Eastern Produce Council to honor two women

The Eastern Produce Council plans to honor Frieda Caplan and Annabel (Donio) Arena.
The Eastern Produce Council plans to honor Frieda Caplan and Annabel (Donio) Arena.
(Images courtesy Frieda's Inc. and the Eastern Produce Council)

The Eastern Produce Council is honoring two women for their notable contributions to the produce industry.

Frieda Caplan, founder of Los Alamitos, Calif.-based Frieda’s Specialty Produce, will be recognized April 7 at EPC’s John J. McAleavey 52nd Annual Dinner Dance in Woodland Park, N.J., along with Annabel (Donio) Arena, a second-generation leader of Hammonton, N.J.-based Frank Donio Inc., who died in 2015.

“I am so honored to have been chosen by the Eastern Produce Council for this honor,” Caplan said in a news release from her company. 

“Some of my first direct customers are EPC members: Wakefern, D’Arrigo Bros., and Kings Supermarkets.”

“Frieda is an amazing pioneer in our industry,” Marianne Santo, vice president of the EPC and senior produce buyer for Wakefern, said in the release. 

“I join all my peers at the Eastern Produce Council in recognizing her contribution to the industry.”

Frank Donio Sr., Arena’s father, founded his grower-shipper and distribution business in 1933, according to The Packer’s archives. Arena joined the firm in 1955 and served as secretary and treasurer of Frank Donio Inc. and Donio Trucking Co. until 1999, remaining a partner in Donio Leasing Co. She served on the board of Frank Donio Inc. until her death, according to The Packer’s report.

 

Latest News

Natural Delights names new CEO
Natural Delights names new CEO

With CEO Tim Rooney is stepping down to pursue another opportunity, Natural Delights is promoting its chief operating officer, effective April 1.

Pacific Trellis Fruit touts premium stone fruit category at AWG Showcase
Pacific Trellis Fruit touts premium stone fruit category at AWG Showcase

Specialty stone fruit offerings were a focus of attention for Pacific Trellis Fruit executives at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Sage Fruit at AWG showcase: Strong apple promotions available now
Sage Fruit at AWG showcase: Strong apple promotions available now

Sage Fruit Co. had good news for retail attendees at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Sustainable California Initiative charts progress in ag sustainability and equity
Sustainable California Initiative charts progress in ag sustainability and equity

GrubMarket says its initiative made strides in 2023, including the planting of 100,000-plus trees and aiding farmers in organic transition.

Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership
Oppy hits the slopes with competitive skier partnership

Ski-cross athlete Emeline Bennett will share food tips, highlights and more through Oppy’s social media channels.

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase
World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.