IMMOKALEE, FL - A strong winter veg program is central to success for many suppliers, and Lipman Family Farms is taking that message to heart. The grower recently announced it will be increasing production of its winter vegetable supply in Immokalee, Florida, with a sizable addition of 1,400 acres.
“This expansion of acreage complements our spring, summer, and fall seasons by providing secure volumes of fresh veg year-round,” said David Ackers, Manager of Procurement and Sales. “This expansion allows us to leverage our supply network, distribution lanes, and expanded packing capabilities in the East. Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for our customers and provide a steady and controlled supply.”
Lipman noted in a release that this recent growth in Florida production exemplifies the company’s ongoing commitment and focus on being one the largest vertically integrated tomato and vegetable suppliers in North America.
Lipman’s focus will be on harvesting peppers, cucumbers, eggplants, and chili peppers, among other items, all beginning in late October. The grower is also upgrading its packing facilities to fit growing volume and continued customization with quick turnaround and shortened shipping time, the release noted.
Anther differentiating factor is that product is picked and packed on the same day. After harvest, the product is funneled through state-of-the-art packing facilities in Florida. This allows for Lipman to deliver both bulk and specialty packs in full truckloads and partial truckload volume to its customer base on the East Coast.
This additional volume of winter vegetable production will also complement Lipman’s existing relationships with local growers across the East Coast. Notably, these strong and long-term partnerships include prominent bell pepper and cucumber growers in North Carolina as well as a large dry vegetable growers in New Jersey.
Lipman noted that as higher costs continue to be an issue across the supply chain, it aims to provide consistent produce with simplicity top of mind. Through its partnerships, the company continues to strengthen its vertically integrated distribution and provide a reliable source of product to the supply chain.
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