IMMOKALEE, Fla. – Lipman, North America’s largest field tomato grower, has acquired The Produce Exchange (TPE), a leading grower and distributor of quality produce. With operations in Washington, California and Arizona, TPE joins Lipman’s national network of farming, packing, processing and repacking.
"We are thrilled to welcome The Produce Exchange team to Lipman," said Kent Shoemaker, CEO of Lipman. "We are confident that their close-to-the-customer services, in addition to their West Coast supply in tomatoes and vegetables, will enhance Lipman's ability to create more success with our customers."
With this acquisition, Lipman is able to expand its geographic foot print and increase its depth in supply in both vegetables and tomatoes; including both open field and protected agriculture. TPE brings unique varieties of fresh produce that will now be offered to Lipman customers. With four locations along the West Coast, TPE will ensure Lipman’s customers receive excellent produce year-round.
“Joining the Lipman family of companies is exciting for all of us at The Produce Exchange,” said Sam Jones, Jr., TPE’s President. “We look forward to using Lipman’s national farming and repacking network to give our customers access to the acre.”
Jones, employed by TPE since 1980, will maintain his leadership role.
"Lipman and The Produce Exchange have a lot in common and it is summed up best by TPE's mission statement: The relentless creation of extraordinary successes together with our partners," Shoemaker said. "Strategically, our values are in alignment, our facilities and farms complement one another, and our seasoned people together bring experience that will give our customers what they need to be successful."
About Lipman
Based in Immokalee, Fla., Lipman is the largest field tomato grower in North America, providing dependable year-round fresh produce through an integrated network of research and development, farming, processing, repacking and procurement solutions. Farms in Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, California and Mexico – totaling tens of thousands of acres – allow for Lipman’s geographic diversity and ability to grow and ship fresh produce 365 days a year. For more information, visit www.lipmanproduce.com.
Source: Lipman