31 Great Fruit & Vegetable Business Ideas You Can Start In 2023

31 Great Fruit & Vegetable Business Ideas You Can Start In 2023

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 2023 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 Can You Make?
$10,000/month
Skills

Case Study

Hello, my name is Harris Derner and I am the co-founder of Brine Brothers, an All-Natural Premium Brine company. I started Brine Brothers in 2016 with my friend of 25+ years, Michael Belicose. Our current products are all-natural, drinkable pickle brines; ‘Darn Good Dill’ - the classic for pickle lovers and ‘Chili Cherry Fire’ - for those who like it hot. Pickle ‘brine’ (also referred to as pickle ‘juice’) is the liquid solution that transforms cucumbers into pickles.

how-we-launched-a-viral-pickle-juice-to-cure-our-hangovers

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 Can You Make?
$400,000/month
Skills

Case Study

I’m Parker Garlitz, one of the Co-Founders of True Leaf Market. We are an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO and organic seeds. We also offer growing supplies and starter kits. We sell to home gardeners up to professional growers. We offer traditional vegetable garden, flower and herb seeds as well as specialty seeds like microgreens, sprouts, and wheatgrass. The other Co-Founders are Lance Heaton, Kaitlin Jones & Robb Baumann.

how-we-started-a-400k-month-business-selling-seeds-and-growing-supplies

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.

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 Can You Make?
Average Initial Investment
$30,000
Skills

Case Study

Hi! We are the Simple Goodness Sisters, real-life sisters Belinda Kelly (4 years younger, the bartender) and Venise Cunningham (the older sister and the farmer.) We are a lifestyle beverage brand focused on bringing the world a Happier Hour, from garden to glass.

The first product we launched were our simple syrups. The syrups launched in three flavors in Fall 2018 (Rhubarb Vanilla Bean, Marionberry Mint, and Huckleberry Spruce Tip), followed by 3 additional flavors in Spring 2019 (Lemon Herb, Berry Sage, and Blueberry Lavender), and edible flower salts and sugars for rimming in Fall 2019. During that time we pushed our ability to grow, harvest, and package in a major way, growing at a rate of 4 times our original production, with quite a learning experience along the way. We both come from a technical background in corporate Seattle, so organic farming, food production, and entrepreneurship are all areas we’re learning by doing, and Google!

how-we-left-our-jobs-at-tech-companies-to-sell-farm-fresh-cocktail-ingredients

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 Can You Make?
$30,000/month
Skills

Case Study

Hi there. I’m Jen Hansard, the co-founder of Simple Green Smoothies where we create plant-powered recipes that gives you the energy and health to fuel your passion. It all started on Instagram in 2012, yet over the years (and with a LOT of hustle and luck) it has exploded into a brand of best-selling plant-based recipe books, live community cleanses, adventure retreats and the #1 green smoothie app in iTunes, Daily Blends. Since 2012, Simple Green Smoothies has helped over 2 million people take control of their health in a tasty and simple way.

Our programs can bring in as much as $30,000 a month in revenue, which helps me pay our staff, expenses and also allows us to help women farmers in Cambodia build mushroom farms through World Hope International. Click here to learn more.

how-one-woman-went-from-wic-to-ceo-of-her-own-smoothie-empire

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 Can You Make?
Time To Revenue
240 days
Skills
Business model

Case Study

My name is Ivory Mouzon and I’m the Chief Accountability Officer and Founder of Honeydew Lists.

We just launched a few weeks ago, but we are expecting to bring in at a minimum of $5000 in our first month.

making-5k-per-month-mailing-people-melons

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 Can You Make?
$10,000/month
Skills

Case Study

My name is Ethan Holmes. I’m from Shaker Heights, Ohio and I am the 25-year-old founder and CEO of Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce.

Holmes is an all natural applesauce product I created at the age of 15 and have since grown to hundreds of grocery stores throughout the Midwest.

how-an-entrepreneur-from-ohio-launched-his-own-applesauce-company

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 Can You Make?
$15,000 — $2,000,000/month
Average Initial Investment
$35
Time To Revenue
240 days
Skills
Business model

Case Study

My name is Evan Delahanty and I’m the Founder & CEO of Peaceful Fruits. Peaceful Fruits makes healthy, delicious, rainforest friendly fruit snacks.

Though we are still small, we’ve gone from $8000 in sales in 2015, to $25,000 in 2016, to $150,000 in 2017. We are now employing 30 people with disabilities in our production facility and have paid tens of thousands of dollars in wages to some of the most underserved people in any community.

peaceful-fruits-growing-a-fruit-snack-business-for-a-good-cause

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 Can You Make?
$2,250 — $12,500,000/month
Skills

Case Study

Hello! My name is Mustafa Mannan, co-founder and co-owner of Trini Pepper Sauce by Findlay Food Group llc. Undergrad friends and I started producing two varieties of sauce, mild [also known as “Original”] and hot, five years ago.

Today, the sauce is sold in specialty stores in Raleigh and Washington DC, with the majority of sales coming from our online store front. All in all we are averaging $3000/month in revenue.

how-we-started-a-successful-hot-sauce-brand

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.

How Much Can You Make?
$50,000/month
Skills

Case Study
  • Nate Dodson, is an urban farmer and the man behind MicroGreens Farmer. His objectives are to combat Crohn's disease and exert more control over the diet.
  • Since the business was founded in 2016, they have assisted individuals in starting their own microgreens-related businesses.
  • He initially only intended to grow for his own consumption, but soon realized that he could produce more than he could consume. As a result, he began to sell his produce, particularly microgreens, and thus his business got started.

article

Read the full story on sidehustlenation.com ➜

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.

How Much Can You Make?
Skills

Case Study
  • Shannon Houchin started a roadside produce stand, Roadside Republic, mainly selling fresh produce.
  • Houchin earns $1000 on weekends while only flipping peaches. Occasionally, she earns up to $3000 over the weekend selling fresh fruits and veggies.
  • Finding a busy parking lot or a convenience store for her stand is one of the main aspects of this business. Shannon claimed that she has always paid a base rate of $25 per day for putting up her stand.

article

Read the full article on sidehustlenation.com ➜

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

How Much Can You Make?
Skills

Case Study
  • Shannon Houchin started a roadside produce stand, Roadside Republic, mainly selling fresh produce.
  • Houchin earns $1000 on weekends while only flipping peaches. Occasionally, she earns up to $3000 over the weekend selling fresh fruits and veggies.
  • Finding a busy parking lot or a convenience store for her stand is one of the main aspects of this business. Shannon claimed that she has always paid a base rate of $25 per day for putting up her stand.

article

Read the full article on sidehustlenation.com ➜

Pat Walls,  Founder of Starter Story
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I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.

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