Based in South Florida, Ecoripe Tropicals is one of NCBA’s newest members and a distinctive voice within the North American produce industry.
As an importer and distributor of tropical produce, Ecoripe supplies supermarkets, specialty stores and distributors across North America, bringing culturally rooted fruits and vegetables to more tables while building a business grounded in care, connection and shared ownership.
The worker-owners view their business as a bridge connecting farming families, business partners, communities and the planet through culturally significant produce.
“Every day, each worker-owner focuses deeply on their role, knowing that their work keeps the entire supply chain moving,” Administration Manager Katalina Moreno said. “That sense of responsibility is what allows us to create real connections between the people behind the food.”
Business Impacts of Shared Ownership
Founded in 2004, Ecoripe Tropicals officially became a worker-owned cooperative in January 2025, formalizing a vision that had guided the company for years. This step aligned its internal structure with values already embedded in its culture: shared responsibility, equity and long-term commitment.
“Becoming a worker-owned company was a longterm vision of our president, Marc Holbik,” Moreno added. “He has always believed that Ecoripe’s success is only possible when the people building the company also feel they are part of its future.”
At Ecoripe, ownership is not an abstract concept. It translates into more thoughtful decisions, greater care for the product, and a sense of responsibility that runs throughout the entire operation. Ecoripe holds certifications such as PrimusGFS, USDA Organic and Fairtrade; and operates under strict quality standards, handling and cold chain protocols to ensure freshness and traceability from origin to point of sale. But the team agrees that the real difference lies in who is caring for the product.
“Every product that enters our facility is carefully inspected,” said Eileen Ascui, a quality control inspector. “We know produce isn’t perfect, but our commitment is always to deliver the best possible product, with clear information and no surprises.”
Since adopting the cooperative model, that commitment has only grown stronger. “When you’re an owner, the standard changes,” adds Ingrid Garzon, another quality control inspector. “Every box that leaves represents all of us.”
Serving Diverse Communities
Ecoripe Tropicals supplies a wide variety of tropical fruits and vegetables to the North American market from dragon fruit and rambutan to okra, ginger, guava, and star fruit. Its portfolio reflects the cultural diversity of the communities that retailers serve, while also responding to growing demand for fresh, nutritious foods.
“Retailers need products that move, attract consumers and maintain consistent quality,” Account Executive Wes Wever said. “Tropical produce allows them to serve multicultural communities, align with health and wellness trends, and differentiate their produce departments year-round.”
Connecting to the broader cooperative community
Joining NCBA was a natural step for Ecoripe Tropicals. As a worker-owned cooperative, the company sees itself as part of a broader movement that proves it is possible to compete in complex markets without losing a human-centered approach.
“Being part of NCBA allows us to connect with organizations that believe, as we do, that cooperation strengthens both people and businesses,” Sales Manager Isabel Hurtado said.
Ecoripe brings to the cooperative community a perspective shaped by global agriculture, cultural diversity and firsthand experience that shared ownership can be a sustainable way to build a business.