What is the largest product segment in the fruit and nut industry in the United States?

The largest product segment in the fruit and nut industry in the United States is grapes. This is primarily due to the versatility of grapes in various markets, including fresh consumption, drying into raisins, and processing into wine. Grapes have a significant production volume compared to other fruits, which contributes to their dominant position in the industry. The cultivation of wine grapes has particularly surged, leading to a robust economic impact, especially in regions like California, which is a leading producer.

In contrast, while apples, oranges, and bananas are also popular fruits with substantial production levels, they do not reach the same scale of dominance in terms of overall market sales and economic impact as grapes do. This focus on both table grapes and those used for wine production makes grapes a key player in the fruit and nut segment.