Lipman Family Farms mourns death of former CEO, board chair

Fresh-cut produce processor and distributor Lipman Family Farms is mourning the death of former CEO and longtime board chair Larry Lipman.

Lipman died March 22.

During more than five decades at Lipman Farms, Lipman helped grow the company from a regional tomato grower to a North American leader in tomato and vegetable production and packing.

Lipman’s career at the company began in 1970 as a shipping manager, according to a news release. Lipman oversaw the development of Lipman’s value-added division, investing in the company’s first repacking and distribution business in 1994.

Lipman also played a key role in creating the company’s research and development lab, where 95% of its field tomato seeds are now developed, according to the release.

Lipman was involved in his community, helping to establish a local library and scholarships in Immokalee, Florida and investing in Redlands Christian Migrant Association. He also served as vice chairman and secretary of the Florida Tomato Committee and as president of the Florida Growers Exchange.

“Larry dedicated his life to the business,” Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms and Larry’s cousin, said in the release. “His impact on Lipman Family Farms is immeasurable. He helped build not just a business, but an enduring foundation that continues to guide us today. For Larry, it was always simple: The business was family. He loved this company and its people dearly.”