Mission Produce continues international expansion in the U.K.

Mission Produce, Inc., an Oxnard, Calif.-based company that sources, produces and distributes fresh Hass avocados with additional offerings in mangos, has announced plans to open a state-of-the-art ripening, packing and forward distribution center (FDC) in Dartford, England.

Strategically located with direct access to major international ports and transportation networks, the facility, slated to open in 2023, is expected to strengthen Mission’s expanding international footprint and optimize product distribution to the company’s European customer base, according to a release.

“Mission Produce remains at the forefront of emerging markets and continues to lead as one of the largest, most advanced avocado networks globally,” said Steve Barnard, CEO and founder of Mission, in a release. “Mission’s U.K. FDC is a world-class facility designed to streamline operations while delivering a cost-effective model. This milestone represents a significant opportunity for our business and enhances our ability to drive global avocado consumption as we accelerate our reach in the European market.”

Mission’s new 102,000-square-foot FDC is located near the U.K.’s largest ports and airports and at the intersection of England’s extensive transportation networks, with direct access to the M25. The building is certified by an internationally accepted sustainability standard with a BREEAM “excellent” rating for its efficient use of resources, including its incorporation of solar panels and rainwater harvesting.

 “The facility’s strategic location provides Mission with unique access to the growing U.K. market for avocados, while simplifying import logistics and expediting transit times,” said Ben Barnard, vice president of business operations. “Meanwhile, the facility’s sustainable systems and use of renewable energy are expected to promote energy, cost and maintenance savings.” 

Designed to maximize logistical efficiencies and enhance product quality, the facility will be Mission’s first to feature the “Mission Control” exclusive ripening room technology, which involves a specialized atmosphere control process to create the optimal environment for ripening, said the company. Mission Control technology also gives the company the ability to ripen fruit to customer specification.

In addition, the facility incorporates grading visibility technology, which can reduce handling times and minimize fruit damage, as well as testing machinery, which can determine stages of ripeness with advanced precision.

“We are currently the only supplier in the industry with our specialized Mission Control technology, which supports enhanced quality, longer shelf-life and waste reduction,” said Paul Frowde, managing director at Mission Produce U.K. “Our innovative processes coupled with our leading team of ripening experts enhances our ability to provide excellent service and custom offerings for our U.K. customer base.”

Mission’s owned or partnered production from South Africa, Peru, Colombia and Guatemala is expected to be distributed through the facility across Europe. 

“We are leveraging our vertical integration and presence in key markets to position us for sustained growth,” added Barnard. “With nearly 6,000 hectares of owned or partnered farms across South America, our vertical integration well positions us to provide the European market with a year-round supply of high-quality avocados. We aim to propel the avocado category forward in Europe, as we have in the U.S. market.”

Mission Produce’s UK FDC will be located at Unit 3, Clipper Boulevard, Crossways Business Park, Dartford, DA2 6QB.