Successful “KapiKapi” plantain on the US shelves

Also known globally as Grupo Acón and the retail brand KapiKapi, Kapi Growers has officially added plantain to its fresh produce portfolio, marking a strategic expansion for one of Costa Rica’s largest family-owned agricultural groups. Jorge Acón Sánchez, owner and director of Grupo Acón, confirmed that the company has begun cultivating 700 acres of plantain in Costa Rica, with rapid scaling underway. “We started growing 700 acres in Costa Rica, with a capacity to supply 30 to 40 trucks per week when we reach full production,” he explained.

A major force in vananas and pineapples

Kapi Growers is already a dominant player in the global supply of bananas and pineapples. The group currently cultivates 8,700 hectares of bananas and 5,700 hectares of pineapples. This supports impressive annual shipments of 27 million boxes of bananas, 18 million boxes of pineapples. These volumes position the company as a crucial supplier to leading US and European retailers, including Walmart and Mercadona. According to Acón Sánchez, the company represents approximately 18% of all banana shipments from Costa Rica and 8–10% of the country’s pineapple exports.

Expanding Global Reach

Grupo Acón’s market footprint extends across several continents. The company exports to the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The introduction of plantain strengthens its ability to serve diverse markets, particularly regions where plantain is a staple or fast-growing category, which started to be the case in Southern Europe.

A Strategic step forward

The move into plantain production marks a natural expansion for Kapi Growers, allowing the company to leverage its established agricultural expertise, global logistics network, and long-standing customer relationships. As demand for plantain continues to rise across foodservice and retail channels, the company’s new production will help meet both traditional and emerging market needs. With full production expected soon, Kapi Growers is poised to become a significant supplier in the plantain category, just as it has in bananas and pineapples, reinforcing its role as a leader in Costa Rican agriculture and international fresh produce supply.

For more information about KapiKapi brand and the growing market of plantain, you can write here.