Fifteen years ago, Pitaya Foods started with a simple but powerful mission—bringing nutrient-dense, exotic fruits to more people while creating a lasting impact for the farmers and families who grow them. It all began with just 10 farmers and 10 single moms hand-packing dragon fruit in Nicaragua. Today, that mission has grown far beyond what our founders, Chuck and Ben, could have imagined.

But no matter how much we grow, we always come back to our roots.

That’s why this year, our entire team traveled back to Nicaragua—not just to see where it all started, but to connect with the people who make it all possible. From the farmers and single mothers to the collection centers and organic certification programs, this trip was a humbling reminder of the impact we’ve all had—together.

The Impact We’ve Built—Together

When Pitaya Foods first started, we didn’t just want to sell fruit—we wanted to build something that made a real difference. Thanks to your support, that impact has only grown over the years:

🌱 Supporting Over 200+ Single Moms with Jobs – Women who now have steady income and opportunities to provide for their families.

🌱 Helping Farmers Become USDA Organic Certified – Giving them access to better markets and higher prices for their crops.

🌱 Save the Trees – We work with hundreds of farmers to promote organic certification, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable land management, reducing the need for deforestation and preserving forests.

🌱 Building Collection Centers for Fair & Fast Payments – Farmers can now easily sell their dragon fruit and receive payment quicker, transforming their ability to sustain their businesses.

While visiting, we saw firsthand what this means for farmers like Julio Baltodano, who proudly showed us the truck he was able to purchase, thanks to his work with our collection centers. And Rosa Baltodano, who demonstrated how new farming techniques are helping her grow dragon fruit more efficiently than ever before. These aren’t just success stories—they’re real lives changed, and you’ve been a part of that journey.

Tasting Dragon Fruit, Fresh From the Vine

One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip? Tasting dragon fruit straight from the farm.

Sure, we work with dragon fruit every day—blending it into smoothie packs, turning it into bowls, and sharing it with customers across the world. But there’s something completely different about eating it straight from the source.

Under the Nicaraguan sun, the fruit looks almost unreal—its bright magenta skin bursting open to reveal an even deeper shade of ruby red inside. Unlike the grocery store versions most people are used to, this dragon fruit is next-level fresh, and the first bite is pure magic.

The flavor is unexpectedly sweet, with a hint of berry and a delicate, almost floral finish. The texture is soft and juicy, speckled with tiny edible seeds that give it just the right crunch. Some of our team members described it as a mix between a kiwi, a pear, and a watermelon, but truthfully, dragon fruit has a taste all its own.

It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do—bringing real, farm-fresh, nutrient-packed fruit to people everywhere, without the additives or artificial ingredients.

And it makes us even more grateful for the farmers who handpick, wash, and carefully prepare each piece of fruit before it ever reaches a smoothie pack.

Why This Trip Mattered

For our team, this trip wasn’t just about seeing dragon fruit growing in the fields—it was about feeling the impact of the work we do every day. It’s easy to get caught up in emails, projects, and the day-to-day grind, but standing in the fields, eating dragon fruit fresh off the vine, and shaking hands with the people behind our products was something else entirely.

It reminded us why we do what we do.

It brought us closer as a team.

And, let’s be honest—it was also an adventure.

Adventure, Bonding, and a Little Healthy Competition

We didn’t just visit farms—we also immersed ourselves in the beauty and culture of Nicaragua.

🏄 Surfing & Beach Days – Sun, sand, and some (not-so-graceful) wipeouts.

🌋 Volcano Boarding Down Cerro Negro – Because nothing says team bonding like racing each other down an active volcano.

🍽️ Exploring Nicaraguan Cuisine – From fresh seafood to traditional dishes, we indulged in the best flavors the country has to offer.

🏙️ Visiting Historic Cities Like León & Managua – A chance to take in the rich history and culture beyond the farms.

This trip was an unforgettable blend of purpose and play, and we left Nicaragua feeling more connected than ever—to our team, to our mission, and to all of you who have supported us along the way.

This Story Continues Because of You

Everything we’ve built at Pitaya Foods—every farm we’ve helped, every job we’ve created, every delicious smoothie pack you’ve blended up—is because of a shared belief in doing better. Your support has fueled this journey, and this trip was a beautiful reminder of what we’ve accomplished together.

So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

For every purchase, every kind word, every moment you choose Pitaya Foods—you’re not just buying fruit. You’re supporting families, farmers, and a brighter future.