Mission Produce, Inc., an Oxnard, Calif.-based producer and distributor of fresh Hass avocados, and NatureSweet Tomatoes, producer of Cherubs snacking tomatoes, have entered a long-term third-party logistics (3PL) partnership aimed at leveraging Mission’s state-of-the-art forward distribution center (FDC) in Laredo, Texas, according to a release. The move is anticipated to support the expansion of NatureSweet’s greenhouse portfolio, which includes snacking tomatoes, medium and large tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers.
Through the partnership, Mission will provide NatureSweet with cold storage, cross docking, repacking, inventory management, access to quality inspections and other services.
NatureSweet plans to consolidate about 70% of its total product volume coming from Mexico in Mission’s Laredo facility and distribute to U.S. customers located throughout the Southwest, Midwest and east of the Mississippi, according to the release.
“Given the size and scale of our business, Mission is uniquely positioned to offer 3PL services that streamline operations and create logistical efficiencies for complementary products,” said Ben Barnard, vice president of business operations at Mission, in a release. “We designed our Laredo mega center to serve as a major hub for U.S. avocado imports, and we are leveraging the facility’s size and advanced technology to drive volume and generate additional revenue through synergistic partnerships with produce importers.”
Partnerships, like the one with NatureSweet, will allow partner produce companies to benefit from economies of scale, Barnard added. The business model also allows Mission to “maximize utilization of the facility, especially in times of lower avocado supply,” he said.
Mission’s 261,000-square-foot Laredo distribution center opened in September of 2021, with a goal to support the $4.2 billion of produce imported through the Laredo World Trade Port of Entry, or Port of Laredo.
“We expect our partnership with Mission Produce to significantly improve the distribution of NatureSweet’s top-selling produce,” said Bruno Del Rio, vice president of supply chain for NatureSweet. “There is increased demand for NatureSweet tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, and Mission’s state-of-the-art consolidation center will allow us to expedite product in the U.S., keeping quality and freshness a top priority.
“Our commitment to improve NatureSweet’s daily operations is directly linked to the purpose of our company, which is transforming the lives of agricultural workers in North America,” Del Rio added.
The NatureSweet partnership is Mission’s largest 3PL agreement to date and expands on the company’s existing logistics partnerships across its other forward distribution centers in New Jersey, California and Calgary.
