If there were a horoscope specifically for the produce industry, the stars would be in perfect alignment this year for Ecoripe Tropicals.

The Medley, FL-based company enjoyed a highly successful PMA Fresh Summit, where it showcased its new one-pound clamshell of “Lafinita” brand rambutan, in addition to sampling the product to visitors. The product is packed fresh from Global Good Agricultural Practices-certified orchards, and is marketed under the “Lafinita” brand.

“We always do taste testing of our rambutan at the PMA Fresh Summit, and it always goes very well,” said Marc Holbik, director of grower relations for Ecoripe. The one-pound rambutan clamshell was displayed in the New Product Showcase at the PMA Fresh Summit.”

In late November, Mr. Holbik said the company was currently importing Asian vegetables from Honduras

“Our program is year round,” said Mr. Holbik. “Volumes have remained relatively steady so far; however they slowly but consistently increase as the high season progresses.”

Ecoripe is a leading importer and shipper of a wide range of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. Its growing operations and farming associations are spread across the Western Hemisphere. The company sources a full line of tropical fruits and vegetables for the North American market. It distributes to wholesale and retail customers throughout the United States and Canada.

The company’s tropical fruit line also includes coconuts, papayas, pineapple, mangos and limes. And it handles passion fruit, starfruit, Thai guava, June plum and lychees. Its specialty vegetable line is comprised of peppers, peas, breadnut, green papaya, tindora, breadfruit, long beans, sweet potato leaf, mong toi, chive flower and other unique items. It also handles root vegetables such as white and yellow turmeric, yucca, malanga eddoes and chayote.

“Our papaya programs are year round, with supplies coming from several offshore countries, including Belize and Guatemala,” said Mr. Holbik. “We will be starting up our Solo papaya program from Brazil soon, and we’re looking forward to our Peruvian and Guatemalan mango seasons in 2013.”

Ecoripe Tropicals is enjoying the talents of two account executives who have joined the firm.

Mareny Perez“Mareny Perez is currently working towards a bachelor of arts degree in business administration at Miami Dade College,” said Mr. Holbik. “And she has over five years of experience in sales and customer service. She has been working for Ecoripe for over a year, and has quickly embraced the challenges of working in the produce industry.”

During the past year Wes Wever has worked primarily as Ecoripe’s quality assurance coordinator. His responsibilities also include implementing the company’s food-safety program, and developing product quality-control procedures.

“Wes’ diverse background includes degrees in culinary studies and business administration, working at his family farm in Guatemala and overseeing the management of his own restaurant,” said Mr. Holbik.

Ecoripe Tropicals is firmly committed to the success of its farming partner enterprises by working hand in hand to develop market-driven projects. Mr. Holbik said that it strives to provide the best in communication and service to the people and companies that it works with.

“From locally grown Florida produce, papayas from Belize and Brazil, mangos from Peru, rambutan from Guatemala and vegetables from Honduras, our farming partners span the Western Hemisphere,” said Mr. Holbik. “The assurance of freshness, taste, food safety and consistent quality is a challenging task that is taken on with passion by our quality growers.”