Mission Produce continues to grow internationally, announcing plans to expand its Toronto Ripe Centre and the purchase of a new packing facility in Mexico.
The Californian based company, one of the world’s leading marketers of fresh avocados, entered the Canadian market three years ago and has been rewarded with steady growth over this period.
Mission’s vice-president of sales Ross Wileman said the expansion of the Toronto facility, which will double its ripening capabilities from 72 to 144 pallet spaces, was smart business.
“We now have the opportunity to ensure our customer’s growth needs,” Wileman said.
“These regional, high-tech facilities ripen fruit, maximize just-in-time delivery, reduce customer inventory management and enhance transportation efficiency.
“Mission customers are ensured a consistent flow of fresh products on an as needed basis.’’
Mission has an eye for emerging markets.
The company was the first to bring Chilean avocados into the US in the late 1980’s and it has become a key player in the rapidly growing Japanese avacodo market.
Now Mission is set to widen its presence in Mexico, with the company hoping its new pack house, near Zamora, Michoacán, will open up the avocado growing regions in Jalisco, too far away from the current facility in Uruapan.
Jalisco's fruit is not currently allowed into the US but Mission expects it will be in the near future.
The Zamora facility has the capability to pack nearly 300 pallets per day.
The current plant has over 28,000ft2 already which Mission will expand to more than double the size.
