Cheers to Citrus! Grove Roots Brewing Celebrates Florida’s Citrus Legacy

Winter Haven, Florida, USA - In the heart of Winter Haven, Florida, the echoes of a once-thriving citrus industry blend harmoniously with the vibrant craft brewing scene. Joseph Dunham, a third-generation Floridian and founder of Grove Roots Brewing Company, is on a mission to preserve this legacy while elevating local flavors through his artisan beers. Dunham, who launched the brewery in 2016 after returning home, brings a decade of home brewing experience to the table, expertly incorporating citrus and other Florida agricultural products into his creations.

Operating out of a charming 1940s citrus trailer, Grove Roots Brewing reflects a piece of local history while employing about ten passionate individuals. The brewery produces roughly 1,000 barrels of beer annually, of which 20% features refreshing citrus ingredients. Some of Dunham’s notable brews include the fruity „Rind and Shine,“ a grapefruit and tangerine wheat beer, and the zesty „Seed Spitter,“ made with Valencia oranges. Other crowd-pleasers include the „Peach Blond Ale,“ crafted from peaches sourced from Camellia Groves, and the exotic „Habanero IPA“ with a spicy twist from Florida habaneros.

Citrus Revival

Dunham’s commitment to honoring the citrus industry in Central Florida is even more significant against the backdrop of recent statistics. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently reported that citrus production in the state for the 2023-24 season reached 20.2 million boxes, marking a 12% increase from the previous year, when it had totaled 18.1 million boxes. The figures indicate resilience, especially in orange production, which accounts for a whopping 89% of the total citrus output.

Interestingly, while oranges showed a commendable increase of 14%, other categories like grapefruit and tangerines faced slight declines. Grapefruit production was noted at 1.79 million boxes, down 1%, and tangerines fell by 6%. These statistics from Citrus Industry stress Florida’s role as the second-largest citrus producer in the U.S., contributing 17% to national output, with California leading the pack.

The top-performing citrus-producing counties reflect a diverse agricultural landscape. Polk County tops the list with 3.86 million boxes, followed closely by DeSoto and Highlands, with substantial contributions from Hendry and Hardee counties. Together, these five counties account for a staggering 71% of Florida’s total citrus production, a fate that Dunham aims to honor through his brewery.

Crafting Community Connections

What sets Grove Roots apart is Dunham’s penchant for community collaboration. By partnering with local growers, he ensures that the ingredients are as fresh and locally sourced as possible. The brewery collaborates with Florida Chemical Co. to use citrus zest in enhancing flavors while remaining committed to sourcing even more local ingredients in the future. The essence of Dunham’s brewing philosophy revolves around community pride, heritage, and the art of crafting beers that celebrate Florida’s agricultural bounty.

Moreover, the broader citrus market has seen a slight drop in fresh fruit exports, which totaled 395,000 cartons, down from 467,000 in the previous season. Belgium remains the leading destination for grapefruit exports, while Canada takes the crown for oranges and tangerines. In addition, a notable 1.75 million gallons of frozen concentrated orange juice went abroad in the same period, demonstrating that Florida’s products still reach far and wide.

In Dunham’s eyes, every pint poured at Grove Roots Brewing channels the essence of Florida’s agricultural roots, echoing the tales of the past while forging a path for the future. As he says, “There’s something to be said for supporting local,” and through his efforts, he’s not just brewing beer; he’s preserving a part of Florida’s history.