Bernard Egan & Co., headquartered in Fort Pierce, FL, is celebrating 100 years of success as a family-owned-and-operated business growing and marketing fresh citrus.

Founded in 1914, the company has provided many generations of customers with high-quality fresh citrus from around the world.

“We are very proud to be the largest marketer and shipper of fresh Florida citrus,” said President Greg Nelson.Bernard Egan with Miss Citrus in a photo from the 1950s. “And we are one of the largest citrus marketers in the world.”

Age and longevity, Nelson pointed out, symbolize strength and security in an unpredictable marketplace.

“This year marks a time for us to honor past achievements while continuing to move forward by adapting to the changing needs of the market in order to meet our customers’ needs with high-quality year-round citrus,” he added.

Bernard Egan & Co. began in 1914 as a receiver and distributor of fruits and vegetables in New York City. In the 1920s, it began investing in citrus groves and packinghouses in Florida. Today Fellsmere Farms, its growing arm, is one of the largest groves in the state of Florida, with over 20,000 acres.Bernard Egan with fruit packed in wooden crates, circa 1949.

In 1935 the company pioneered a new concept in the citrus industry by selling direct from Florida to its largest customers.

In 1937 Bernard A. Egan joined the company and worked in sales together with his brother.

In 1968 DNE World Fruit Sales was formed as the marketing arm of the company, and it began to grow rapidly. DNE pioneered the development of Japanese markets for fresh Indian River grapefruit as well as expanding European markets for fresh Florida citrus.

In the late 1970s the company branched out and purchased a trucking company and the Indian River Terminal Co.Bernard Egan (center) with unidentified buyers inspecting citrus in New York, circa 1949.

“The emphasis on quality was Bernard Egan’s principle,” explained Nelson. “The only way to build a successful business is through consistent quality.”

Both acquisitions were part of growing the business. By growing, picking, packing and shipping the fruit, the company maintained control of the quality.

The company’s name changed from Egan, Fickett & Co. to Bernard Egan & Co. in 1989, which also marked its 75th anniversary.

In 1997 the company entered into a strategic marketing alliance with Ocean Spray on fresh citrus. Through this alliance, DNE became the exclusive distributor of fresh citrus under the well-recognized “Ocean Spray” brand.A medal commemorating the name change of Egan, Fickett & Co. to Bernard Egan & Co. at the 75th year of the company in 1989.

“This alliance has been very successful for both DNE and Ocean Spray,” said Nelson. “The program continues to grow today.”

DNE has evolved into a global marketer, packer and shipper. Through the years — from 1992 to today — it has ventured outside of Florida citrus in order to offer customers year-round quality citrus.

“Today, DNE imports citrus from Australia, South Africa, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Mexico, Spain and Morocco, as well as kiwi from Italy,” explained Nelson.

In 2007 the company opened World Pack, a 100,000-square-foot warehouse in Gloucester City, NJ, to handle imports and repack service.

“Bernard Egan & Company understands that sustained success in the citrus business is contingent upon the ability to consistently deliver to our customers fruit which is sound, wholesome and flavorful,” said Nelson.Greg Nelson, president of Bernard Egan & Co. and DNE World Fruit Sales.

“We continue the family commitment to operating an organization driven by values of hard work, customers service and produce excellence,” he added.

Today Bernard Egan & Co. continues to develop innovative citrus varieties, packaging and high quality standards.

“We continue to live up to our guiding principle: ‘Bear Good Fruit,’” said Nelson. “We are honored and proud to celebrate our 100th year in an industry that has grown tremendously in every aspect over the years. We thank our employees, growers and customers for their participation in helping us reach this significant milestone.”