Handlers for Caribbean Fruit Connection Corp. operate from a Primus Lab-certified facility. This gives the Medley, FL-based CFC the flexibility to focus on building its supply chain and expanding its customer base.

“In 2013 we returned to our old model of receiving and distributing product with a third party doing our handling,” explained Brenda Leighton, vice president of CFC. “Forming a strategic arrangement with Gourmet Logistics, who was our immediate neighbor, provided a seamless change.”

The team at Caribbean Fruit Connection includes Julian Castano, sales representative; Frank Buitrago, assistant to operations; Brenda Leighton, vice president; Larry Leighton, president; Michael Manarina, sales representative; and Etna Chery, general manager.

Leighton added that CFC’s priority this year is to look to more diverse geographical areas.

“This would provide an opportunity to exploit different growing season and manage the vagaries of weather,” said Leighton. “This is a process, as one has to partner with suppliers who are willing to make the necessary investment from both a security and a food-safety standpoint. But we are committed to this goal.”

CFC is a family-run business that began in 1989. In February, Etna Chery, general manager, celebrated 21 years of employment with the company.

“In 2014, Dongchih (Dorothy) Lu, our bookkeeper, retired after 15 years of service,” Leighton noted. “We are tremendously grateful for both her and Etna’s loyalty and for growing up with us.”

CFC specializes in a wide range of year-round root vegetables from the Caribbean, Central America, Jamaica and Costa Rica. Its line includes yams, malangas and dasheen.

“We also carry calabaza, chayote, limes, breadfruit and turmeric,” said Leighton. “Caribbean Fruit is a premier Haitian mango house for a March to August season. We have partnered with the same grower for many years. As a result, our primary label, ‘Belle Mango,’ is well known.”

The company also uses “La Nina” and “Lakay” labels.

CFC’s ginger is produced in Costa Rica, Honduras and Brazil. It carries Thai and Peruvian ginger seasonally.

Its rambutan is produced in Honduras, with a September-to-December season. Leighton noted that the 2014 rambutan season was the best in terms of quality and steady volumes.

“It gave us the ability to extend the season and catch the best window,” she said. “We are working with our grower to expand this experience this year. We are also looking at other growing areas for this popular item.

“Okra is a big item for us as it straddles both the Asian and tropical markets,” she continued. “We are now in the height of the season, which runs from November to May.