Larry Lipman, Produce Industry Champion and Leader, Passes Away

Lipman Family Farms has announced the loss of its former CEO and longtime board Chairman, Larry Lipman. He passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Affectionately known by employees as “Uncle Larry,” Lipman was a revolutionary in the tomato industry. With more than five decades at Lipman Family Farms, he helped to grow the company from a regional tomato grower to a North American leader in tomato and vegetable production and packing. He held numerous roles across Lipman, beginning as a shipping manager in 1970, until his ascension to CEO. He loved the work, the people and building a business to last.

As CEO, Larry guided Lipman through two decades of growth from a tomato and vegetable grower into a vertically integrated produce service provider. He oversaw the development of Lipman’s value-added division, investing in the company’s first repacking and distribution business in 1994. Today, Lipman is the largest tomato and vegetable re-packer in the country.

Larry led the creation of Lipman’s Research and Development lab. Today, 95% of Lipman’s field tomato seeds are developed in-house, including its award-winning ‘Crimson’ variety.

Larry Lipman’s industry leadership extended well beyond Lipman Family Farms. He served the industry through the Florida Tomato Committee, where he served as a Vice Chairman and Secretary. He also served as President of the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange.

“Larry dedicated his life to the business,” says Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms and Larry’s cousin. “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.”

For more information, visit lipmanfamilyfarms.com.