A longtime Florida fruit processing company is preparing to cut more than 100 jobs as it winds down operations at one of its facilities, adding to the growing wave of layoffs hitting the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
Peterson Brands recently confirmed plans to close its Fort Myers-area juice plant, a move that will impact approximately 135 employees. The company filed notices indicating the layoffs are expected to occur when the plant closes on June 27, 2026.
Facility closure impacts dozens of workers
The closure marks another difficult development for manufacturing workers across Florida, where food production companies have faced increasing pressure from higher operating costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer demand.
Peterson Brands has been involved in fruit processing and beverage-related production for years, supplying products tied to juice and fruit-based manufacturing. While the company has not publicly detailed all reasons behind the shutdown, industry observers point to ongoing economic pressures affecting processors nationwide.
According to public filings, affected employees include production workers, maintenance staff, warehouse employees, and administrative personnel connected to the facility.
Food manufacturing sector continues to struggle
The layoffs come amid broader turbulence across the food and beverage industry. Multiple manufacturers have announced restructurings, plant closures, and workforce reductions in recent months as companies attempt to streamline operations and cut costs.
Rising labor expenses, inflation, transportation costs, and changing consumer buying habits have placed additional strain on manufacturers already operating on tight margins. Some companies have also invested heavily in automation, reducing the need for large production staffs.
Industry analysts say smaller and mid-sized processors have been especially vulnerable as larger corporations consolidate production into fewer facilities.
For Fort Myers-area workers, the Peterson Brands closure represents another significant employment loss in the region’s manufacturing sector. Employees affected by the layoffs are expected to receive assistance information and transition resources as the shutdown moves forward.
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