Role of Fruit and Vegetable Canning in the Economy of Blair County

Abstract

The Penn State Workforce Education and Development Initiative conducted an analysis of the economic impact of fruit and vegetable canning in Blair County in Pennsylvania. The results of the analysis provide a benchmark for measuring the total employment, employee compensation, and property taxes associated with every 100 workers employed in Blair County's fruit and vegetable canning firms.

The current recession has reshaped consumer behavior in the U.S. Tightened budgets are forcing many consumers to eat more of their meals at home, making them more likely to purchase canned soups, bottled juices, and pasta sauces, all products of fruit and vegetable canning. These trends are expected to drive fruit and vegetable canning industry revenue in the U.S. to a five-year peak of $34.7 billion in 2010.

Products provided by fruit and vegetable canning industry are classified in the North American Industrial Classification System, code 311421. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, establishments in this industry "are primarily engaged in manufacturing canned, pickled, and brined fruits and vegetables. Examples of products made in these establishments are juices; canned jams and jellies; canned tomato-based sauces, such as catsup, salsa, chili, spaghetti, barbeque, and tomato paste; pickles, relishes, and sauerkraut." During 2007, 48,830 U.S. workers were employed in 724 establishments in this industry, with a payroll of $2.2 billion.

Keywords: economic impact, fruit and vegetable canning