FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Contact: Elisa Rivera at Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov or (559) 264-3070

Fruta Fresca Ice Cream Shop Honored as Senate District 14 Small Business of the Year

SACRAMENTO — Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) honored Fruta Fresca Ice Cream Shop located in Kerman, CA, as the Senate District 14 Small Business of the Year. The event, the California Salute to Small Business Dinner and Award Ceremony, hosted by the California Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC California), took place on Wednesday, May 13, at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento.

The annual statewide event recognizes one outstanding small business from each California legislative district for its contributions to local communities and the state’s economy. The evening brought together entrepreneurs, legislators, and partners from across the state to celebrate the small businesses building stronger communities and driving economic growth throughout California.

Fruta Fresca Ice Cream Shop, a family-owned business in Kerman operated by Martin and Rocio Enriquez and their daughter Yazmin, was selected for its commitment to community service, cultural engagement, and local outreach efforts.

“I am proud to choose Fruta Fresca Ice Cream Shop as the Small Business of the Year for Senate District 14,” said Senator Caballero. “The owners of Fruta Fresca Ice Cream, Martin and Rocio Enriquez and their daughter Yazmin, embody what we mean when we say small businesses are the backbone of our communities. This family-run business is built on hard work, consistency, and quality, but more importantly on service to others. From school supply drives and National Night Out events to fundraising for childhood cancer awareness and creating cultural projects that honor history, Fruta Fresca consistently gives back. They use their business not only to serve customers a tasty treat, but to strengthen family and community ties, celebrate culture, and create opportunity. It is an honor to recognize Fruta Fresca for the way they lift others and build something truly special in Kerman.”

The California Salute to Small Business Dinner and Award Ceremony serves as a celebration of the entrepreneurs and companies creating jobs, strengthening local communities, and shaping California’s economic future. The event highlights the important role small businesses play in every region of the state and recognizes the innovation, resilience, and leadership demonstrated by this year’s honorees.

About the California Salute to Small Business Dinner and Award Ceremony

The California Salute to Small Business Dinner and Award Ceremony honors outstanding small businesses from across the state, including one exceptional business selected from each California legislative district by Assembly and Senate offices. The event brings together small business leaders, legislators, and statewide partners to recognize entrepreneurship, celebrate local economic impact, and highlight resources that support small business success in California.

For interviews or inquiries, please contact: Elisa Rivera at (559) 264-3070

About Senator Anna M. Caballero
Senator Anna M. Caballero represents California’s 14th Senate District, which includes much of Merced, Fresno, and Madera Counties. She is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and a member of several other committees. Senator Caballero continues to work tirelessly on behalf of her district for policies that strengthen California’s agricultural industry, protects working families, supports affordable, accessible healthcare for all and fosters economic development across the state.

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