Frieda Rapoport Caplan Receives Gold Stevie Award for Lifetime Achievement in Business
Frieda Rapoport Caplan, Frieda’s founder, 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 request was the foundation of Frieda’s Inc.,” said Caplan.
In 1962, Caplan established Freida’s Inc. on the male-dominated Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market, according to a press release. As one of the few women to own and operate a U.S. wholesale produce business, she quickly developed a reputation for buying and selling new and unusual produce specialties. Subsequently, she earned the worldwide title “Queen of Kiwi” for her success in introducing and promoting the Kiwifruit.
Caplan added, “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. What a wonderful honor to receive the Gold Stevie Award!”
Karen Caplan, Frieda’s President and CEO and Frieda Caplan’s daughter, commented, “Back in 1960s, it was unusual to see a woman in the produce business, but that didn’t stop my mother. 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.”
Congratulations on this amazing achievement and award, Frieda!
2013 Stevie Awards for Women in Business
