How to Market and Advertise Your Florida Citrus Grove: A Guide for Small Growers
How to Stand Out in the Competitive Florida Citrus Industry with Big Agriculture Looming
Florida’s citrus industry is world-renowned, but for small, family-owned citrus groves, standing out in a crowded marketplace can be a challenge. Competing with large-scale citrus operations and mass-produced orange juice brands requires smart, strategic marketing and advertising. Fortunately, small citrus growers don’t have to navigate this alone—the Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division, part of the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation, provides expert marketing support to help small groves increase visibility, attract customers, and secure long-term success.
This is how you can effectively market and advertise your Florida citrus grove while leveraging the resources available through the Foundation’s dedicated marketing division.
How to Market and Advertise Your Florida Citrus Grove: A Guide for Small Growers
1. Develop a Strong Brand Identity for Your Citrus Grove
Branding is what sets your citrus farm apart from others. Consumers today want more than just a product—they want a story, a connection, and a reason to support small farms. Your citrus grove’s brand should reflect:
Your Farm’s History – Share how your family started the grove, what makes your citrus unique, and why you’re committed to growing fresh, high-quality fruit.
Sustainability & Farming Practices – Many consumers prefer local, sustainably grown produce. Highlight your eco-friendly practices, such as water conservation, organic methods, or bee-friendly farming.
Your Citrus Varieties & Unique Selling Points – Whether you grow heirloom oranges, tangerines, or specialty citrus, showcase what makes your fruit different from the mass-produced alternatives.
How the Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division Can Help: The Foundation’s marketing team can assist with branding development, logo creation, and storytelling strategies to help make your citrus grove stand out.
2. Leverage Digital Marketing & Social Media
Consumers today turn to the internet to find fresh, locally grown produce. A strong online presence is crucial to building a loyal customer base.
Essential Digital Marketing Strategies for Citrus Growers:
Create a Website – A simple website showcasing your farm, produce, and where to buy your citrus is essential.
Use Social Media – Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are perfect for showing off your citrus grove, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with customers.
Leverage Local SEO – Optimize your website and social media pages so customers searching for “fresh Florida oranges near me” can find you easily.
Start an Email Newsletter – Keep your customers updated with seasonal availability, farm events, and special promotions.
How the Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division Can Help: The team provides SEO optimization, social media strategy, and digital advertising support to increase your online reach and attract new customers.
3. Build Relationships with Local Retailers & Restaurants
One of the best ways to increase sales is to get your citrus in front of local grocery stores, farmers' markets, and farm-to-table restaurants. Many restaurants and specialty food stores prefer to source fresh, locally grown citrus over mass-produced options.
How to Approach Retailers & Restaurants:
Network at Farmers' Markets & Food Events – Many business owners attend these events to find fresh produce suppliers.
Offer Free Samples & Tasting Events – Let chefs and grocery buyers experience the quality of your citrus firsthand.
Highlight Your Farm’s Story – Retailers love having a local farmer’s story to share with customers—it adds value to the product.
How the Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division Can Help: The team connects small citrus growers with retailers and restaurants looking for fresh Florida citrus, helping you establish long-term partnerships.
4. Use Creative Advertising to Reach New Customers
Marketing your citrus grove isn’t just about growing great fruit—it’s about getting the word out to potential buyers. Effective advertising can include:
Online Ads – Facebook and Instagram ads allow you to target local customers looking for fresh citrus.
Traditional Advertising – Flyers, local radio spots, and newspaper ads still work well, especially in agricultural communities.
Influencer & Food Blogger Partnerships – Sending citrus samples to food influencers can generate buzz around your farm.
Seasonal Promotions & Citrus Subscription Boxes – Offer limited-time promotions or create a citrus subscription service for customers who want fresh fruit regularly.
How the Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division Can Help: The team develops targeted advertising campaigns, creates engaging ad content, and ensures your citrus grove gets the attention it deserves.
5. Participate in Community Events & Agritourism
Hosting events at your citrus grove is a great way to connect with customers and boost sales. Consider offering:
Farm Tours & U-Pick Experiences – Many families love the experience of picking fresh citrus straight from the grove.
Citrus Tasting Events – Let customers sample different varieties and learn about the citrus-growing process.
School & Educational Programs – Teach children and community groups about Florida’s citrus heritage.
Collaborations with Local Businesses – Work with honey producers, bakeries, and beverage companies to create citrus-based products.
How the Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division Can Help: The division promotes your farm events through digital marketing, PR outreach, and social media campaigns to ensure a great turnout.
How the Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division Helps Citrus Growers Succeed
Marketing a small citrus farm takes time, effort, and expertise—but you don’t have to do it alone. The Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division, part of the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation, exists to help small citrus growers compete with big agricultural corporations and increase sales through strategic marketing efforts.
By working with the division, you gain access to:
Professional Branding & Storytelling – Craft a compelling farm identity that attracts loyal customers.
Digital Marketing & Social Media Expertise – Expand your reach through SEO, targeted ads, and engaging content.
Retail & Restaurant Connections – Get your citrus into local stores and eateries looking for fresh, Florida-grown fruit.
Advertising Campaigns – Ensure your farm stands out with digital, print, and influencer marketing strategies.
Event Promotion & Agritourism Support – Draw customers to your grove through farm events and educational experiences.
Small, family-owned citrus farms are the heart of Florida’s citrus industry. By investing in marketing and advertising, you can ensure your farm thrives, connects with customers, and secures a future for Florida-grown citrus.
Need Help Marketing Your Florida Citrus Grove?
The Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division is here to help! Contact us today to learn how we can elevate your farm’s visibility, connect you with buyers, and create a marketing plan tailored to your citrus grove’s success.
Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation: Donate today to help save the future of the iconic Florida orange