Texas Carves New Position Leading the U.S. in Pumpkin Revenues

Pumpkins are a staple of fall traditions for many Americans who pick them, carve them into jack-o’-lanterns, or bake pumpkin desserts. Although pumpkins are grown in many states, most of the production comes from ten states. By acreage and by weight, Illinois is consistently the nation’s largest pumpkin producer. However, unlike other states, most of Illinois’ pumpkins are used for pie filling and other processed foods, which receive a lower price. Production value of pumpkins in Illinois was ranked third in 2020 at $21.3 million, according to data released by USDA’s Economic Research Service Monday. In 2020, Texas led the nation in the value of pumpkins produced at $25.9 million, followed by Pennsylvania at $22.5 million, Illinois, and California at $20.7 million. Retail prices for pumpkins typically fluctuate week to week leading up to Halloween. In the second week of October 2021, the average retail price for jack-o’-lantern-style pumpkins was $4.09 per pumpkin, up 12 percent compared with the same week in 2020.