Wilbert Parkhurst

Norman Parkhurst was the founder of Empresas La Famosa, Inc., a company dedicated to the packaging and distribution of canned fruits and juices. The company, whose products are sold in 62 countries, is the owner of the brands "Famosa", "Criada" and "Coco Lopez"

Early years In 1906, Parkhurst moved to Puerto Rico from Millville, New Jersey with his wife Bertha Jane and his three sons Wilbert Nicholas, Norman Eugene, Howard Allen. He purchased some land in the town of Bayamon and cultivated citrus fruits such as grapefruits and pineapples.

Empresas La Famosa, Inc. In 1921, Parkhurst founded the Parkhurst Canning Co.; a company dedicated to canning and distribution of the fruits produced in his lands. In 1923, the company was renamed Empresas La Famosa, Inc. and Norman Eugene served as president. The company succeeded in introducing its products to the local market and continued to grow. Parkhurst's family became involved in the business which by 1971, included Frozen Fruits Concentrates, Inc. (the juice brand "Caribe"), Toa Canning Co., La Concentradora de Puerto Rico and Bayamón Can Company. In 1978, the Parkhurst family sold Empresas La Famosa, Inc. and the Coco López brand to the Borden company.

The town of Las Piedras, Puerto Rico named an urbanization "Parkhurst" in honor of the Parkhurst family.