Florida’s Citrus Around the World

                A child sits down at the table, eager to eat breakfast before heading to school. Waiting for him, alongside a bowl of cereal and some fruit, is a glistening glass of Florida’s orange juice. One might assume that this means the child lives in Florida, maybe even somewhere else in America, but he could actually be in another nation thanks to the business relationship that Florida’s citrus industry has with other countries.

                Florida’s citrus has always been an integral part of the United States, but it has been important around the world too. People from other countries also enjoy having a glass of Florida orange juice for breakfast or a Florida grapefruit for a snack. The March, 1958 issue of Florida Southern College’s newspaper, The Southern, had an article titled, “Germany Vital to Florida,” which explains how important the business relationship between Florida’s citrus industry and other countries has always been.

                At the time, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland were the most important European countries to Florida’s citrus industry. Europe was in a time of recovery from the destruction of World War II, with several countries recuperating their agricultural centers. As a result, the long lasting commercial relationship that budded between America and Europe was beneficial for both ends. Germany gave Florida about “$60,000,000 worth of chemicals, structural steel, glass, cement and automobiles.” Austria gave “bicycles, nails and glassware.” Finally, Switzerland gave “watch movements, special chemicals and pharmaceuticals.” Consequently, these countries were able to receive Florida’s citrus in return.

                The commerce comradeship between Florida and these European countries was a crucial one for Florida’s citrus industry. Martin E. Hearn, a former Mutual’s export coordinator, explained that, “This matter of trade is strictly a two-way proposition…If Germany and Austria and Switzerland could not sell their wares to us we could not sell them our Florida orange and grapefruit juice.”

                Thanks to these kinds of business relationships, people can enjoy Florida’s citrus all over the world, no matter how far they are from Florida. It’s something to keep in mind if I ever travel to Europe and feel a little homesick at breakfast time!

Written by Selys Rivera

Student Fellow at the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame

In partnership with Florida Southern College’s McKay Archives Center

Sources:

“Germany Vital to Florida.” The Southern, March 1958.