Huron Produce, a greenhouse operator based in Huron County, has been purchased by Florida-based field tomato producer Lipman Family Farms.
Why it matters: The produce industry continues to integrate and Lipman farms is able to add year-round tomato to supply to its business with the Huron Produce purchase.
“It is clear we and Lipman share the same values, both being family businesses with long histories in agriculture and fresh produce,” says Jeff Kints, president of Huron Produce, based just outside of Exeter, Ont.
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Huron Produce grows Suntastic brand produce in its Exeter greenhouse facility, but also has operations in the United States and Mexico. It has been in the produce business for 50 years.
The company produces and distributes greenhouse tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.
Lipman is the largest producer of field tomatoes in the United States and its operations extend into farming, packing and repacking, processing and logistics in tomatoes and vegetables. The Huron Produce acquisition allows it to move into the greenhouse side of the produce sector.
“The Huron Produce acquisition is truly transformative,” said Darren Micelle, COO of Lipman Family Farms. “We look forward to the opportunities resulting from the introduction of our proprietary varieties into the protected agriculture space.”
It also means more year-round stable supply for Lipman.
Micelle also says the transaction means Huron Produce will be able to offer their customers field-grown tomatoes.
The deal is expected to close in April.
Huron Produce was founded by Eric Kints, who moved to Canada from Belgium in 1957, with little money. He eventually grew rutabaga, corn and white beans on 125 acres. The farm grew to 450 acres and vegetable production expanded.
After Eric’s son Jeff joined the business, the expansion began into greenhouse vegetable production. The company now has 124 acres of greenhouse production in Ontario.
