Our Company
Capespan North America is an importer and distributor of premium- quality fresh citrus and deciduous fruit.
With decades of experience in fresh fruit distribution, we rely on a broad network of trusted growers from around the world to service our retail customers in the United States and Canada with a wide range of fresh products.
We are part of the Capespan Group of Companies, a leading grower, packer and shipper of South African table grapes, pome fruit and citrus. Though we have a global footprint, our customer service is decidedly local. With staff and operations in New Jersey, California, Montreal and Cape Town, we are able to custom-tailor programs to suit the unique needs of each retail customer. Our focus on product quality and food safety, the reliability of our service and the knowledge and experience of our sales, procurement, operations and administrative teams, form the foundation of our business and our success.
Capespan North America Our History
1912
Capespan North America, a proud member of South Africa-based Capespan Group, has a history that dates back to 1912 when David Fisher and his brother opened their doors at the Bonsecours Market in Montreal, Canada to trade in fresh fruit and vegetables.
Fisher Bros., as it was then known, operated successfully on the Montreal wholesale market, supplying regional supermarkets with locally-sourced fresh products along with imports from California and Florida.
1958
In 1958 Fisher Bros. was appointed by the South African Citrus Exchange – the sole exporter of South African citrus – as its exclusive import and sales agent in Canada giving Canadians their first taste of off-season oranges. The brand was OUTSPAN and it immediately found favour with retailers and consumers.
1960
In 1960 Fisher Bros. began importing South African CAPE branded deciduous fruit into the United States and Canada offering a unique range of apple, pear and grape varieties. The offering included Granny Smith apples, a unique variety not before seen in North America and which found widespread favour.
1970's
In the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Fisher Bros. expanded its sourcing to include table grapes, apples and pears from Chile and Argentina and, later, from Peru and Brazil. Clementines from Spain and Morocco were also added to the offering.
1990's
In the 1990’s, citrus produced in South Africa’s Western Cape gained access to the US market and Fisher Bros. was among the first to offer summer oranges, clementines and mandarins to US retailers. The list of summer citrus products offered by Fisher Bros. expanded to include clementines, mandarins, oranges and lemons from Chile, clementines, mandarins and Minneolas from Peru, Star Ruby grapefruit from South Africa’s Northern Cape and lemons from Argentina.
2000
In 2000, Capespan South Africa acquired a 50% share of Fisher Bros. and the company’s name was changed to Fisher Capespan. In 2004, Capespan South Africa purchased the remaining 50% of Fisher Capespan from the Art Fisher family. In 2015, the company’s name was changed to Capespan North America.
Capespan North America Our History
Customer-Focused, Service-Minded Our Team
