31 Great Fruit & Vegetable Business Ideas You Can Start In 2024
Would you like to start your own fruit and vegetable business but still need to find the right business idea?
There are countless fruit business ideas you can try and earn a decent profit. While it sounds exciting to start your own fruits business, it's important that you run with the right idea.
Your goal should be to build a fruit business that is not only profitable but can also ensure your long-term success.
Hopefully, all of the fruit & vegetable business ideas listed here will give you inspiration and a head start for the 2024 year.
1. Start a pickle business
Pickle is a juice of vegetables or fruits preserved in brine or vinegar. The global demand for packed pickles is snowballing, making it a viable fruit & vegetable business idea.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
Brine Brothers sells all-natural pickle brine (pickle juice), generating over $10,000/month and winning an investment from Barstool and Jon Taffer, and is determined to become a million-dollar beverage company.
2. Start a sell fruit and vegetable seedlings
Home gardening is becoming a norm due to the rising cost of food and the demand for healthier alternatives. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for fruit and vegetable seedlings, which creates entrepreneurs' opportunities.
How much you can make: $400,000/month
True Leaf Market, an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO, and organic seeds, growing supplies, and starter kits, has grown to a profitable $400k/month business, with revenue diversified across their website, 3rd party online sellers, Amazon, eBay, brick and mortar health food stores, and fulfillment services, and plans to continue growth through acquisitions and onboarding 50 to 100 new SKUs monthly.
3. Start a vegetable farm
Do you have some idle land and are willing to start a vegetable business?
Mushrooms, micro greens, ginseng, lavender, and bonsai plants are some profitable vegetables you can grow and sell.
How much you can make: $85,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Small Axe Peppers is a thriving hot sauce manufacturing business that partners with over 200 community gardens in the United States, growing locally sourced produce and producing an impressive 70,000 bottles of hot sauce per year; the success is the result of a genuine mission, a great story, an online business, and active social media channels.
4. Start a sell farm fresh cocktail
Cocktails are a great way to beat the summer heat. You can grow some juicy fruits and vegetables and establish a roadside farm-fresh cocktail stall.
How much you can make: $7,000/month
How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)
Simple Goodness Sisters is a lifestyle beverage brand that produces "farm to bar" cocktail mixers and accessories made with natural, sustainable ingredients, growing at a rate of 4 times their original production.
5. Start a smoothie business
Smoothie is a blend of whole fruits containing bananas, yogurt, honey, ice cream, and other ingredients.
Smoothie businesses attract health-conscious consumers, and their mass appeal has grown tremendously.
In the US alone, smoothie bars are a 3-billion-dollar industry. Therefore, starting your smoothie business can be a great idea from an entrepreneur’s standpoint. To start your smoothie bar, consider an ideal location, and ensure a proper shop format. The alternative smoothie shop formats include:
- Dine in Plenty of seating space: customers order and pay at the counter.
- Window only: Serves takeaway smoothies with customers ordering and paying at the counter
- Food truck: Mobile smoothie shop allowing you to connect with a more extensive customer
The rising popularity of healthy juices and the low startup cost makes the smoothie industry an appealing frozen food business idea.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Simple Green Smoothies boasts a free 7-day smoothie challenge that has helped over 2 million people take control of their health and generates revenue with programs ranging from a 21-day cleanse to a plant-based meal planner, bringing in as much as $30k a month and also working to help women farmers in Cambodia build mushroom farms through World Hope International.
6. Start a fruit delivery business
With today's busy lifestyles, people have turned to food delivery services. You can start a fruit delivery business, where you source fruits from reputable farms or groceries and deliver them to customers at a fee.
Alternatively, you can grow your own fruits and vegetables and deliver them to customers.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
Honeydew Lists mails editable honeydew melons for a unique way of creating a "honey-do" list, attracting 30 customers on its initial launch and anticipating $5000 revenue within its first month.
7. Start an applesauce business
There is a rising demand for healthy ready-to-consume products. One alternative is applesauce, which is rich in antioxidants and provides plenty of nutrients. If you are looking for a fruit business idea, you can start manufacturing applesauce and sell it to healthy-foods-conscious consumers.
How much you can make: $40,000/month
How long does it take to build: 900 days (?)
Ohio entrepreneur grows natural applesauce product from his mom's kitchen to 200 Midwest store locations, selling up to 4,000 units monthly and appearing in news outlets like Black Enterprise and Fox 8, while also giving speeches and presentations to schools, universities, and summer camps.
8. Start a fruit snacks business
Love snacking? As consumers become more health-conscious, they are turning to fruit snacks. Therefore, starting a fruit snacks business today can be a great idea.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $35 (?)
