Edgar Millan: The Past, the Present, and the Future of Caraveo Papayas, Inc.

Edgar Millan is general manager of Caraveo Papayas, Inc. BB #:163688, based in the Bronx, New York. The company, founded decades ago as a small importer, is now a leading papaya supplier and remains a family business to this day.

We chatted with Edgar about the early days, current achievements and objectives, and what’s to come, as well as the recent passing and enduring legacy of Eden Caraveo.

Q: What’s the story behind the company’s founding?

Don Antonio Caraveo started Caraveo Papayas, Inc. with his three sons and three daughters 31 years ago, along with the help and sacrifice of the spouses of some of those family members.

As they started buying and selling papayas, the sales skill of Carlos Sr. was quickly recognized, as he surpassed expectations, creating the need for more papaya.

The family soon began planting at their ranch in Tabasco and expanded to other markets in Mexico, as well as the United States.

When some of the initial U.S. clients didn’t pay, this led to the family’s decision to open their own company, without speaking the language or even knowing the culture.

Two of the sons, Marcos and Carlos, embarked on an adventure to open the U.S.-based company. They didn’t have a bank account or an apartment, and it was all very difficult at first, but nothing got in the way of the brothers’ will to establish the business.

Under the direction of Mr. Eden Caraveo, the company’s excellence became well known over the next decade.

Under the direction of Mr. Eden Caraveo, the company’s excellence became well known over the next decade, becoming a top papaya supplier in the United States and Canada.

Eden Caraveo made sure the brand was recognized as having the sweetest papayas on the market. Unfortunately, the weather took a turn and almost bankrupted the company when a hurricane damaged trees and nearly destroyed the farms.

Last December, Eden passed away. He will be remembered as a pioneer and a happy man who cared deeply about the industry. He always had a ready smile and love for life and he led with honesty. 

Q: Tell us about Caraveo Papayas today.

Today, the company is run by me, Edgar, and my brother Carlos Caraveo Jr. We’ve led operations for 20 years and have grown the business exponentially—from near bankruptcy to one of the leading suppliers in the papaya industry.

There have been many achievements along the way, including real estate expansion and diversifying into other ventures. Current objectives as a grower include having higher standards for food safety for exports and to expand our product line to offer other tropical products for distribution.

We also invite farmers to partner with us to help grow since we already have the clientele. Caraveo Papayas has evolved from a sales office to a powerhouse business with four warehouses and the ability to stay both profitable and stable. 

Q: What does the future hold for the family business?

We’re preparing for the next generation of family members to take over within the decade. They will help prepare us for the future and how to best expand into different business segments. We believe the company has many opportunities ahead and will provide more jobs in the years to come.