A fourth-generation farmer raised in the Sierra foothills, Bianca Kaprielian, co-CEO of Creekside Organics, is a leader in the organic produce industry with a career built on deep roots and expert sourcing. After honing her expertise at Veritable Vegetable and Whole Foods Market, she co-founded Fruit World in 2017 to bridge the gap between family farms and the modern market.
Following a landmark merger with Creekside Organics in early 2025, Kaprielian now co-leads one of California’s premier organic shipping operations. Her work — recognized by Produce Business’ 40 Under 40 and the International Fresh Produce Association Leadership Program — is driven by a singular vision: ensuring organic produce becomes a daily staple on every table while securing the long-term viability of independent family farms.
The Packer: Have you had any female mentors or role models who helped shape your journey?
Kaprielian: I’ve been really fortunate to have strong women shape my path from an early age and throughout my career. I’m incredibly grateful for their support and for the work and legacy that came before me.
My grandmother, Beverly Kaprielian, had a huge influence on me. She was small in stature but incredibly strong and one of my biggest supporters. She stood alongside my grandfather as they built our family farming business, but what she really gave me was something deeper: She made me believe I belonged at the table where decisions were being made. She made it clear that my voice mattered just as much as anyone else’s, and that’s stayed with me.
Jackie Caplan Wiggins has also been an especially meaningful mentor to me, as she has been to so many in our industry. Through her leadership at Frieda’s Inc., she’s carried forward a legacy of innovation and storytelling in produce that has had a lasting impact on the industry and on me personally. I admire how she leads with both conviction and curiosity while staying deeply grounded in relationships. She’s been incredibly generous with her time and perspective, and her encouragement has meant a lot to me.
Regarding the co-CEO dynamic: How do your individual strengths complement each other when navigating the complexities of the organic market?
The merger itself was a natural fit. We were very aligned in our values and shared the same North Star: making organic fruits and vegetables the norm on every table, every day. The co-CEO structure is something we’ve had to be intentional about building, and it’s still evolving.
We’ve done a lot of honest work to really understand our individual strengths and be intentional about how we show up day to day. That self-awareness allows each of us to focus where we’re most effective and support each other where needed. At the end of the day, it’s not about dividing responsibilities evenly; it’s about making decisions that support the overall health of the company.
At a high level, we tend to come at the business from different but complementary angles. I spend more time focused on the long term — where we’re going, how we build programs that last and how we continue to grow in a way that’s aligned with our values. Brenda [Haught] is deeply connected to our growers and customers and stays very close to the day-to-day realities of the business. That balance helps us stay both forward-looking and rooted in what’s actually happening on the ground.
There’s a strong respect for each other’s perspectives and a shared commitment to growing as leaders. We don’t approach challenges the same way, and that’s a strength. It allows us to look at decisions from multiple angles as we navigate the complexities of the organic market.
As women at the helm of a major organic brokerage, what advice do you have for young women looking to break into the boots-on-the-ground side of produce?
Get as close to the product and the people growing it as you can, as early as you can. Spend time in the field, in the packinghouses and coolers, on the loading docks. The boots-on-the-ground side of produce is where everything starts, and that experience gives you a level of understanding and credibility you can’t get any other way.
Don’t wait until you feel fully ready. This industry rewards people who show up, ask questions and follow through. There’s a lot to learn, and it might feel intimidating at first, but most people are willing to teach you if you’re genuinely interested and willing to do the work.
Also, pay attention to the relationships. Produce is a relationship business at its core; it runs on trust and consistency. As AI and other technologies continue to advance, lean into them — let those tools handle what they’re good at so you can protect your time and energy for the parts of the work that are irreducibly human.
And don’t be afraid to seek out community early. Organizations like International Fresh Produce Association can be a great way to build connections and find mentors who are willing to invest in you.
Finally, trust your instincts and take care of yourself along the way. This work can be all-consuming, especially on the ground. If you stay curious, stay close to the work and keep your word, you’ll find your footing.
Learn more about The Packer’s 2026 Women in Produce honorees:
- Beth Atkinson-Keeton — owner, Elephant House PR
- Hilary Craig — director of produce category management, Misfits Market
- Brenda Haught — co-CEO, Creekside Organics
- Danelle Huber — senior marketing manager, CMI Orchards
- Gwen Jackimek — senior director of sales, avocados, Fresh Del Monte; chair, Hass Avocado Board
- Erin Mittelstaedt — CEO, The FruitGuys
- Dina Newman — founder, KC Black Urban Growers
- Jonna Parker — vice president of fresh foods group, Circana
