Family-run Schacht Groves puts personal touch in gift-fruit business
Vero Beach — Though Schacht Groves was founded 60 years ago, the gift-fruit shipping and retail store is the biggest reason why the business has survived.
Traveling salesman Henry H. Schacht had taken a liking to Vero Beach, so in 1950 he bought 50 acres of orange groves west of the town. Over the next 20 years, the farm grew to 400 acres and added other citrus varieties, but was strictly a commercial producer for packing houses until Schacht’s son, Henry F. Schacht, started a gift-fruit business as a hobby.
From the time he joined his father’s business in 1960, Henry F. Schacht, now 79, was the one-man gang taking care of the groves during the growing season. He and his wife, Janet, started the gift-fruit business so he would have something to do from November to May during the harvest season.
Though the majority of the Schacht Groves’ crop still goes to Indian River Exchange Packers in Vero Beach, Schacht Groves sells the best 10 percent or so as packed fruit or juice directly to consumers through its store at 6100 12th St., or its Web site, www.schachtgroves.com.
