Peaches are rich in vitamin C and also contain a good amount of potassium and iron. The Elberta peach is the most popular variety grown today, comprising about half of the peach harvest each year. Some peaches are immediately sent to manufacturers for canning purposes.

Consider adding peaches to your store, whether in the form of fresh peaches, peach juice or other peach products such as canned peaches. If you’re located in the right region, growing peaches might be a good option for you. Before adding peaches to your product lineup, consider the following:

1. Do you have a market for fresh peaches from local or international suppliers?

2. Would you consider adding canned peach products to your store?

3. Would your customers be interested in peach juice?

4. Do you live in an area where you could produce your own peaches?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out fresh peaches from peach producers

There are a variety of international and national peach growers that distribute to all areas of the United States. Be aware of the peach harvesting season for each of the peach growers so you can know when to start marketing your peaches.

I recommend: Singer Farms sells wholesale peaches in several varieties between August and September each year. Titan Farms begins its peach season in mid-May and continues through early September.

Find distributors of canned peaches

Peaches have a long-standing tradition of being available canned. Although not as delectable as a freshly picked peach, canned varieties do have their merit and are often used in desserts.

I recommend: Del Monte offers an extensive peach product line, including peach halves (both “lite” and regular), sliced and diced peaches. Check out FoodServiceDirect.com, an online wholesaler of canned peaches and other foodservice products.

Explore peach juice manufacturers

While probably not the most common way of enjoying the health benefits and delicious taste of peaches, peach juice is another product available on the market. Look for organic varieties from distributors, too.

I recommend: R.W. Knudsen has a peach nectar in its line of 100 percent juice products. Welch’s offers a 100 percent juice white grape peach product.

Grow your own peaches tree

It can take three to four years for a peach seed to grow into fruit-producing tree. That's why many people opt to purchase a peach tree from local nurseries or online, depending on location.

I recommend: Nature Hills Nursery offers several types of peach tree varieties, including Cresthaven, Elberta and Reliance peach trees. Sanhedrin Nursery has even more peach tree varieties from which to choose.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Order a small quantity of peaches or peach products as your first shipment. You want to be sure customers are interested in the product before you invest too much money into it.