Fruit Delivery from the Sunshine State

When it comes to agricultural products, accurate numbers are hard to come by. Most crops are lumped together and figures are not regularly released to the public. Believe it or not, the last time the government examined the fruit, nut, and vegetable industries in the United States was in 1997. They grouped them together in their census of agriculture, which found that 12 million acres of fruit, nut, and vegetable crops were brought to market in that year. The total value of those crops was $23 billion, or about one-quarter of America’s total crop production.

Although we do not have all the numbers, we can tell you that the fruit industry in America has changed, due in no small part to the internet. Fruit delivery companies ship thousands of tons of fruit in trays, crates, boxes and baskets. Most of them are located in Florida. Why Florida?

The Sunshine State is home to a massive 9 billion-dollar a year citrus industry. They are responsible for over 70 percent of the total U.S. citrus crop. Florida is the national leader in oranges, lemons, limes, tangerines, and tangelos. Not to mention the fact that they are the world leader in grapefruit production.

Growers in Florida have always and probably will always make most of their money selling their wares to supermarkets on the east coast. Most of these shipments contain orange juice, since over 95 percent of Florida oranges are sent to processing plants for juicing. The rest are sold as fresh fruit.

Fruit delivery companies have also established profitable businesses online. These sellers offer specialty products like fruit baskets, trays, boxes, and crates. Like flowers, they can be personalized for special occasions. Shoppers can now order fruit for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations.

What is the appeal? The first fruit basket started out as a corporate gift that was sent to clients and colleagues during the holidays. But as prices came down due to the internet, people started sending them to their families and friends. Fruit lovers also place online orders for fruit varieties they can’t find at their local supermarket.

Fruit baskets and trays are an increasingly popular alternative to flowers. Though the first fruit baskets were developed by florists, the two have gown their separate ways. Most modern fruit delivery companies focus on fruit, while most florists offer only flowers these days. Of course, the two will always be linked.

When searching for a fruit delivery company on the internet, it is always a good idea to find one that is located in the state where the fruit is actually grown. For instance, if you are interested in citrus, it is best to search for fruit delivery companies in Florida. These suppliers not only offer fresher fruit, but it should also be cheaper.

Taste the Sunshine with Hale Groves

At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

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