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The Fruit Company Review

Thursday, November 7th

2024 Fruit Basket Company Reviews

The Fruit Company Review 2 Star Rating

The Fruit Company

2 Star Rating
  • 13 fruit basket options priced between $99 and $349
  • Over 70 years in the fruit cultivation and gift-giving business
  • 10% discount offered on first purchase with newsletter signup
  • Flexible delivery options, including overnight shipping and Saturday delivery
  • Same-day shipping available for orders placed before 12 PM PST on weekdays
  • Satisfaction guarantee with replacement for damaged items at no cost

The Fruit Company, located in the picturesque Hood River Valley, has been in the business of fruit cultivation and gift-giving for over 70 years. Fun fact: the Hood River Valley, where The Fruit Company's orchards are located, is positioned between two massive stratovolcanoes: Mount Hood (11,249 feet) and Mount Adams (12,276 feet). They attribute their success to this unique microclimate, which provides ideal conditions for growing exceptional fruit.

13 options between $99 and $349

The Fruit Company now offers 13 fruit baskets, an increase of two since our last review. You probably won't be surprised to hear that their prices have risen: the lowest-priced option, the Simply Fruit Basket (containing 12 pieces of fruit and a dried fruit medley), now costs $99, up from $84. At the high end, the Oregon's Cascade Fruit Basket - featuring sausage, salmon, various cheeses and preserves, crackers, cookies, candies, nuts, and fruits - is priced at $349, up from $299. To see what's in any given basket and any agricultural restrictions that may apply to where it can be delivered, just click the "Contents” button on its product listing.

Reviews on product listings are dated oddly

A handful of The Fruit Company's baskets feature customer reviews, which you can sort by date. When we visited, the most recent reviews on each basket were at least a year out of date. Due to the seasonal nature of produce and varying harvest qualities from year to year, where the quality and taste of fruits can change significantly between seasons, we'd really like to have seen up-to-date reviews. On top of that, the reviews we did find were a bit odd. The bulk of them were dated the year previous - and all the same day. While we can't say for sure if this is review manipulation or just a glitch on the website, we do find it unlikely that hundreds of people were compelled to review their fruit baskets on March 5th and on no other date.

No more personalized ribbons or add-ons

You used to be able to add additional touches to these gift baskets, like a ribbon with a personalized message or an extra treat, but this feature is apparently no longer part of The Fruit Company's offerings. We wonder what motivated this change - in this competitive industry, it was something that used to give them a slight leg up.

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Standard sorting and filtering options

With only 13 baskets to choose from, being able to filter and sort their offerings isn't of utmost importance, but we suppose it's still nice to have. You can view The Fruit Company's baskets by occasion/holiday, by type of product (baskets, business gifts, crates, flats) or choose to see only those baskets that are on sale. (Three baskets appeared in this category, although how much we were saving was not indicated anywhere, so it wasn't very useful.)

No free shipping even on expensive orders

The Fruit Company isn't entirely transparent about their shipping fees. We had to go through all the checkout steps and give them our address before we could get an estimate - $14 shipping for a $350 basket to be shipped to the Midwest. That's not awful, but free shipping on their most expensive basket would not go unappreciated. As a slight bonus, you can get 10% off your first purchase when you sign up for The Fruit Company's newsletter.

No returns, but damaged goods are replaced

The Fruit Company doesn't accept returns on their perishable products, which includes fruit baskets, gift towers, and other food items. However, they do offer a satisfaction guarantee. If your items arrive damaged, they'll replace them at no cost to you. (In one case, this looked like a customer being shipped a single replacement mango.)

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Delivery options to suit your schedule

The Fruit Company offers flexible delivery options to meet your needs. For most U.S. destinations (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), if you place your order before 11 PM PST Monday through Thursday and choose overnight shipping, your gift will arrive the next day. Standard shipping is also available, with orders placed before 12 PM PST on weekdays shipping the same day. They even offer Saturday delivery for an extra fee. However, keep in mind that they don't recommend sending gifts to hospitals, hotels, or college campuses due to potential delivery complications. (Looks like your dorm room fruit party might need a Plan B.) If you need to cancel an order, it has to be done before the order is closed or shipped.

