Frieda’s Inc., which markets approximately 600 specialty items during the course of a year, reached a milestone on April 2.

“We just celebrated our 53rd company anniversary today, which makes us the first specialty produce company in the U.S.,” said Karen Caplan, president and chief executive officer.

“Actually, some people say our founder, Frieda Caplan, invented the category,” she continued.

On April 2, Frieda’s Inc. celebrated its 53rd anniversary bringing quality specialty produce items to the marketplace. Seen here are Jackie Caplan Wiggins, vice president and chief operating officer; Frieda Rapoport Caplan, founder and chairman of the board; Karen Caplan, president and chief executive officer; and Alex Jackson, account manager. (Photo courtesy of Frieda’s Specialty Produce)“We are a 100 percent woman-owned and family-owned and managed business. After all, Frieda was the first woman to own a produce company in the U.S. when we were founded in 1962. We’ve been told by clients that we have outstanding customer service, and we act as if we are consultants to our clients helping them select the best product mix and go to market strategies for them. Our other signature is our packaging which boasts a 100 percent consumer satisfaction guarantee.”

A full-length documentary about company founder and produce industry legend, Frieda Caplan, recently premiered at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival and will be playing at the Newport Beach Film Festival later in April.

“The response we have been getting tells us that people are interested in knowing more about the produce industry and what makes it tick,” said Karen Caplan.

Top items marketed include tropical fruits like cherimoyas, rambutans, and starfruit; Asian items like ginger, baby bok choy, young coconut, and eggroll and wonton wrappers; Latin staples like jicama, tomatillos and fresh and dried chile peppers; and specialty citrus like kumquats, Buddha’s hand citron and Meyer lemons.

“Some of the most unusual and exclusive items we sell are Stokes purple sweet potatoes, Sangria and Fiore Viola artichokes and Angelcots,” Caplan commented. During the past year, Frieda’s added purple snow peas and many new organic items to its lineup.

The company’s customer base consists of retail supermarkets, wholesalers and foodservice distributors in the United States and Canada. “We also do some export,” Caplan said.

Frieda’s is an active supporter of Love Your Produce Manager Day, held on April 2, honoring the hard work and diligence of men and women whom Caplan said, “are the unsung heroes of the healthy eating revolution.”