 trillion in 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.3%, according to the Business Research Company. Bananas, watermelon, apple, oranges, and grapes are the most produced crops, according to Statista. China, India, the US, and Brazil are the world's leading growers, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The US fruit and tree nut farming industry includes about 120,000 farms with combined annual revenue of about $30 billion. Separate industry profiles cover Vegetable & Melon Farming and Fruit & Vegetable Processing.

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.

The fruit and nut industry competes with grain, vegetable, and melon farming for crop acreage, as farmers tend ...