Mission Produce Completes Calavo Acquisition, Expanding Avocado Platform
Mission Produce has officially completed its acquisition of Calavo Growers, creating one of the largest vertically integrated avocado and fresh produce platforms in North America.
The transaction, announced May 28, combines two longtime leaders in the avocado business while significantly expanding Mission Produce’s sourcing, distribution and value-added capabilities. In addition to strengthening Mission’s avocado operations, the acquisition broadens the company’s reach into tomatoes, papayas and prepared foods such as guacamole.
Mission Produce said the acquisition enhances its vertically integrated network by improving sourcing and packing efficiencies, expanding its North American footprint and creating greater flexibility across the supply chain. Company executives also pointed to opportunities in the prepared foods category, which continues to grow as retailers and consumers seek more convenient fresh food options.
“Today marks a significant milestone for our Company and for our industry,” said John Pawlowski, CEO of Mission Produce. “The successful completion of this transaction reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more diversified company—one that is well positioned to meet the growing demand for fresh, healthy and convenient foods.”
The deal brings together two companies with deep roots in the avocado industry. Mission Produce, founded in 1983, has grown into a global supplier with sourcing capabilities across more than 20 growing regions and operations spanning North America, Peru, Guatemala, Europe and Asia. Calavo, meanwhile, has been a major player in avocados and fresh produce for more than a century, building longstanding relationships with growers and retail customers throughout North America.
Industry observers say the acquisition reflects continued consolidation within fresh produce as companies seek greater scale, year-round sourcing and stronger operational efficiency in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The move also highlights the growing importance of value-added products in the produce business, particularly prepared foods and convenience-oriented offerings.
Mission Produce said combining the two companies will allow it to provide more comprehensive service to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers while strengthening supply reliability and logistics capabilities. The company also expects the acquisition to create additional opportunities for operational integration and innovation across the fresh produce supply chain.
As part of the transition, former Calavo President and CEO B. John Lindeman will continue leading the Calavo business during an integration period and will report to Pawlowski.
Calavo stockholders will receive $26.05 per share under the terms of the agreement, consisting of $14.85 in cash and 0.9790 shares of Mission Produce common stock for each Calavo share.
Following the completion of the transaction, Calavo became a wholly owned subsidiary of Mission Produce and its stock was suspended from trading on Nasdaq.
The acquisition positions Mission Produce as an even larger force within the global fresh produce sector at a time when retailers continue demanding year-round supply, stronger logistics support and more value-added offerings. For the avocado industry in particular, the combination creates a company with expanded sourcing power, broader distribution reach and increased scale across multiple fresh categories.
As the fresh produce business continues evolving, the deal signals that size, diversification and operational integration are becoming increasingly important competitive advantages in serving retailers and consumers alike.
