The Sunshine State is where Publix began. And today, it continues to provide many of the fruits and vegetables that we carry throughout the year, thanks to its tropical and subtropical climates. From citrus to strawberries, from green beans and eggplant to hot and sweet peppers, Florida is a true agricultural powerhouse—particularly in the winter months, when many other states are too cold to yield produce. The growing season varies and typically lasts from December through April. Here are just a few of the Florida growers we work with:

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

Duda Farm Fresh Foods is in its sixth generation of family ownership and operates farms across the United States, including Belle Glade Farms a 27,000-acre farm at the edge of Lake Okeechobee. They are committed to producing the freshest-quality produce while reducing their environmental footprint. In 2012, they installed 2,100 square feet of solar panels at their fresh-cut celery facility. In addition to celery, Publix sources radishes, corn, and lettuce from this farm.

Heller Bros.

Heller Bros. is run by a third- and fourth-generation Florida citrus family who grows, packs, and ships from their facility in Winter Garden. The company is one of the few integrated fresh citrus operations in the United States, handling the entire process from seeding to shipping for both commercial and retail markets. They grow approximately 4,500 acres of citrus on properties across the state and have worked with Publix since the early 1940s.

Hugh Branch & RC Hatton Farms

This South Bay, Florida farm was founded in 1956. Today, the growers are proud to remain driven by their founding principles: integrity, quality, food safety, and a commitment to protecting the environment for future generations to enjoy. They also believe in providing great service, and for them, growing goes beyond just planting a seed—their dedication extends from the farm to your table.

Mack Farms

Mack Farms is an independent, family owned farm that grows, packs, and delivers fresh potatoes and seedless watermelons to Publix. Founder Arnold Mack began growing watermelons in 1967, and fresh new crop potatoes in the mid-1980s. Mack Farms produces some of the first potatoes of each new year, called winter potatoes.

Noble Citrus

Noble Citrus puts care and passion into their business of premium oranges, tangerines, and pomelos. This fourth generation of family growers manages 4,400 acres of fruit in Winter Haven. They strive to implement sustainable horticultural solutions while continuing to breed new varieties of tangerine and offer a high standard of quality.

Pine Island Tomato Farms

This third-generation farm in South Florida has partnered with Publix for over 50 years. They specialize in delicious vine-ripened and grape tomatoes.

Sizemore Farms

Sizemore Farms has a four-generation legacy rooted in Plant City strawberries. Today, they are an integrated agricultural operation that grows, cools, sells, and ships from 500 acres of strawberries each season. They work hard to ensure they leave the land better than they found it, so they can pass their cherished tradition of farming to generations to come.

TKM Bengard Farms, LLC

In the late 1990s, lettuce grower Tom Basore teamed up with his longtime friend, Tom Bengard of Bengard Ranch, to form TKM Bengard Farms. Being one of few lettuce growers in Florida, they have experienced strong demand, and they are well known for their quality. They are a family farm currently managed by Tom Basore’s sons: Tom Jr., Brian, Toby, Kevin, Michael, and Stephen.

Tomato Thyme

Grower Javier Torres grew up accompanying his father to farmers’ markets, where his enthusiasm for flavorful tomatoes started. Tomato Thyme is a family owned and operated company that specializes in the growing, packing, and shipping of tomatoes and strives to provide customers with the best quality available.

5 Brothers Produce

5 Brothers Produce was founded in 1987 by Thomas “Tommy” Torbert. Today, the business is family run, with Tommy’s four sons working in different aspects of operation. They farm in Homestead from November through May, supplying Florida Publix stores with delicious zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, and a variety of bell peppers.

See our sourcing philosophy to understand where we gets our produce—and why.