Vegetable & Melon Farming Industry Profile

Companies in this industry produce vegetable and melon crops, seeds, and bedding plants. Major companies include US-based Bolthouse Farms, Chiquita, and Dole Food, along with Chaoda Modern Agriculture (based in Hong Kong), Fresh Del Monte Produce (Cayman Islands), and Mastronardi Produce (Canada).

The global fruit and vegetable seeds market is forecast to reach about $20 billion by 2029, at about 8.8% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the forecast period, according to Data Bridge Market Research. The market is majorly driven by the rising demand for good quality and high performing seeds.

The US vegetable and melon farming industry includes about 70,000 farms with combined annual revenue of about $30 billion, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Vegetable and melon farming covers about 50 types of produce, including lettuce, dried beans, carrots, sweet corn, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, watermelon, honeydew, and cantaloupe. Other fruit production is covered in the Fruit & Tree Nut Farming profile.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by population growth, consumer preferences, and government programs promoting fresh produce. The profitability of individual companies depends on maximizing crop yield and minimizing loss from disease, insects, or unfavorable weather. Large companies have advantages in diversified crop production and access to labor. Small companies can compete effectively by specializing.

The vegetable and melon industry competes with grain, oilseed, fruit, and tree nut farming for cropland, as ...