Cranberry Capital of the World is Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – The state is once again the top cranberry producer for the thirtieth straight year – producers want to spread the word. 

Last year’s yield from the state was well over six million barrels – even after an early freeze damaged some of the harvest here.

Cranberries are grown on more than 25,000 acres in Wisconsin, spanning 19 counties in the state.

With more than 250 licensed growers, the Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association says they take pride in being stewards of the land and its legacy. He also said in a press release that this year’s strong crop is a testament to their innovation, environmental care, and deep-rooted dedication to producing America’s native superfruit.

“We go into classrooms and we teach about time for cranberries, because in Wisconsin a lot of our children and a lot of adults really haven’t eaten fresh cranberries. It’s all about teaching and learning our cultural history and what a better way to do it, through taste and touch.” explained Sheila Everheart from Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism. She was on Civic Media’s Mornings with Pat Kreitlow. 

Cranberries support nearly 4,000 thousand jobs, and they contribute nearly $1 billion annually to the state’s economy. With those metrics, it’s no wonder they were named the state fruit 20 years ago!

Wood County led the state’s cranberry production last year with over 1.88 million barrels, which is roughly 30 percent of the state’s total output. Monroe County wasn’t far behind, with 1.09 million barrels, almost 18 percent, while Juneau and Jackson counties produced nearly 17 and 15 percent, respectively. Vilas County rounded out the top five cranberry-producing counties with 4.5 percent.

The 2025 growing season starts now. Harvesting takes place in the fall, from September through early November.

“Most of the cranberries are made into cranberry juices and craisins. But we have an abundance of fresh cranberries.” said Everheart.

About 5 percent of the crop is sold fresh, and it’s usually during the holiday season.