Few third-party reviews, all negative

The last time we reviewed The Fruit Company, they had an excellent "A+” from the Better Business Bureau. These days, their BBB listing seems to have gone the way of their add-ons - it's gone without a trace. We were able to track down a Trustpilot listing for the company, but there they had a total of 8 customer reviews, and 88% of them were 1-star ratings. There were complaints about $9 oranges that aren't even as good as the ones you'd get at the grocery store, bruised fruit, and refund/replacement promises that never materialized. (Orange you glad you read this review before buying from The Fruit Company?)

The Fruit Company falls short of expectations

Despite their long history, The Fruit Company fails to deliver on its promise of exceptional fruit gifts. While their fruit baskets certainly look nice in pictures, rising prices, outdated reviews, limited customization options, and concerning customer feedback make this company out to be more of a lemon. For now, you might want to consider alternative gift options that offer better value, fresher produce, and more reliable customer service.

Where Can You Buy the Best Fruit Baskets?

A fruit basket is one of those gifts that can really make someone's day, no matter the occasion. Picture this: your best friend just moved into a new house, and you want to send something thoughtful but practical - something more unique than flowers, but just as special. A fruit basket could be the perfect answer.

Fruit baskets are a fresh, beautiful, and delicious way to show you care - and makes for a quick and easy snack for someone who might not know where their kitchen boxes wound up. Whether it's for a birthday, a thank-you, a sympathy gesture, or just because, sending a fruit basket is a personal way to brighten someone's day with something they can enjoy right away. Plus, it's a great option for the person who already seems to have everything.

The Best Fruit Basket Companies Compare Fruit Basket Companies Compare Fruit Basket Company Reviews What are the best Fruit Basket Companies Best Fruit Basket Company Reviews

Fruit Basket Company FAQ

Fruit, of course! (Just kidding.) A fruit basket usually consists of a reusable container, sometimes a basket but possibly a wicker bowl or a hamper. The type of fruit included depends on the provider you select and maybe the current growing season - for example, fresh citrus in the winter months, uncommon varieties of apples in the fall, and so on.
Absolutely. The sky's the limit! Chocolate, nuts, baked goods, jams and jellies, and cheese are just a few of the most popular add-ons to a fruit basket.
Yes, but you may have to look a little harder to find a company that offers it. Only a small handful of fruit basket retailers go the extra length to source their fruit specifically from organic growers. And, as you'd expect, you will probably pay a little more compared with non-organic fruit baskets.
They can be as budget-friendly or luxury-priced as you choose to make them. You'll find prices generally range from $22 to $375.
Yes, most of the time your delivery fees aren't included in the price of the fruit basket. It takes a little extra TLC to make sure your fruit and any additional items arrive in fresh, flavorful condition. But, some fruit basket retailers have promotions that might get you free or discounted shipping on your order, so keep your eyes "peeled” (pun intended).
That depends on which fruit basket company you use. If you select one that has a network with local florists and gift shops, it's possible to get your basket delivered same- or next-day. Otherwise, expect it to take at least a few days, up to a week, for most fruit baskets to arrive.
The retailer of your fruit basket wants you to be delighted, so it shouldn't be difficult to get a replacement or a refund if the fruit doesn't arrive in good condition or there's another issue with the delivery. If you're sending the fruit basket to someone else, they may need to take a photo of the problem and submit it to the customer service department.
Especially during the holidays, we tend to get overloaded on cookies and other decadent desserts, alcoholic beverages and high-calorie savory foods. Sending a fruit basket gives your lucky recipient a healthy alternative - or maybe some fruits they can pair with their wine or cheese!
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Continued from above...

