Oxnard, Calif. – Feb. 1, 2024 – Mission Produce, Inc. BB #:118126 a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, today announced its attendance at Fruit Logistica Berlin to showcase the Company’s exclusive ripening innovation, Mission Control, that is driving a new standard of reliability for ripe-and-ready avocados in the UK.
Mission Control is the world’s most advanced ripe room technology, enabling next-level precision for atmosphere-controlled ripening – achieving as much as a 38 percent improvement in quality consistency compared to the industry standard ripening system.*
“We’re introducing the market to a new standard of quality and reliability that we believe will drive demand for avocados in the UK,” said Paul Frowde, Managing Director, Mission Produce UK and Europe. “With Mission Control, and as Masters in the Art of Ripening, I believe we’re the only supplier with this level of control over the ripening environment. Atmosphere control isn’t new to the industry, but this level of precision is– and it’s the reason Mission Produce is the go-to supplier for high-quality, ripe avocados.”
Mission Control was manufactured in partnership with Cross Refrigeration, a global leader in advanced temperature controls, and has been tested on both the lab and commercial production levels in partnership with Dr. Jem Burdon, a postharvest specialist and industry expert in fruit ripening from The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited.
“Developing Mission Control in exclusivity has provided us with a database of fine-tuned controls to most effectively ripen fruit of any condition,” said Adam Shaw, Technical Director, Mission Produce UK. “This step-change to the industry ripening standard indicates new possibilities for the adoption of ripe avocados at the consumer level. As we continue to improve product reliability and quality consistency, we believe we can strengthen consumer trust in our products.”
The recent commercial production trials comparing Mission Control to the standard ripening system evaluated the ripeness of Hass avocados from various countries of origin at varying levels of dry matter and fruit maturity.* Mission Control demonstrated the strongest improvement when ripening fruit that is generally considered more difficult to ripen, such as early-season fruit or packs with fruit of varying conditions.*
By testing the technology at scale, Mission continues to fine-tune the process controls to create the optimal ripening environments for every season.
In response to the remarkable success Mission Produce UK achieved in its first year, the company is doubling its ripening capacity at its state-of-the-art forward distribution center in Dartford, UK. Scheduled for completion in Spring of 2024, the new ripening rooms are all designed to feature Mission Control technology. In addition, Mission Produce plans to add mangos to its product portfolio, which will also be ripened using Mission Control.
“It’s all about the consumer experience, and Mission Produce is driven by operational excellence to capitalize on the great market potential for avocados,” added Frowde. ”Getting the ripeness right and delivering exceptional quality is how we plan to move the market for avocados, and soon, mangos, in the UK.”
Mission Produce is attending Fruit Logistica Berlin from Feb. 7-9, 2024, at Hall 25 (Stand B-31). To learn more about Mission Control, visit the booth or email MPUKSales@missionproduce.com.
*Mission Control Commercial Production Trial. Mission Produce UK. September-December 2023.
About Mission Produce, Inc.:
Mission Produce is a global leader in the worldwide avocado business with additional offerings in mangos and blueberries. Since 1983, Mission Produce has been sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados, and currently services retail, wholesale and foodservice customers in over 25 countries. The vertically integrated Company owns and operates four state-of-the-art packing facilities in key growing locations globally, including California, Mexico and Peru and has additional sourcing capabilities in Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa and more, which allow the company to provide a year-round supply of premium fruit. Mission’s global distribution network includes strategically positioned forward distribution centers across key markets throughout North America, China, Europe, and the UK, offering value-added services such as ripening, bagging, custom packing and logistical management. For more information, please visit www.missionproduce.com.
Jenna Aguilera
Marketing and Communications Manager
Mission Produce, Inc.
press@missionproduce.com
