The relationships between growers in the world famous Indian River citrus region and Japanese importers go back 30 years. Business often is conducted face-to-face as Japanese buyers tour groves and packinghouses.
The world's biggest consumers of Florida grapefruit are Japanese buyers, many of whom come here to make sure they receive the finest.
"They visit in November to see what the season is going to do," said Paul Genke, director of sales and marketing for The Packers of Indian River in Fort Pierce. "We just had a group here in February."
The ties are so close that many citrus folks in the region from Volusia to Palm Beach counties have their business cards printed in Japanese and English.
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