Strategic Acquisition Strengthens Lipman’s Commitment to Family Farming and Year-Round Fresh Produce Supply
Lipman Family Farms is thrilled to announce the acquisition of Jones & Church Farms, based in Unicoi, Tennessee, into its farming network. This strategic move signifies Lipman’s steadfast dedication to family farming, sustainable practices, and broadening the availability of fresh produce across the United States.
Jones & Church Farms, established in 1975, is now a third-generation family farm known for producing high-quality romas and round tomatoes during the crucial July-October growing season. The integration of Jones & Church Farms into Lipman’s operations is seen as a significant step in enhancing Lipman’s production capacity and ensuring a stable, year-round supply of fresh produce to its customers.
Family farming remains a cornerstone of Lipman Family Farms’ mission. By bringing Jones & Church Farms into the fold, Lipman aims to honor the rich history and expertise of local family-run businesses. This acquisition not only supports Lipman’s goal of providing local, reliable vegetable offerings but also strengthens its presence in the Eastern United States during the summer months.
Lipman and Jones & Church have enjoyed a close partnership since 1996 when Lipman began purchasing and marketing tomatoes from Jones & Church following the opening of Lipman’s repack operations, Custom Pak. This collaboration was pivotal in establishing a steady seasonal supply for Lipman’s customers in the East, marking Jones & Church as a key local growing partner during the summer.
Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms, expressed her excitement about the merger, noting, “The Jones & Church team has always provided top-quality products and been honorable and sincere partners, offering the best tomatoes in the country between the months of July-October. Now, our companies and families are joining forces. Together as Lipman, we are positioned stronger than ever to provide a year-round supply to our customers with an expert team.”
Renea Jones, whose parents Carl and Sue Jones, along with Buckley and Charlene Church, founded Jones & Church Farms, shared her enthusiasm for the partnership. “This partnership is a wonderful continuation of my father’s legacy. Our families have shared values and a deep respect for the land and community, making this union a perfect fit. We are excited about the future and the opportunities it brings for our farm and the local community.”
Lipman’s commitment to investing in domestic farming is evident through their continuous expansion of open-field acreage, particularly in Florida. The addition of Jones & Church Farms not only reinforces Lipman’s dedication to family farming but also solidifies its leadership in the fresh produce industry.
Elyse Lipman emphasized the importance of community and family in their operations, stating, “We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Tennessee farming community. Family farming is in our DNA, and we are committed to supporting and growing with like-minded partners who share our values.”
The inclusion of Jones & Church Farms underscores Lipman’s ongoing efforts to create authentic connections between employees, customers, and communities. As stated in the report from Produce BlueBook, this acquisition highlights Lipman’s ability to act as good stewards of their land and people, fostering growth that nourishes everyone involved.
Lipman Family Farms has built a robust integrated network of growers, fresh-cut processors, and distributors over its 75-year history. Remaining family-owned allows Lipman to continue providing innovative solutions in research & development, field growing, greenhouse growing, procuring, packing, repacking, fresh-cut processing, distributing, food safety, and culinary development.