But not all fruit baskets are the same. Some companies offer simple, straightforward baskets filled with the basics - think apples, pears, and oranges. Others take things up a notch with gourmet touches like exotic fruits, chocolates, and even cheeses. These added details can turn a basic basket into something extra special.

A basket with perfectly ripe, organic apples and pears might be ideal for someone who's health-conscious, while a basket featuring tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas, along with some chocolate-dipped strawberries, could be perfect for a sweet-toothed friend. With so many options out there, the right choice depends on the occasion, the recipient's tastes, and how much you want to spend.

When shopping for a fruit basket online, keep a few things in mind:

  • Variety of options. How many options do they have? Whether you're sending a simple thank-you basket or a large celebratory gift, you want to have choices that suit both your budget and the recipient's preferences.
  • Freshness and quality. Have past customers reported spoiled produce? You want the recipient to enjoy delicious, ripe fruit, not something that's over- or underripe. Look for companies that guarantee the quality of their produce and have positive reviews mentioning the freshness of their baskets.
  • Customization. Can you personalize your basket? Look for companies that let you add a custom message, choose specific fruits, or include extras like snacks or wine. A personalized basket could feel more thoughtful and tailored to the occasion.
  • Shipping and delivery. Is there same-day or expedited delivery if you're in a pinch? Does the company pack the basket carefully so that the fruit stays fresh during transit? Check if there are hidden shipping costs, too.
  • Price and value. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest option, sometimes spending a little more gets you better quality fruit and a more impressive presentation. Compare what's included for the price to make sure you're getting good value.

At Top Consumer Reviews, we've done the legwork and evaluated the best fruit basket companies out there. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect service to send a thoughtful, delicious gift that will make someone smile.

Compare Fruit Basket Companies

Select any 2 Fruit Basket Companies to compare them head to head

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  • Pittman & Davis
  • Manhattan Fruitier
  • A Gift Inside
  • Wine Country Gift Baskets
  • Edible Arrangements
  • Fruit Bouquets
  • Gourmet Gift Baskets
  • The Fruit Company
  • Gift Tree
  • Harry & David
Pittman & Davis vs Manhattan Fruitier Pittman & Davis vs A Gift Inside Pittman & Davis vs Wine Country Gift Baskets Pittman & Davis vs Edible Arrangements Pittman & Davis vs Fruit Bouquets Pittman & Davis vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Pittman & Davis vs The Fruit Company Pittman & Davis vs Gift Tree Pittman & Davis vs Harry & David Manhattan Fruitier vs A Gift Inside Manhattan Fruitier vs Wine Country Gift Baskets Manhattan Fruitier vs Edible Arrangements Manhattan Fruitier vs Fruit Bouquets Manhattan Fruitier vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Manhattan Fruitier vs The Fruit Company Manhattan Fruitier vs Gift Tree Manhattan Fruitier vs Harry & David A Gift Inside vs Wine Country Gift Baskets A Gift Inside vs Edible Arrangements A Gift Inside vs Fruit Bouquets A Gift Inside vs Gourmet Gift Baskets A Gift Inside vs The Fruit Company A Gift Inside vs Gift Tree A Gift Inside vs Harry & David Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Edible Arrangements Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Fruit Bouquets Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Wine Country Gift Baskets vs The Fruit Company Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Gift Tree Wine Country Gift Baskets vs Harry & David Edible Arrangements vs Fruit Bouquets Edible Arrangements vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Edible Arrangements vs The Fruit Company Edible Arrangements vs Gift Tree Edible Arrangements vs Harry & David Fruit Bouquets vs Gourmet Gift Baskets Fruit Bouquets vs The Fruit Company Fruit Bouquets vs Gift Tree Fruit Bouquets vs Harry & David Gourmet Gift Baskets vs The Fruit Company Gourmet Gift Baskets vs Gift Tree Gourmet Gift Baskets vs Harry & David The Fruit Company vs Gift Tree The Fruit Company vs Harry & David Gift Tree vs Harry & David
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