Kapi Kapi Names Mike Naftel Director of Business Development

Kapi Kapi Growers has named produce industry veteran Mike Naftel director of business development as the company looks to expand its banana, pineapple and plantain programs across North America.

Based in the South, Naftel will lead business development initiatives, strengthen relationships with existing customers and identify new opportunities across the retail, wholesale and foodservice channels.

Naftel brings more than 20 years of produce industry experience to the role, with a background spanning sales leadership, category management, pricing strategy, foodservice operations and go-to-market planning. During his career, he has developed customer-focused growth strategies, built fresh produce programs and cultivated partnerships with customers and suppliers throughout North America.

Prior to joining Kapi Kapi, Naftel held leadership positions with Del Monte Fresh Produce and Latin Specialties. His experience includes work with bananas, pineapples, plantains and other fresh produce categories, giving him familiarity with several of the products central to Kapi Kapi’s growth strategy.

“I’m excited to join a company that is committed to producing high-quality fruit while investing in sustainable growing practices and long-term customer partnerships,” Naftel said. “Kapi Kapi has built a strong reputation in the marketplace, and I look forward to working alongside the team to strengthen existing relationships, identify new growth opportunities, and continue building programs that create value for our customers.”

Kapi Kapi President Jorge Acon Leon said Naftel’s industry knowledge and relationships will help the company expand its presence in the United States and throughout North America.

“Mike’s extensive industry experience, strategic mindset, and deep relationships throughout the produce industry make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team in the U.S.,” Acon Leon said. “As Kapi Kapi continues to grow, his proven ability to develop customer-focused solutions and build successful business partnerships will be instrumental in expanding our presence across North America while continuing to deliver the exceptional service and quality our customers expect.”

Naftel’s appointment comes as Kapi Kapi works to broaden its customer base and strengthen its position as a supplier of sustainably grown tropical fruit. The company is targeting retailers seeking private-label partners as well as customers interested in differentiated branded banana and pineapple programs.

Kapi Kapi’s founding company is a family-run operation that has grown bananas and pineapples in Costa Rica since 1987. The company describes itself as the largest carbon-neutral-certified banana grower in Costa Rica and Latin America.

The addition of Naftel gives Kapi Kapi an executive with experience on both the strategic and operational sides of the produce business. His familiarity with tropical fruit categories and multiple sales channels is expected to support the company’s efforts to develop new programs while maintaining the customer relationships and sustainability commitments behind its growth.