Freshly Picked and Florida Proud
A Season of Growth and Grit
For Peace River Citrus Products in Fort Meade, the holiday run means full capacity. Founded in 1991 by citrus veteran Bill Becker, Peace River has grown into one of the largest citrus processors in Florida and the largest grapefruit processor in the world. Its modern, efficient plants handle a significant share of the state’s orange and mandarin crops, producing both concentrate and not-from-concentrate juice for customers worldwide.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS), Florida’s total citrus production for the 2024-25 season is projected at 14.6 million boxes, down 28 percent from the prior year’s 20.3 million boxes. Within that, orange production accounts for roughly 12.2 million boxes and grapefruit about 1.3 million. While acreage continues to consolidate, now at 274,705 acres statewide, an estimated 17 percent decline from last year, Florida remains responsible for nearly one-fifth of all U.S. citrus production.
The decline in acreage hasn’t dampened demand. In fact, tighter supply has helped shift the market toward higher-value fruit and premium juice. And with holiday demand surging for fresh fruit baskets, seasonal juices, and restaurant-grade citrus, processors like Peace River and its grower partners are working overtime to meet the call.
Florida Citrus: From Local Groves to Global Reach
In Vero Beach, IMG Citrus cultivates over 11,000 acres of fresh citrus, supplying domestic retailers and international buyers. Their controlled-environment “CUPS” groves (Citrus Under Protective Screen) represent the next wave of Florida innovation, a strategy that safeguards fruit against weather and greening while ensuring consistent yields.
Nearby, Al’s Family Farms adds a handcrafted touch to the mix. The third-generation, family-owned grower specializes in hand-packed gift citrus, from Honeybells to Ruby Red grapefruit and ships thousands of boxes nationwide each winter. Their success reflects a statewide trend: smaller growers thriving by focusing on freshness, experience, and direct-to-consumer relationships.
From large-scale juice production to boutique fruit boxes, Florida’s citrus businesses share a common rhythm and it peaks between November and January. Local markets like the Winter Garden Farmers Market, held Saturdays at the Downtown Pavilion, help bridge the gap between growers and consumers, making it easier to shop local and celebrate the season with a true taste of Florida.
For an industry that’s powered the state’s economy for generations, citrus remains as bright as ever, evolving, innovating, and still delivering that unmistakable Florida flavor, one glass of orange juice at a time.
Discover more about Florida’s fresh markets at https://guidetoflorida.com/produce-markets-local-farms
