As co-CEO of Creekside Organics, Bianca Kaprielian doesn’t just see herself as a produce executive; she views her role as a bridge between the quiet resilience of independent family farms and the high-pressure world of massive retail distribution.
In a conversation with The Packer, Kaprielian shared her vision for a “modern, inclusive version of what a produce powerhouse could be” — one that prioritizes the survival of the American grower as much as the quality of the crop.
New Mission: Organic 2.0
Following the merger of Fruit World and Creekside, Kaprielian and her team redefined their mission: to make organic fruits and vegetables the “norm on every table, every day.” For Kaprielian, this shift means moving organic food out of the premium niche and into an expected baseline.
According to Kaprielian, consumers are no longer just asking if a product is organic; they are asking deeper questions about how it was grown, who grew it and the impact on land, water and people.
“Leadership in the next decade will really come from companies that go beyond just USDA compliance,” she says, advocating for measurable environmental progress and smarter use of data in farming decisions.
Protecting the Independent Grower
At the heart of Kaprielian’s work is a commitment to the viability of small to midsized American growers. In an industry where economics have become incredibly challenging due to the pandemic and shifting tariffs, Kaprielian focuses on creating a model where independent farmers still have a seat at the table.
To achieve this, Creekside moves away from transactional, short-term deals in favor of:
- Multiyear relationships that provide stability rather than pressure.
- Strategic crop planning to prevent growers from all chasing the same hot commodity and crashing the market.
- Operational support to help smaller farms manage the complex demands of large-scale distribution.
“Success to me would look like growers saying that working with Creekside gave them the confidence to reinvest in their land and bring the next generation into the business,” Kaprielian says.
Leading with Values
Kaprielian’s leadership style is rooted in transparency and a belief that collaboration creates better outcomes than just transactional wins. She oversees a culture driven by three core values:
- Centered on service — Anticipating the needs of both growers and customers.
- Think beyond today — Making choices that sustain the planet and future generations rather than optimizing for short-term margins.
- Teamwork makes the tree work — Embracing diverse perspectives to solve complex problems.
As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Kaprielian views diversity not as a checkbox but rather as a competitive advantage. By fostering a relational strength, rather than just an operational one, she is ensuring that Creekside Organics leads the charge into a more sustainable and equitable future for American agriculture.
