Lipman Family Farms Helps Foodservice Operators Deliver Craveable Meals with More Fresh Produce; Cheryl Hoefs Comments

IMMOKALEE, FL - If you're wondering what's fueling restaurant demand in 2026, go watch the crowd during lunch rush. Or better yet, look at what they're eating.

You'll see more color. You'll hear more crunch. Guests are going for clean, healthy, and sensible. They don’t want to skimp on flavor, comfort, or the simple pleasure of dining out, but they do want meals that feel lighter, more balanced, and easier to digest.

From fine dining destinations to convenient quick-serve stops, a produce-forward menu is a practical way to bring customers in for 2026. Lipman Family Farms makes it easy to meet the demand without a big menu overhaul.

Industry reports show changing health perceptions are fueling an interest in smaller portions and nutrient-dense, real-food choices. Consumers are focusing on protein, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. The popularity of GLP-1 medications for weight loss is accelerating a preference for smaller meals and more nutrition.

“Healthy options aren’t for sidelines anymore,” said Cheryl Hoefs, SVP of Sales and Marketing of Lipman Family Farms. “They’re a big part of where guests decide to go and how they order. Lipman produce is an easy answer to that consumer shift … one with versatility, flavor and familiarity to fit an endless number of dishes.”

Offering healthier eating without compromise

Fresh produce helps to deliver a lighter, satisfying experience that many guests are seeking. Even indulgent foods like burgers and pizzas gain fresh appeal with more fruits and veggies. Lipman’s product portfolio is loaded with simple solutions for foodservice.

• Grape tomatoes for delicious bowls, salads, sides, and toppings.
• Cucumbers to provide satisfying crunch, healthy hydration, and a refreshing balance of taste and texture in wraps, sandwiches, salads, and more.
• Peppers and squash for adding color and volume to plates without heaviness.
• Fresh-cut sliced or diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers add fresh flavor to sandwiches, burgers, or breakfasts. The fresh-cut line provides ready-to-eat product for produce that is accessible and convenient.

“As operators plan out the rest of 2026, more produce is a win-win,” said Hoefs in the recent release. “Guests will feel good about what they order, and operators get affordable, flexible ingredients that enhance everything on the menu.”

Lipman Family Farms is ready to help operators build more produce into the menu, with items that easily fit into popular cuisines, menu items and formats. To learn more about Lipman’s foodservice solutions, including ready-to-eat fresh-cut produce, visit lipmanfamilyfarms.com.