Family-owned citrus businesses in Vero Beach
All across America, there are farms. When you think of dairy farms, you may consider all the black and white cows in the Midwest. Amish farms, you’ll likely associate the rolling hills of Pennsylvania and the horse and buggies that Amish families traditionally use for transportation.
When you think of citrus farms – oranges, grapefruit, tangerines – of course you think of Florida. And right here in Vero, we have a handful of family-owned and operated citrus groves and retail stores that are passionate about the fruit they sell and ship all around the state, the country, even around the world. Florida’s tropical climate is ideal for growing citrus, and it has been a long-time family-oriented industry in the state.
Poinsettia Groves
Poinsettia Groves, locally owned, is located at 1481 U.S. Highway 1 in Vero Beach.
Poinsettia Groves has been shipping premium Florida Oranges and Grapefruit and other sweet citrus gifts from Florida since 1947. Favorites include Navel oranges, Honeybells, Temples, Valencias, Tangelos, Ruby Red Grapefruit, and fancy fruit baskets.
Their retail store is located at 1481 U.S. Highway 1 in Vero Beach, and hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit them online and on social media for holiday orders and monthly packages available. Tasting is available within the store.
Peterson Groves & Nursery
Peterson Groves & Nursery is located at 3375 65th Avenue and has been a family tradition since 1913.
This historic citrus packing house is one of the oldest in the Indian River County, dating back to 1913. It features a gift shop full of gourmet dressings, dips, sauces, local honey, farm fresh eggs and produce, souvenirs, sweet delicious Florida taffy, Alligator Jerky and more.
Farm animals are on site for kids to enjoy, as well as a “Squirrel Treasure Hunt” where youngsters receive a prize at the end.
Peterson Groves is located at 3375 65th Avenue in Vero Beach. Visit their website or find them on social media for online ordering and holiday gift shopping. Tasting is available within the gift shop.
Schacht Groves
Locally owned by Louis and Henry Schacht, this citrus company has something for everyone and they guarantee satisfaction.
Family-owned and operated since 1950, Schacht Groves is another of Indian River County’s go-to places for all things citrus.
Their gift shop has a variety of local honey, citrus fruits, juices, jams, jellies, marmalade, and souvenirs, and Louis and Henry Schacht say citrus from the Schacht Groves Indian River region is 25 percent heavier and juicier than the same size fruit grown outside Florida.
Find them on social media or on their website, and their physical location is 6100 12th St. in Vero Beach. Tasting is available in the store, and holiday shipping is available.
Florida Indian River Groves
This A1A-based citrus company is famous for its fundraiser program, as well as its quality citrus. While their physical location is located at 4625 Highway A1A, you’ll do most of your shopping here online at their website.
Florida Indian River Groves’ President, Tom Knowles, guarantees fundraising success for schools, churches, civic organizations, FFA’s, and non-profits. Their profit calculator and customer service team are ready to help with every step of the process, and they also have holiday shipping available.
Their number is 1-800-468-3168.
Countryside Citrus
The folks at Countryside Citrus are growers, harvesters, and shippers of citrus in Indian River County. They boast “where the tropics begin” as where they grow their grapefruit, oranges, tangelos, and tangerines.
Countryside Citrus has two retail locations: One is located at 3300 Ocean Drive, where you’ll also find the recently opened El Sid Taqueria, which uses the fresh citrus from Countryside Citrus as a part of their ingredients on their menu. The other location is 6325 81st Street in Vero Beach.
Of course, they have online ordering available and holiday specials. You can also request a catalog. Their number is 1-888-550-5745. Find them online at their website or on social media.
I earned my bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Central Florida, and my bachelor's in nursing from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA. I certainly embrace my experience as a nurse (and have experience as a firefighter and EMT as well), however my passion has always been in the field of journalism. I thoroughly enjoy writing and making words come to life.
When I'm not behind a computer screen typing or in front of a canvas painting, you can usually find me somewhere near the water with my two kids and my husky, Skye (who also blogs and has her own YouTube).
I think small businesses that are locally-owned and operated are far under appreciated so I support and recommend them whenever I can.
Oh, and I am fueled by sunshine, coffee, and pixie dust.
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