LOS ALAMITOS, CALIF. — Los Alamitos-based produce wholesaler, Frieda's Inc., was honored by the Los Alamitos City Council for 50 years of business on May 16. Founded in 1962 by Frieda Caplan, Frieda's Inc. was the first woman-owned wholesale produce business in the U.S. Since 1994, the company has been based in Los Alamitos where president and vice president, Karen Caplan and Jackie Caplan Wiggins (Frieda's daughters), both grew up. Over the years, the company has introduced many once-rare items to U.S. produce departments, including Kiwifruit, Shallots and Spaghetti Squash.
Frieda, 87, began the specialty produce company on April 2, 1962, at the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market, where she quickly gained a reputation for being open to buy and sell unusual fruits and veggies. Frieda is most famous for introducing the kiwifruit to U.S. supermarkets and as the first woman business owner in the U.S. produce industry.
Frieda’s two daughters, Karen and Jackie, now own and operate the specialty produce business and continue the legacy of changing the way America eats fruits and vegetables. Today Frieda’s markets more than 400 specialty items to supermarkets and foodservice distributors throughout North America.
About Frieda’s Inc.
Frieda’s Inc. celebrates 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. Learn more at www.friedas.com
About the City of Los Alamitos
Incorporated in 1960, Los Alamitos is a small city in Orange County, California, with a population of about 12,000. It borders the unincorporated community of Rossmoor, and the coastal city of Seal Beach. http://www.ci.los-alamitos.ca.us
Source: Frieda’s Inc.
