Central American Produce, based in Pompano Beach, FL, experienced a great year in 2015, and is looking forward to an even better one in 2016 as it gets ready to celebrate its 40th year in business.

One such way the company is commemorating this special milestone is with the launch of the CAPCO Farms label in its watermelons, honeydews, butternut squash and spaghetti squash.

“We felt it was time to design a vibrant new look and build on the success of our CAPCO Farms mango program,” said Michael Warren, president of Central American Produce and son of David Warren, founder of the company. “The history of CAPCO Farms began on our first farm in Guatemala almost 40 years ago.”

Dave Warren, founder of Central American Produce, with his latest ‘baby’ — butternut squash from the company’s farm in Guatemala.The company’s philosophy is simple, according to Warren. “We partner with our growers to produce the best possible produce,” he said. “We supply our customers with great-tasting produce with T.L.C. Their customers will keep coming back for more because they recognize the difference.”

Warren noted that Central American Produce is off to a great start so far this year with increased production in its mangos, seedless watermelon, seeded watermelon, hard squash, honeydews and cantaloupe.

He also mentioned that the company will be launching a couple of new lime items later this year.

Central American’s year-round vegetable program also continues to attract interest, with over 30 years of production in green onions, leeks, radicchio and bunched radish, according to Warren.

“Hard squash has gained popularity as a year-round item,” he said, noting that the company’s butternut squash is “nutrient-dense and has a unique flavor,” and its spaghetti squash has a “beautiful bright yellow shell color and is a very popular substitute for pasta.”

The company imports produce from Guatemala, Peru, Nicaragua, Mexico, Brazil, Ecuador and Honduras.

Warren said the company is constantly amazed by the ongoing increase in mango consumption, in all varieties, across the United States.

“Our goal is for mango in the USA to be the most popular fruit consumed,” he commented, adding that in the world, mangos are the number one fruit consumed three to one over bananas and 10 to one over apples.

As for what he enjoys most about working in the produce industry, Warren said it’s without a doubt, the people.

“The constant change and challenges in this industry are very exciting and keep us all motivated, but it’s the people we work with that really make it all worthwhile.”