Frieda’s Founder Credits Produce Managers For Her Success At Stevie Awards For Women In Business

LOS ALAMITOS, CA –  Frieda's founder Frieda Rapoport Caplan was selected as the Gold Stevie® Award winner for Lifetime Achievement in Business at the 2013 Stevie Awards for Women in Business on December 8, 2013, in New York City.  In her acceptance speech, Caplan credited the produce managers for her business success.

“51 years ago, a produce manager responded to a single consumer’s request for a Chinese Gooseberry she saw in New Zealand [which was renamed Kiwifruit]. His willingness to follow through on this shopper’s request was the foundation of Frieda’s Inc.,” said Caplan.

In 1962, Caplan established Frieda’s Inc. on the male-dominated Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market.  At that time, Frieda was one of very few women in the produce industry, and was the first woman to own and operate a U.S. wholesale produce business. She quickly developed a reputation for buying and selling new and unusual produce specialties.  Caplan’s marketing abilities were recognized worldwide after her success in introducing and promoting the Kiwifruit, earning her the title, the “Queen of Kiwi.”

“We have since introduced more than 200 fruits and vegetables to America. We take our mission ‘to change the way America eats fruits and vegetables’ seriously,” added Caplan.  "What a wonderful honor to receive the Gold Stevie Award!"

One of the most coveted business awards, the Stevie® Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for women entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. The 2013 Stevie Awards for Women in Business received over 1,200 entries from individuals and organizations in 18 nations. Over 240 executives around the world participated in the judging process.

"Back in 1960s, it was unusual to see a woman in the produce business, but that didn’t stop my mother," said Karen Caplan, Frieda's President and CEO and Frieda Caplan's daughter.  "She saw the potential in specialty items and she went for it. It was a gutsy move, and that is what makes her such an inspiration for women in business."

Watch Frieda’s brief post-award interview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0r4T-Kp2x4

About the Stevie® Awards

The Stevie Awards were created to honor and generate public recognition of the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and business people worldwide.  Beginning with The American Business Awards in 2002, The International Business Awards in 2003, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business in 2004, the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service in 2006, and the new Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards in 2013, our mission is to raise the profile of exemplary organizations and individuals among the press, the business community, and the general public.  In short order the Stevie has become one of the world's most coveted awards. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.stevieawards.com.

About Frieda’s Inc.

Frieda’s Inc. celebrates more than 50 years of innovation in fresh produce. Founded in 1962 by Frieda Caplan, Frieda's was the first wholesale produce company in the U.S. to be founded, owned and operated by a woman, and is still a family- and women-owned business today. With the mission of changing the way America eats fruits and vegetables, Frieda’s has introduced more than 200 specialty items to U.S. produce departments, including Kiwifruit, Spaghetti Squash, Habanero Peppers, Black Garlic and many more. Frieda’s officially declared 2013 as The Year of Purple. Find Frieda’s on Facebook, @FriedasProduce and www.friedas.com.

Source: Frieda’s Inc.