IMMOKALEE, FL - Strategic investments across Lipman Family Farms’ operations will put the supplier on a new level of production. With an acquisition on the books and increased acreage, Lipman Family Farms is gearing up to bolster the quality and output of its products.
“We recognize when it’s time to invest into more resources so that our team can meet the needs of our customers and consumers alike,” Elyse Lipman, Chief Executive Officer, stated. “With these investments, we will be able to meet consumer demands, enhance our operations, and enforce our position as a reliable partner in the industry.”
We all know that the industry landscape is ever-changing, and in order to answer for this, Lipman Family Farms has taken on several investments in order to meet the high demand and increasing consumption of fresh vegetables.
According to a press release, one of the most notable is the acquisition of Chapman Fruit Co., a reputable vegetable packer in Southwest Florida. This strategic move creates additional capacity to accommodate the growing volume of vegetables produced by Lipman in the region, ultimately increasing cooling and packing capabilities to ensure the freshest produce reaches consumers.
Located in Immokalee, Florida, this acquisition provides a 65,000-square-foot packing facility that is conveniently situated near Lipman’s farms in Southwest Florida, allowing for short and efficient local transit. The facility is equipped to handle and store the increased volume of watermelon and vegetables produced by Lipman.
“The acquisition of Chapman Produce and the implementation of cutting-edge equipment, such as the AWETA machine, allow us to continue to streamline our operations and improve efficiency,” said Toby Purse, Chief Operating Officer. “These investments allow us to continue to enhance our operations, become more efficient, and deliver the same quality to our retailers and consumers alike.”
As Purse alluded to, Lipman Family Farms has invested in a cutting-edge 12-lane AWETA machine for packing peppers in Florida. The release explained that this machine expands the vegetable packing capabilities at Lipman’s existing facilities and significantly improves automation efficiencies. It can sort and pack approximately 5,200 cases of peppers per hour and offers various packing capabilities, including DRCs, PLU labeling, and bagging.
Additionally, Lipman Family Farms has expanded its vegetable and watermelon acreage in Florida, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality vegetables year-round. This expansion enhances their ability to meet consumer demands for fresh produce, no matter the season.
“With the new investments in acreage, equipment and facilities, our team can continue to meet our standard for producing and delivering quality fruits and vegetables,” Purse added.
This next phase of growth is incredibly exciting, and we here at ANUK can’t wait to hear what the supplier has in store next.