Peaceful Fruits, an award-winning for-profit social enterprise, sells organic, clean label, natural fruit snacks and has gone from $8,000 in sales in 2015 to $150,000 in 2017, employing 30 people with disabilities in their production facility and is an excellent example of a successful, mission-based business.
9. Start a sauce and ketchup business
Ketchup is used primarily in commercial fast-food shops, but its demand is increasing at the household level. The demand for ketchup is supported by the significant growth in the food and beverage industry.
How much you can make: $2,250 — $200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 86 days (?)
Trini Pepper Sauce co-founder and co-owner, Mustafa Mannan, shares how he successfully imported and manufactured his family's unique pepper sauce recipe and launched it through a Kickstarter campaign, now selling an average of $3,000/month in revenue.
10. Start an organic farm
An organic farm uses ecologically based pest control and biological fertilizers derived from animal and plant wastes.
More people have become conscious of the health benefits of organic farm produce. As a result, the demand for organic farm produce is overgrowing, creating a business opportunity for farmers across the globe.
Therefore, if you are interested in organic farming, consider starting the business. You do not need massive land to begin your organic farm.
Start with creating an organic farm in your backyard using vertical farming. You can grow flowers, vegetables, or cereals on your organic farm.
11. Start a hydroponic farm business
A hydroponic farm is a modern method of growing crops that uses only small amounts of soil, with all other nutrients needed to be provided in liquid form.
The production of hydroponic crops takes place indoors, generally under artificial lighting and protected by some form of physical covering or insulated blanket to retain the appropriate, close-to-nature temperature and humidity levels necessary to ensure healthy plant growth. This type of farming saves a lot of time and energy.
Hydroponic farming is very profitable, and farmland the size of an acre will yield between $200,000 and $250,000 each year, while traditional farmland gives you between $20,000 and $30,000.
12. Start a packed cut vegetables business
13. Start a fruit canning business
An often-overlooked opportunity for profit is the fruit canning business. Fruit canning can generate a lot of money as you supply natural and healthy fruits to consumers.
To start a fruit canning business, you can source fruits from suppliers across the country or from your fruit farm.
You can put up your fruit canning plant at home in your garage to avoid the cost of rent and other commercial licenses you would pay if you were to set up the plant in a commercial area.
Before starting the fruit processing business, investigate the local laws and explore the market, identifying potential customers and mapping out your competition.
Then, ensure a reliable supply of fruits, and go for high-quality produce.
14. Start a door-to-door vegetable selling business
15. Start a fruits and vegetables distribution business
16. Start a fruit cups and bowls selling business
17. Start a fruits and vegetables wholesaling business
18. Start a fruit art and carvings business
19. Start a fruits store
Starting a fruit store can be a rewarding and lucrative business idea for those who love working with fresh produce and helping customers lead healthier lives. As a fruit store owner, you will be responsible for sourcing and selling fresh fruits and vegetables to your customers.
To start a fruit store, you must secure a physical location with adequate space to store and display your products. This may be a standalone store or a kiosk within a larger retail space. You will also need to secure a reliable source of fresh produce to sell, which may involve working with local farmers or wholesalers.
In addition to sourcing and selling fruits and vegetables, you may also consider offering other related products, such as smoothies, juices, and prepared fruit salads. To run your fruit store successfully, you will need to have excellent customer service skills and be able to keep track of inventory and pricing.
Marketing and advertising your fruit store will also be crucial to attracting and retaining customers. This may involve creating social media profiles, running promotions, and participating in local events and farmer’s markets.
Starting a fruit store can be a challenging but rewarding business venture. With the proper planning and execution, you can build a successful fruit store that helps your customers lead healthier, happier lives.
20. Start a candied fruits selling business
21. Start a fruit and vegetable cart business
22. Start a growing products business
The "growing products business" is an innovative idea that involves the production and sale of products that are made from plants that are grown in a controlled environment. These products can include vegetables, herbs, flowers, and more.
To run this business, you will need to invest in a greenhouse or other controlled growing environment, as well as the necessary equipment and supplies such as seeds, soil, and fertilizers. You will also need to have a basic understanding of horticulture and plant care.
One of the main benefits of running this type of business is the ability to control the growing conditions, which can lead to higher quality and more consistent products. Additionally, the demand for locally grown, organic produce is on the rise, providing a potential market for your products.
This business can be run on a small or large scale, depending on your resources and goals. It can be run as a traditional brick-and-mortar operation, or you can sell your products online or at farmers' markets.
Overall, the "growing products business" is a unique and rewarding opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs who have a passion for horticulture and a desire to make a positive impact on the environment and their community.
23. Become a vegan cookbook author
24. Start a roadside farm stand business
25. Start a Botanical Pesticide Production Business
Botanical pesticide production is a business that involves the growing and processing of plant-based pesticides. This business is ideal for people who enjoy working with plants and want to learn how to grow them and make their own pesticides.
