Mission Produce has expanded its operations and distribution to Miami, according to a news release. The Oxnard, Calif.-based company, which sources, produces and distributes fresh hass avocados, says the move will enable it to directly service customers in Florida with its signature World’s Finest Avocados and World’s Finest Mangos, as well as provide ripening and bagging services.
“Our expansion to Miami demonstrates our commitment to elite customer service and our strategic focus on capturing growth in high-potential markets,” says John Pawlowski, president and chief operating officer for Mission Produce. “This location unlocks our ability to meet the strong demand for high-quality, ripe avocados and mangoes in Florida with improved quality and efficiency. We are excited to bring Mission’s values and capabilities closer to our customers in the Southeast.”
Miami serves as a strategic import hub for product sourced from Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and other offshore origins, the release says. By entering Florida directly, Mission says it can streamline logistics, reduce transit times and move product seamlessly across its U.S. distribution network.
According to Circana data, there are more than 18,000 retail outlets across the Southeast. Mission Produce says the new Miami location positions it to better service this customer base.
Florida represents one of the strongest growth markets for both avocados and mangoes. In the past 12 months, 76% of Florida shoppers purchased avocados and 46% purchased mangoes — well above the national average, says the company, pointing to Numerator Insights Shopper Metrics for the 12 months ending July 31.
With 8.2% population growth over the past four years, the state is also the fastest growing in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census. And Numerator Insights finds that one in four residents identifies as Hispanic — a core demographic for both categories.
Mission says these dynamics create significant opportunity to drive category growth in the market.
