Tennessee

Little Leaf Farms CEO Talks Tennessee Expansion, Future Growth

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:18:35 GMT

Devens, Mass.-based Little Leaf Farms recently announced the location of its third site, located in Manchester, Tenn. Construction on a 40-acre greenhouse on 215 acres will begin this summer with plans to launch in fall 2026.

Little Leaf Farms founder and CEO Paul Sellew says Tennessee is a natural progression for the company, with the new facility servicing the Midwest, Southeast and Texas.

“It’s all about delivering a great quality product within 24 hours of harvest to our customer base, which is spread out to the eastern part of the United States,” Sellew says. “Tennessee was a logical decision and a really good state to do business in. We were really welcomed there with open arms, and it fits in with our strategy of delighting our customers with great fresh locally grown leafy greens.”

Sellew says the new greenhouse in Manchester will use sustainability practices and advanced greenhouse technologies for low-carbon, energy-efficient growing practices with water conservation, all of which Little Leaf Farms deploys on its other facilities.

The company also recently added Romaine Leaf to its product line, which is available in 4-ounce packages and also available for foodservice customers.

Little Leaf Farms says it has grown to supply more than 7,000 grocery stores since its founding a decade ago, and Sellew says he sees a bright future for controlled environment agriculture.

“We’ll be 10 years old this summer, so we’re still a relatively young company,” he says. “But I think any investment decision is combined with optimism for the future.”

Sellew says as Little Leaf Farm has grown to hold more than 50% of the market share of indoor lettuce growers, the company will continue to grow as long as there’s demand.

“The customers love our product, and so long as that’s the case and there’s a demand, we’ll continue to build more greenhouses, and that ultimately was the decision making process in deciding to expand, and then also to expand in Tennessee,” he says.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee introduces statewide food-as-medicine initiative with FarmboxRx

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 12:30:25 GMT

FarmboxRx says a new partnership with Tennessee’s largest insurer aims to address statewide food insecurity while improving health outcomes and preventative care participation.

Through the collaboration, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee members will receive deliveries of healthy food with condition-specific health education shipped directly to their doors after completing critical preventative health screenings, according to a news release.

One in seven people in the state faces hunger, and 40% of families with children say they are food insecure, the release said. FarmboxRx said the partnership will expand access to nutritious foods at a time when Tennesseans, particularly in urban areas, continue to struggle with the affordability and accessibility of healthy meals, facing higher risks of developing long-term health issues and complications as a result.

This announcement follows the release of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee’s health equity report, which shed light on contributors to health disparities across race, ethnicity, age and economic status. This initiative furthers the organization’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in collaboration with a company purpose-built to do so, according to the release.

“To narrow health disparities, we need to first tackle the social determinants of health affecting these communities,” said FarmboxRx founder and CEO Ashley Tyrner. “Food insecurity is a multidimensional issue — and it’s not always as simple as having access to food. Given the unique challenges each community faces, we must assess state-specific barriers to nutrition and subsequent health issues. Our health plan partners recognize this, and I’m grateful for their commitment to our shared mission.”

Beyond addressing nutritional needs, FarmboxRx says it can enhance health outcomes for individuals by providing condition-specific health literacy materials in each box. Its programs empower members with information about their health and covered benefits through their insurance provider, in this case, lue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, the release said. The health literacy materials encourage members to adopt a proactive and informed approach to their well-being and the well-being of their families in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.

FarmboxRx says its approach to using healthy food delivery as an engagement tool to incentivize members has helped healthcare organizations nationally promote health equity and inspire self-efficacy.

To date, FarmboxRx has shipped millions of pounds of fresh produce, healthy grocery items and medically tailored meals to members of managed care organizations nationwide in all 50 states and penned partnerships with more than 90 health plans, the release said.

Lipman Family Farms acquires Jones & Church Farms in Tennessee

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 22:31:25 GMT

Lipman Family Farms says it has added Jones & Church Farms of Unicoi, Tenn., to its farming network.

Jones & Church Farms aligns with Lipman’s dedication to supporting family-run businesses and increasing production capacity, according to a news release.

Established in 1975, Jones & Church Farms is now entering its third generation, continuing its legacy of growing romas and round tomatoes during the July to October growing season. By investing in this critical tomato season and location, Lipman Family Farms said it is doubling down on its commitment to supplying stable, year-round produce to its customers.

Lipman Family Farms said integrating Jones & Church Farms allows it to honor the rich history and expertise of their local growing partnership.

Shown from left are Lucas Conran, Lipman farm manager, and Greg Church, the previous owner of Jones & Church Farms.

(Photo courtesy of Jones & Church Farms)

Jones & Church Farms has been a partner of Lipman Family Farms since 1996 when it started buying and marketing tomatoes after the opening of Custom Pak, Lipman’s repack operations. The partnership became instrumental in Lipman’s seasonal supply in the East, making it the first local growing partner with key customers during the summer months, according to the release.

“The Jones & Church team has always provided top-quality product and been honorable and sincere partners, offering the best tomatoes in the country between the months of July-October,” Lipman Family Farms CEO Elyse Lipman said in the release. “Now, our companies and families are joining forces. Together as Lipman, we are positioned stronger than ever to provide year-round supply to our customers with an expert team.”

Lipman Family Farms said it is committed to investing in domestic farming and providing local produce year-round for fresh,reliable vegetable offerings. In addition to Tennessee, the company continues to expand open-field acreage in Florida over the last year, the release said.

