November 2015 (Revised February 2016)
Case
HBS Case Collection

Lipman: Vertical Integration in Fresh Tomatoes

By: José B. Alvarez and Carin-Isabel Knoop

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:27

Abstract

Lipman, the largest open field fresh tomato grower and marketer in the United States, has been successfully pursuing an aggressive strategy of acquisitions over the last several years. End-market consolidation in the retail space has driven vertical integration in the extremely competitive fresh tomato business, where farm gate prices have not changed in 30 years. The company is facing pressure from climate change, alternative uses for farmland, and a transition to the next generation of family ownership of the business.

Keywords

Tomatoes; Fresh Produce; Vertical Integration; Agribusiness; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; United States; Cuba; Central America

Citation

Alvarez, José B., and Carin-Isabel Knoop. "Lipman: Vertical Integration in Fresh Tomatoes." Harvard Business School Case 516-053, November 2015. (Revised February 2016.)