Kapi Kapi Growers has been growing tropical fruit for more than three decades and its products can be found in more than 25 countries around the world. 

“2025 has been a year of both growth and challenges,” said Wendy O’Brien, senior business development manager for the Miami Beach, FL-based company. “Adverse weather conditions have put pressure on the industry, particularly pineapple production, pushing us to adapt quickly. At the same time, we’ve continued making key internal investments that are laying the foundation for long-term growth at our farms in Costa Rica and in our team in the United States. We are committed to providing the right fruit, at the right time, at the best quality available.”

Foodservice is a core part of Kapi’s business and the company has worked hard to build a strong reputation in this space based on consistency, customer service and a deep understanding of tropical fruits.

“Kapi is not just a brand, we are the growers,” O’Brien said. “Our year-round offerings include customized banana, pineapple and plantain programs. We are dedicated to servicing the foodservice category with exceptional fruit and service at every level and location.”

The company serves a broad range of foodservice distributors and processors, from regional companies to national chains.

“We see huge potential in expanding regional foodservice programs with customized specs and packaging formats,” O’Brien said. “We have seen growth in the value-added segment. Kapi has the ability to pack our label as well as support private label initiatives that our customers may have. Our goal is to continue working closely with our current and new customers to co-create programs that reflect their evolving needs whatever those may be.”

Kapi has recently added plantains to it catalog and has seen interest in the category continue to rise.

“We are continuing to build fast to differentiate ourselves, especially around our standout Kapi Oro Pineapples, our unique Baby Pineapples and the growing demand for high-quality plantains,” O’Brien said. “We want Kapi to play a leading role in building awareness and highlighting the versatility of tropical fruits. Looking ahead, our goal is to be more than just a supplier, we want to be a strategic partner helping foodservice teams differentiate themselves with better sourcing, consistency and traceability.”

The biggest challenge for Kapi, as it is with most growers, is the weather volatility and logistical unpredictability. This includes the shipping challenges of the Panama Canal, unexpected port delays and unusual weather conditions.

“Working through these is possible with strong, concise and regular communication,” O’Brien said. “Communication is the key to setting us apart and keeping our customers informed not just days before their shipments, but months prior so that they can plan with confidence.”

The success for Kapi has come from leadership genuinely caring about relationships at every level, from its farms to customers.

“We are not just selling produce; we’re building relationships and partnerships,” O’Brien said. “Our team is small but agile. We move fast and every piece of communication matters, every text message, phone call, instant message and email. Being integrally integrated and our constant commitment to transparency and sustainability have been a key differentiator and driven our success at every level.”

At the end of the day, the Kapi team works toward one goal: delivering better service and more value to its partners while securing sustainable growth.

“We plan to do this by growing our team and strengthening our systems and processes to support our every aspect of our company,” O’Brien said. “Everyone at Kapi is driving toward being the best partner we can be while providing the best tropical fruit available.”