“This partnership is a wonderful continuation of my father’s legacy,” said Renea Jones, whose parents, Carl and Sue Jones, started Jones & Church alongside Buckley and Charlene Church. “Our families have shared values and a deep respect for the land and community, making this union a perfect fit. We are excited about the future and the opportunities it brings for our farm and the local community.”

“We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Tennessee farming community,” Lipman said. “Family farming is in our DNA, and we are committed to supporting and growing with like-minded partners who share our values.”

Sunripe, Pappas & Sons partner in Smoky Mountain tomatoes

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:27:24 GMT

Sunripe Certified Brands and Pete Pappas & Sons, which have a 70-year buying-selling relationship, are building on that with a partnership in tomato grower Smoky Mountain Family Farms.

Sunripe, Palmetto, Fla., and Pete Pappas & Sons Inc., Jessup, Md., are both fourth-generation produce companies and Smoky Mountain Family Farms (SMFF) is based in Newport, Tenn.

Pete Pappas & Sons is a partner in the tomato grower.

“This partnership in SMFF combines the Pappas’s strengths as a premier distribution organization and Sunripe Certified Brand’s strengths as a leading farming organization,” according to a news release. “It will advance the outdoor American-grown tomato industry through innovation and shared core values.”

Jon Esformes, CEO of Sunripe Certified Brands, said Sunripe’s Esformes and Heller families are honored to form the partnership with the Pappas family.

“In an increasingly complicated landscape the opportunity to combine our shared values and differing skill sets is very exciting,” Esformes said in the release. “It’s a partnership that we all believe will create a truly unique experience for our combined customers.”

Aris Pappas, chief operating officer, said the partnership will bring growth to Smoky Mountain Family Farms.

Sunripe Certified Brands will be at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure Feb. 27-29 in Tampa, Fla., at booth No. 529,

Related stories:

Tennessee tomato grower forms partnership with Gargiulo Inc.

Smoky Mountain Family Farms starting organic program

Tanimura & Antle showcases greenhouse-grown lettuce at foodservice expo

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 19:51:31 GMT

MONTEREY, Calif. — Tanimura & Antle was highlighting its greenhouse-grown lettuce at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference Expo on July 29.

Thomas Wheelus, director of foodservice, said the company is expanding its distribution from its 19-acre greenhouse facility in Livingston, Tenn. The company was one of the first traditional marketers to invest in hydroponic production, and now has a track record of more than 15 years.

The expanded network will bring in some Western states, in addition to customers on the East Coast, he said.

“As people start putting a bigger focus on sustainability and sourcing locally, there’s a lot more drive for (greenhouse-grown),” he said.

Top retailers in the Southeast by market share

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:42:31 GMT

Each year, The Shelby Report showcases valuable retail market share data. In the interactive map below, find each major market in the Southeast. Also, highlighted are the major cities in each market.

All markets are “labeled” or identified by their primary state (with metros or key cities). Percentages are estimates based on annualized sales, industry data, institutional research and store footprints. Shares are updated as market metrics dictate and retailers supply their store lists.*

Market shares are for chains, independents and/or the wholesalers (voluntary or cooperative) which supply them within each region’s distribution area, extending well beyond typical metros or CBSAs. Each market is defined by the sphere of distribution, not by a rigid geographic boundary.

Major cities in each market:

Alabama/Florida/Georgia/Mississippi - Birmingham, Montgomery, Huntsville, Pensacola, Panama City, Columbus, Meridian
Central Florida - Tampa, Orlando, Ft. Myers, Port St. Lucie
Georgia - Atlanta, Athens, Macon, Rome
Kentucky/Indiana/Tennessee - Louisville, Lexington
Mid & East Tennessee/Kentucky/Virginia/Georgia - Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga
Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama - New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Alexandria, Gulfport, Mobile
North Carolina/South Carolina/Virginia/West Virginia - Charlotte, Raleigh, Roanoke, VA Beach, Charleston
North Florida/South Georgia - Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Tallahassee, Albany, Brunswick
South Carolina/East Georgia - Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, Conway, Augusta, Savannah
South Florida - Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach
West Tennessee/Arkansas/Mississippi/Louisana - Memphis, Little Rock, Jackson, Monroe

Tennessee tomato grower forms partnership with Gargiulo Inc.

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:54:44 GMT

Smoky Mountain Family Farms , a Newport, Tenn., tomato grower, has hired Jerry Simmons Jr. to handle on-site sales, and the company has formed a partnership with Gargiulo Inc., Naples, Fla.

“The alliance between Gargiulo and Smoky Mountain Family Farms will provide opportunities for both organizations to expand their product offerings with consistent quality and supply,” Gargiulo Farms’ Mike Sullivan said in a news release. “We look forward to building on the resources of both companies to create value for our customers.”

Smoky Mountain Family Farms is using new tomato varieties and expanded organic acreage and organic products, according to the release. The company has organic roma and grape tomatoes.

“We are always determined to exceed our merits of previous seasons and await a noticeable improvement in our fruit quality this season,” according to the release.

“This season is exciting for (Smoky Mountain Family Farms) because of our outstanding staff, the support and expertise from Gargiulo Farms, the expanded organic program, and the addition of improved varieties,” Paul Pappas, executive vice president, said in the release.

Related article:

Smoky Mountain Family Farms starting organic program