CHICAGO, IL - Karen Caplan, President & CEO at Frieda’s, Inc. has a number of accomplishments and accolades in her professional repertoire. Whether it is her position as the first female chairperson of the United Fresh Board of Directors, the honor of being the first female President of FPFC, or President of the largest chapter in the country of the National Association of Women Business Owners – Los Angeles… Karen continues to set the bar and raise it.

This year, United Fresh has named Karen as the honoree and featured speaker at the Reception Honoring Women in Produce on Tuesday, June 9th at United Fresh 2015 in Chicago. Held each year in conjunction with the United Fresh convention, the Reception Honoring Women in Produce recognizes the contributions of all women working in the produce industry, with one individual invited to share their personal experience.

I asked a few industry friends to share their excitement on this recent announcement and the impact that Karen has made on the produce industry. 

For as long as Lisa McNeece, VP of Foodservice & Industrial Sales for Grimmway Farms, can remember, Karen has been a great role model for both women and men in the produce industry. 

“I have been fortunate to know Karen for well over a decade and believe her accomplishments are truly inspirational.  She has honored both her family and our industry.  The future holds no limits for what women can accomplish.  I am looking forward to hearing about her journey when she speaks at the Reception Honoring Women in Produce this year at United Fresh in Chicago,” Lisa tells me.

For Dan’l Mackey Almy, President and CEO of DMA Solutions, Karen was one of the first women she met in fresh produce.  Dan’l was at a PMA convention in San Antonio in 1995 when she was a Senior in college and she actually stood “in line” to speak with Karen. “I remember being so nervous as a steady stream of buyers were also vying for her attention. Since then, Karen has become customer, a competitor, a colleague, one of my first clients when I started DMA, a mentor and most of all, a friend." 

Karen has had more accomplishments than any one person can count, but Dan’l would say her greatest is that of a Mom, Sister and Daughter. 

“In many ways, this honor is a bit overdue,” Dan’l smiles. “But not really if you know Karen—she is always the one ensuring that others are getting recognized first.  Now Karen is following in the footsteps of her dear Mom, Frieda, who was a first year recipient.  Things do come full circle, and in this case, it's all well deserved.”

Rex Lawrence, Founder of Joe Produce, had nothing but words of praise and enthusiasm as well, for the produce industry pioneer’s impact. “I was incredibly happy to see Karen recognized for her efforts and successes with Frieda's. She and their team do an amazing job in so many facets of their business. I'm really impressed with the happiness of their people, and the company's ability to evolve with the changes in the market place, and lead with their changes in some instances. Lastly, I've always been impressed with Karen's humbleness and approachability. So in addition to being a successful produce professional, she is a kind person. As a fellow parent, I like her daughter Alex's attitude, which says a lot about Karen and her values. Way to go Karen!”

The featured speaker is selected from nominations submitted by United Fresh members across the industry and reviewed by a committee of her peers, including honorees from the past 18 years.

Congratulations, Karen, on this prestigious honor! From your friends and AndNowUKnow.

Reception Honoring Women in Produce