Karen Caplan to Be Honored at 2015 Reception Honoring Women in Produce

Karen Caplan, president & CEO at Frieda’s, headquartered in Los Alamitos, Calif., and the first female chairperson of the United Fresh Board of Directors, will be the honoree and featured speaker at the Reception Honoring Women in Produce, Tuesday, June 9, at United Fresh 2015 in Chicago. Held each year in conjunction with the United Fresh convention and expo, the Reception Honoring Women in Produce recognizes the contributions of all women working in the produce industry, and selects one individual to share their personal experience of service. The featured speaker is selected from nominations submitted by United Fresh members across the industry and reviewed by a committee of her peers, including honorees from the past 18 years. “Karen has dedicated her career not only to the advancement of fresh produce, but she also serves as a role model for women in the business world,” says United Fresh president and CEO Tom Stenzel. “Her engagement of women entrepreneurs and small and family-owned businesses spotlights her dedication to the success of the fresh produce industry." As the daughter of entrepreneur Dr. Frieda Caplan, founder of Frieda’s, Karen began working with produce at the age of 10. Learning the business from the ground up, Karen has worked in just about every department at the company, from packing boxes to sales and marketing. In 1986, at age 30, Karen was promoted to president and CEO of the company. In 1990, Karen and her sister, Jackie Caplan Wiggins, purchased the company from their mother. Karen’s vision and leadership propelled Frieda’s to the forefront of the produce industry as the nation’s leading marketer and distributor of specialty produce, company officials say. “It is such an honor to be selected as this years’ Women in Produce Honoree and to be nominated by my industry peers is the greatest compliment,” says Caplan. “I am inspired daily by all the women in produce who have gone before me as well as all the rising stars who will be our leaders of tomorrow!” Karen will join a distinguished group of past honorees, including: