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CEO
Habelman Bros. Co. | Tomah
Ray Habelman is the fourth-generation leader of Habelman Bros. Co., a family-run and -owned cranberry farm in Tomah and the world’s largest fresh cranberry grower and packer. Habelman oversees operations at the company’s three central Wisconsin locations in Millston, Tomah and Tunnel City, which together total 670 acres of actively producing cranberries. In addition, the company has two certified packing facilities. It employs 40 full-time and 250 seasonal employees.
The business sets itself apart as a producer of fresh cranberries, which make up just 5% of the overall cranberry market; most cranberries are processed for juice concentrate and dried cranberries. Though it is more costly to do, Habelman has said fresh cranberries is the family’s legacy. Habelman Bros. fruit is sold in grocery stores across the U.S., Canada and Europe. The No. 1 export from Wisconsin, cranberries make up a nearly $1 billion industry in the state.
Under Habelman’s leadership, the farm has adopted various sustainable practices, including a progressive nutrient management and integrated pest management programs on the marsh.
Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University
