Commissioner Putnam Announces Record $4.2 Billion ‘Fresh From Florida’ International Sales in 2014

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From the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

fdacs-grapefruit-tomatoesTALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam today announced that international exports of “Fresh From Florida” products increased last year to $4.2 billion, an all-time record. This is the third year in a row that Florida exports have exceeded $4 billion.

“International demand continues to rise for ‘Fresh From Florida’ fruits, vegetables and other commodities, and we reached an all-time high in 2014,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Our export successes support more than 109,000 Florida jobs and have an economic impact of more than $13 billion.”

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ export report, Florida’s $4.2 billion in agricultural exports last year generated a total economic impact of more than $13 billion and supported more than 109,000 jobs.

Florida exports agricultural products to about 160 countries and territories each year. Canada continues to be the leading destination, receiving almost a quarter of exports, followed by the Bahamas, the Netherlands, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The fastest growing major markets include Colombia, South Korea, Mexico, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

The state’s leading export commodities include meat, fruit, vegetables, juice and nuts. Orange juice is the state’s number one export. The state continues to be a leader in exporting grapefruit, strawberries, watermelons, blueberries, tomatoes, peppers and snap beans.

Last year, the department partnered with 4,450 retail grocery stores in 27 countries and territories to promote “Fresh From Florida” products through in-store promotions, advertising and more.

Click here to see the entire report. For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.