IMG Citrus and the Mixon Family Join Forces to Reimagine the Future of Florida Grapefruit

Florida grapefruit is entering a new era.

IMG Citrus and the Mixon Family have announced a strategic partnership focused on advancing premium Florida grapefruit through the combination of protected agriculture, operational excellence, and an integrated go-to-market platform designed to serve consumers around the world.

Together, the two multigenerational Florida agribusiness families are combining decades of expertise across farming, packing, marketing, food safety, logistics, and customer experience — united by a shared commitment to delivering the exceptional flavor, juiciness, and healthy attributes that have long distinguished Florida grapefruit in the marketplace.

“This is bigger than two businesses coming together,” said Melanie Ressler, Co-CEO of IMG Citrus. “This is two families aligning around a shared vision for the future of Florida grapefruit.”

The partnership combines the Mixon Family’s long-term investment in Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS) production with IMG Citrus’ nearly 50 years of experience marketing grapefruit to leading retail and foodservice customers across North America, Europe and Asia.

Together, the families will represent one of the most significant fresh Florida grapefruit platforms in the industry, with more than 850 acres of CUPS production and a combined program expected to represent more than 1.4 million cases. The partnership is expected to account for more than half of Florida’s fresh grapefruit market, giving retailers confidence that this is not a niche effort, but a meaningful, scalable platform for the future of the category. 

Led by brothers Keith and Jerry Mixon, the Mixon Family has spent more than a decade refining varieties, rootstocks, and production systems within the CUPS model — an advanced form of protected agriculture where citrus is grown under large protective screen structures designed to improve growing consistency, fruit quality, and supply reliability. Their work represents one of the industry’s most significant long-term investments in Florida grapefruit production.

Prior to this venture, the Mixon Family built the respected berry company SunnyRidge Farm, later acquired by Dole Food Company, establishing a reputation for operational excellence and category leadership across fresh produce.

“What excites us is the opportunity to bring back to the market what Florida grapefruit has always been known for at its best — incredible flavor, juiciness, and eating experience,” said Keith Mixon. “But now with the scale, consistency, and operational platform needed to support today’s customers.”

The collaboration pairs protected agriculture with a fully integrated commercial platform designed to support greater consistency, dependable planning, and a longer, more relevant Florida grapefruit season at commercial scale.

IMG Citrus brings extensive capabilities across packing, packaging innovation, food safety, logistics, and customer support infrastructure — providing the operational foundation needed to scale a differentiated Florida grapefruit program across retail and foodservice channels.

“We’ve been trialing the program in select markets, and the results have validated the opportunity in a major way,” said Sydney Allison, VP of Sales at IMG Citrus. “Customers are seeing a program that delivers dependable quality, smoother supply, and a more consistent experience for shoppers in the produce aisle. Retailers are recognizing that this is a unique Florida grapefruit program capable of driving real excitement in the category. ”

The companies believe the timing is right for renewed investment in the Florida grapefruit category. This is driven by consumers seeking flavorful, healthy, and authentic produce, alongside retailers looking for citrus programs that delight customers and drive growth.

“We believe there is a real opportunity to reconnect consumers with what makes Florida grapefruit special, while inviting new consumers to discover its unique flavor and story, ” said Melanie Ressler, Co-CEO of IMG Citrus. “This partnership is about combining innovation, experience, and shared values to create something meaningful for the market and for the long-term future of Florida citrus.”

More than a collaboration between two companies, the partnership represents a long-term investment by two Florida agricultural families committed to helping shape the next chapter of Florida grapefruit.

About IMG Citrus

IMG Citrus is a second-generation, family-owned and integrated Florida citrus grower, packer, and distributor dedicated to bringing the best of every season to retail partners across the Southeastern United States. Rooted in a long-term commitment to the future of citrus, the company is investing boldly in technology and infrastructure, regenerative farming practices, expanded import programs, and collaborative, win-win partnerships that strengthen the industry from grove to retailer. imgcitrus.com

About the Mixon Family

The Mixon Family is a multigenerational Florida agricultural family recognized for its longstanding leadership in specialty crop production and innovation. With decades of experience building and scaling successful fresh produce operations — including the nationally recognized SunnyRidge Farm berry business — brothers Jerry Mixon and Keith Mixon have returned to their citrus roots with a bold vision for the future of Florida citrus. The Mixon Family has become an early leader in Citrus Under Protective Screen (CUPS), an innovative growing system designed to protect citrus trees from the Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening disease while improving fruit quality, sustainability, and production efficiency. mffcitrus.com