of the annual Cranfest in Warrens, Wisconsin. “We love to support that festival financially and with good cranberries if anybody wants to buy any,” Habelman adds.The festival, which draws thousands of visitors each year, is a celebration of all things cranberry and a testament to the importance of the fruit to the local economy. Wisconsin’s significance in the cranberry industry cannot be overstated, as the state grows well over 60% of the U.S. crop, and remarkably, half of the world’s cranberry supply is cultivated there. The company’s impact on the local community extends beyond its financial contributions. Habelman Bros is also a major employer, providing jobs for 33 full-time employees and over 200 seasonal workers. “It takes a lot of people to grow and package fresh cranberries,” Habelman explains. However, finding enough seasonal labor remains a challenge. “It’s very difficult to find 180, 200, 220 people for a couple of months of work,” Habelman admits. This challenge is not unique to Habelman Bros, as many agricultural businesses face similar difficulties securing seasonal labor. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE As Habelman Bros looks to the future, its priorities are clear: continue to innovate, maintain high quality, 27 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09 HABELMAN BROS. COMPANY
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