Gapway Grove Corporation Information

The Gapway Grove Corporation is a Florida citrus grower with groves in Polk County and Highlands County. The land holdings of the company were originally acquired by Charles W. (Doc) Adams, who in 1911 started what would become a 34-year involvement in Florida's citrus industry. Besides being a grower, Doc Adams was also instrumental in building a significant portion of the infrastructure needed at the time for the growth of the industry. In 1927, to pack and market the citrus from his groves and others in the area, he joined with Florida Citrus Hall of Famers J.M. Morrow and L.P. Kirkland to form the Adams Packing Association which became one of the largest and most advanced fresh fruit packinghouses of its time. To ensure a reliable supply of quality fertilizer for his groves, in 1934, he joined others in the formation of Growers Fertilizer in Lake Alfred. In 1941, Adams Packing entered the juice business and went on to become what was at one time the fifth largest juice processor in the state. Dr. Charles W. Adams died in 1945, but his impact on the industry continued to be felt as others carried on what he had helped set into motion as one of the Florida citrus industry’s true pioneers. In 1946 Emmie Reynolds Adams founded the Gapway Grove Corporation and served as its first president. The citrus groves planted by her late husband prospered under her stewardship and the Gapway Grove Corporation has remained in the family ever since. The corporation is currently owned by Carl J. “Bud” Strang III, John Strang, Eve Strang Bass, Max Strang and associated family trusts. Gapway Grove Corporation continues to grow and harvest Florida citrus.