Citrus grower, importer and packer IMG Citrus, headquartered in Vero Beach, announced that its new flagship facility, Sweet Sixty, is fully operational. In 2022, IMG acquired the newly built 185,000-square-foot cold storage and packing facility formerly owned by J&J Fresh Produce.
Sweet Sixty was always intended to be more than just additional square footage. It was part of a long-term growth strategy to create an integrated cold storage, packing and distribution hub.
“When we purchased Sweet Sixty, we envisioned a space that could grow with us, supporting both our Florida roots and our ever-expanding citrus import program,” said Sydney Allison, IMG director of sales. “Today, that vision is a reality. We’ve brought everything under one roof.”
Between 2023 and 2025, IMG operated both the legacy Gifford packinghouse and the new Sweet Sixty facility. The company initially moved its import program into Sweet Sixty to leverage its advanced cold storage and distribution capacity while continuing Florida citrus operations in Gifford. That dual operation ensured supply continuity while upgrades and equipment integrations were completed at Sweet Sixty.
With all packing and distribution consolidated under one roof, Sweet Sixty supports IMG’s growing year-round citrus program.
Notable additions include:
- Relocation and enhanced grading lines and electronic sizers are designed for high-speed, high-precision fruit sorting.
- A new organic line meets growing demand.
- A high-pressure stainless steel bin washer ensures superior sanitation and reduced water usage.
- Integration of a fresh mesh combo bagging line offers a 320% increase in packing speed and unmatched precision, freshness and retail readiness.
Sweet Sixty has more than 3,000 pallet positions, 20 dock doors and ample space for future growth.
In total, IMG Citrus has invested more than $3 million in upgrades to the Sweet Sixty facility.
The company reported it recently completed its most successful summer citrus season to date. Import volumes reached new highs and the company continued to expand its lime program.
Source: IMG Citrus
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