Eddy Navas, Kapi Kapi Growers, Inc.

Bringing years of leadership and sales experience, Eddy Navas recently joined Kapi Kapi Growers, Inc. BB #:371004 as the grower-shipper’s director of business development. The family-run company, based in Miami, FL, is known for its tropical fruit, specializing in pineapples and bananas. We asked Eddy about his recent transition and what he hopes to accomplish in the coming months and his goals for next year and beyond.

Q: Tell us about your background, education, and early career aspirations.

My career in produce spans over 40 years. My first 22 years I worked my way up the ranks with a grocery retailer in the Southeast overlooking store operations including perishable inventory management. Later, after completing my degree in business, I decided to make a career change and began my produce selling career, which I have now enjoyed for over 20 years.

Q: How did you come to Kapi Kapi Growers?

Earlier this year, in late July, I received a call from a recruiter who happened to know a lot about me and my career path. Unfortunately, the director of business development for Kapi had passed away suddenly and the company was searching to fill the position.

It’s a crucial responsibility bridging communication between production and sales, and a task I embrace and enjoy.

Q: How would you define your role as director of business development?

It’s a leadership role, supporting a small team charged with sales management and growth across North America. It’s a crucial responsibility bridging communication between production and sales, and a task I embrace and enjoy.

Q: What’s always at the forefront of what you do? Where do you find inspiration?

Delivering on promises—which requires making adjustments, prioritizing on the company’s goals and needs, and putting our customers first.

Q: Walk us though your current routines and what’s typical on a daily or weekly basis.

Remaining connected to support my staff is key as I forecast supply needs based on the combined goals of satisfying production planning versus our partners’ needs.

Q: How much will you be traveling and to where?

As we navigate through priorities from onboarding to common practices, traveling is a must. My goal is to be present at most regional produce trade shows while prioritizing in-person buyer meet-and-greets for business reviews and introductions. I intend to travel throughout North America and Canada.

Artificial intelligence is great, however, being old school, I still prefer writing my own story and telling it how it is.

Q: What tech tools are indispensable to your daily routine? Have you found AI’s capabilities useful in managing your responsibilities?

Artificial intelligence is great, however, being old school, I still prefer writing my own story and telling it how it is. I’m comfortable with Microsoft’s AI and other platforms, but as they say, we never stop learning and growing—and this is an area that fits within that profile.

Q: Kapi Kapi Growers is known for pineapples and bananas, does the company handle other fruits or vegetables or are there plans to expand offerings?

Bananas, pineapples, and plantains—all grown in Costa Rica—remain our bread and butter. We’re always looking into other up-and-coming items but nothing in the short-term for now.

Q: What does it mean to be certified Carbon Neutral as a grower in Costa Rica?

It’s a tremendous achievement and honor for our sustainability efforts, considering it’s recognized through various national awards and global certifications, including Sustainability Grown Certified and the Rain Forest Alliance.

Q: Recent news has mentioned higher incidences of diseases like Black Sigatoka and TR4 affecting banana production, is this occurring where Kapi Kapi sources from or grows?

No, it’s not, and we at Kapi continue to hold ourselves accountable though consistent, basic preventative practices from farm to customer.  

Q: What steps can be taken to treat/eradicate these diseases?  

There are several ways, but the most common include mild chemical treatments, planting disease-resistant varieties, and cultural practices.

Thankfully, tariffs are now behind us, yet business strategy discussions remain a part of our daily routine in always looking for out-of-the-box ways to market our products.

Q: Given today’s economic realities and tariffs, is it more difficult to develop new business partnerships or product options? Can creativity be more impactful than practicality during tough times?

Thankfully, tariffs are now behind us, yet business strategy discussions remain a part of our daily routine in always looking for out-of-the-box ways to market our products.

Q: Do you have one overriding goal for the rest of the year? Have you set goals for 2026?

With a month remaining in 2025, we’ve been working very hard to make sure next year will be the best year for Kapi as we remain intentional in growing our customer base and continue to foster relationships to make us even stronger in the marketplace.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Time seems to be passing by rather quickly and 10 years in our industry isn’t very long. My personal goals are entwined with staying true to my professional goals, and to be the leader that Kapi and our partners deserve.

Q: What else would you like our readers to know?

Although my experience in produce has been dominated by tropicals, I had the great pleasure of working with a berry grower-shipper too. During my tenure at Sun Belle, I was exposed to limitless opportunities to learn and sell excellent products.