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...