SIC 5148 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

SIC 5148

This industry is comprised of wholesale distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables. It also includes establishments involved in banana ripening for the trade.

NAICS CODE(S)

422480

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers

In 2001, the U.S. Census Bureau reported a total of 5,753 establishments engaged in the wholesale distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2003 there were a total of 6,988 establishments and a total of 100,125 employees. The total sales generated were approximately $35.8 billion, with the average sales per establishment totaling about $5.7 million. California led the nation in both number of establishments, with 1,419, and value of sales, with $8.4 billion. Florida ranked second with 793 establishments and sales totaling $10.2 million, followed by New York, Texas, and New Jersey. Most industry establishments were classified as merchant wholesalers, those who take title to the goods they sell. The remaining businesses in the classification are agents, brokers, and commission merchants.

The fresh fruits segment had 1,136 establishments and employed 28,103 people. It accounted for more than 16 percent of the market, with total sales of $10.2 million. Banana ripening numbered 528 establishments, and fresh vegetables had 396 establishments and generated $6.3 million.

Sales of fresh vegetables and fruits in the United States have increased significantly since 1987, due in great part to nutritional awareness and promotions by national dietary-health programs such as "5 A Day—For Better Health." Increased interest in adopting a meatless lifestyle also propelled vegetable sales. By the end of the century, more than 12 million Americans considered themselves to be vegetarians.

Vegetable production in 1993 declined one percent, attributable to tomato crop damage in Florida and lower sweet potato production, both of which were down eight percent. Grower receipts in 1995 were $14.8 billion—the fifth consecutive increase in receipts and a record high. Strong prices for lettuces, potatoes, carrots and melons supported the higher receipts as did broccoli and watermelon consumption. Production had increased by the end of the decade, resulting in higher wholesaling receipts. Tomato production alone totaled more than $1 billion in 1998.

An ongoing concern for California and Florida tomato growers impacting wholesalers has been the impact of free trade with Mexico. Tomato imports were up...

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