Unwrapping Fresh: A Q&A with Sarah Miller, General Manager, Lipman Family Farms

As the fresh produce industry continues to evolve and grow, so too do consumer habits and demands. Companies are regularly testing their mettle to keep up with shifting trends, and Lipman Family Farms is among the top tier of those leading the charge. With a new green bean product dropping onto retail shelves, Sarah Miller, General Manager, took the time to expand on what will set the standard in the fresh-cut category.

Lilian Diep: Sarah, Lipman Family Farms is an industry leader in the value-added sector. How will the company’s latest move further bolster that position?

Sarah Miller: Lipman Family Farms is introducing our new, clipped and cleaned green beans, available in both high-graphic, microwavable, retail-ready bags, and bulk options. We have identified specific packaging with respiration rates that enhance our green beans’ shelf-life, along with packing specifically created to meet and/or exceed customers’ specifications, attracting several different markets and demographics with varied pack sizes.

LD: How will adding this new product, and thereby expanding Lipman’s line, contribute to the company’s long-term strategies?

SM: Green beans are a signature item for Lipman Family Farms.

With great growth in the fresh-cut category, we thought the next step in expanding our fresh-cut portfolio would be with one of our signature, premium items.

LD: And what steps has the team taken to ensure the new fresh-cut green beans stand apart from other products in the category?

SM: The answer to this is very simple. We saw a need to provide our partners with high-quality beans that they can consistently count on throughout the year. Lipman can supply that need, backed by a strong footprint in the green bean category.

Our beans are grown by a third-generation farmer that can pick, pack, and deliver to our fresh-cut operation where we cut, clean, rinse, and repack everything to be ready to ship to customers within 24 hours. We also saw it as a no-brainer to provide fresh-cut product in response to the rising consumer interest, as well as the growing need for less back-of-house prep and surety of food-safe product.

LD: When should we expect this new product to be available through the Lipman Fresh Cut line?

SM: We have already started in a light way at the beginning of October, and we expect to have increased volume in time to support the high demand for the Thanksgiving holiday. From there, we will continue our production for a strong supply year-round.

We saw a need to provide our partners with high-quality beans that they can consistently count on throughout the year. Lipman can supply that need, backed by a strong footprint in the green bean category.

Sarah Miller, General Manager, Lipman Family Farms

LD: With this new product coming out, I have to ask: Are there more new offerings or innovations in the works?

SM: Yes, we have a full team dedicated to new and innovative items. I can’t speak to them quite yet, but trust me when I say it will be worth the wait.

The envelope of innovation is continuously being pushed in our fresh produce community, and with industry leaders like Lipman Family Farms at the helm, the outcome is guaranteed to be spectacular. And as Sarah pointed out, greatness is worth the wait.