Botanical pesticide production can be profitable, with great returns on investment. The estimated cost of pesticide use in the U.S. is approximately $12 billion annually. Meanwhile, the top pesticide manufacturers reap over $150 billion in profit each year from pesticides and other agricultural technologies.
Starting a botanical pesticide production business is not very difficult, as long as you have the right tools and ingredients at hand. Anyone can start a Botanical Pesticide Production business by learning about the products in this industry.
26. Start a fruit jam selling business
The fruit jam-selling business involves creating and selling homemade or commercially produced fruit jams. Depending on the production scale, this business can be run from a home kitchen or a commercial kitchen.
To start a fruit jam-selling business, you will need to research and source high-quality fruit, create a unique jam recipe, and determine the target market for your products. You will also need to consider the cost of ingredients, packaging materials, and labeling requirements.
To sell your jams, you can use various channels such as farmers’ markets, online marketplaces, or wholesale distribution to stores and restaurants. Establishing a solid brand identity and creating visually appealing packaging to stand out in the market is essential.
To run a successful fruit jam-selling business, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of food safety regulations and adhere to them. You should also be willing to continually innovate and diversify your product range to meet changing consumer demand. Building relationships with customers and suppliers and investing in marketing will also be key to growing your business.
27. Start an exotic fruits selling business
28. Start a fruit and vegetable chips business
Are you interested in offering solutions that support change in consumer lifestyle? If yes, consider starting a business inclined towards healthy fruit and vegetables. According to experts, the global healthy fruit and vegetable chips market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% over the next few years.
The market growth results from increased awareness and preference for functional, convenient, and flavored ready-to-eat snacks. Opening a fruit and vegetable business could be a lucrative business based on the market potential.
29. Start a Fruits And Vegetables Export Business
Fruits and vegetables exporting is a branch of the agriculture industry. This business involves the export of fresh fruits, and vegetables from one location to another location.
The U.S. fruit and vegetable exports to other countries have increased by $7.2 billion since last year, a 4-percent increase. Due to its geographic proximity and climate, Canada remained the top U.S. market for exports valued at $3.7 billion.
To start this business, you need to buy or collect fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers. Then you need to export these goods. You can export these goods through any shipping company or supplier. You can also use online platforms for exporting.
It is an easy business to run if you have a good understanding of it. You don't need a lot of capital to start this business and can make money from your own home.
30. Start a fruit butters and cheese business
Fruit butter and cheese is a unique and growing business opportunity for entrepreneurs. The process involves taking fresh fruit and pureeing it into a spreadable consistency, similar to jams or jellies. However, fruit butter is typically made with less sugar and is cooked for a longer period of time, giving it a deeper and more concentrated flavor.
Cheese is also a popular product in the fruit butter and cheese business. This can include soft and creamy cheeses made with fruit purees and harder and more aged options. The key to success in this business is sourcing high-quality ingredients and experimenting with different flavor combinations to stand out in the market.
To run a successful fruit butter and cheese business, it is important to focus on the following tips:
Research the market: Understanding your target audience and competitors is crucial for success. Research local farmers’ markets and specialty food stores to get a feel for what products are already available and what gaps in the market you can fill.
Source top-quality ingredients: The quality of your fruit and cheese will directly affect the quality of your products. Invest in fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Experiment with flavor combinations: Don’t be afraid to try new and unique flavor combinations. Consider using unusual fruits or pairing fruit with complementary flavors like herbs or spices.
Invest in proper packaging: Attractive packaging is important for attracting customers and protecting your products. Invest in high-quality containers and labels to stand out on store shelves.
Build a strong brand: Building a strong brand is essential for success in any business. This includes creating a cohesive brand image, developing a strong social media presence and consistently delivering top-quality products to customers.
Following these tips, entrepreneurs can successfully launch and grow a fruit butter and cheese business. This business can be a profitable and fulfilling venture with a focus on quality ingredients, innovative flavor combinations, and strong branding.
31. Start a roadside fruit stall business
Want to combine local produce with a simple, community-focused business? Consider setting up a roadside fruit stall. This venture is all about selling fresh, locally-sourced fruits to people on the move.
The concept is straightforward: find a strategic location with good traffic flow, set up a visually appealing stall, and offer an assortment of fresh fruits. The appeal lies in the low startup costs and the ability to tap into the increasing demand for fresh and organic produce.
Running a roadside fruit stall means early mornings to source the best produce, and commitment to hygiene and presentation. You’ll interact directly with customers, fostering a sense of community and trust. It's not just about making a sale; it’s about offering a tangible connection to the land and local farmers.
If you enjoy the outdoors and have a passion for fresh produce, this could be an ideal way to turn those interests into a profitable and fulfilling venture.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
