Frieda Rapoport Caplan

Frieda Rapoport Caplan

Frieda Rapoport Caplan
Born	(1923-01-31)January 31, 1923 New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	January 18, 2021(2021-01-18) (aged 97) Los Alamitos, California, U.S.
Occupation	Businesswoman
Known for	Pioneering the specialty produce industry

Frieda Rapoport Caplan (January 31, 1923 – January 18, 2021) was an American businesswoman who played a significant role in pioneering the specialty produce industry. She was born and raised in New York City, New York.

Early Life and Education

Frieda Rapoport Caplan was born on January 31, 1923, in New York City. She grew up in a Jewish immigrant family and was exposed to a variety of fresh produce from an early age. This early exposure sparked her interest in the produce industry.

Caplan attended Hunter College in New York City, where she studied business and economics. Her education provided her with a strong foundation for her future career in the business world.

Career

After completing her education, Caplan started working in the produce industry. In 1962, she founded Frieda's Inc., a specialty produce company based in Los Alamitos, California. At the time, the produce industry was dominated by traditional fruits and vegetables, and Caplan saw an opportunity to introduce unique and exotic produce to the American market.

Caplan's company quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to produce. She introduced a wide range of specialty fruits and vegetables, including kiwifruit, spaghetti squash, and purple potatoes, among others. These unique offerings not only expanded the variety of produce available to consumers but also introduced new flavors and culinary experiences.

Throughout her career, Caplan was known for her dedication to quality and her commitment to supporting small farmers and growers. She built strong relationships with suppliers around the world, ensuring that her company could consistently provide the highest quality produce to its customers.

Legacy

Frieda Rapoport Caplan's contributions to the specialty produce industry were significant. She played a pivotal role in expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables available to consumers and introducing new flavors and culinary experiences. Her company, Frieda's Inc., continues to thrive and remains a leader in the specialty produce market.

Caplan's impact on the industry was recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She was inducted into the Specialty Food Association's Hall of Fame in 2009 and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the United Fresh Produce Association in 2019.

External links

• Frieda's Inc. Official Website