Mission Produce says it has committed to Fair Trade Certification, an award-winning, rigorous and globally recognized sustainable sourcing model that improves livelihoods, protects the environment and builds resilient, transparent supply chains.
The company says this move reflects its “New Era of Fresh” as a stronger, more diversified organization and leading avocado platform.
“Mission’s new era is about providing greater value throughout the supply chain,” says Brooke Becker, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Mission Produce. “Fair Trade Certification is a natural extension of that: It aligns with our values, it’s recognized by many of our key retail partners and consumers, and it’s a direct way of supporting our grower communities.”
Fair Trade Certified avocados come from farms that are verified to meet rigorous social and environmental standards, including safe working conditions, fair wages and responsible farming practices. Each Fair Trade Certified product purchased helps farmworkers improve their lives and invest in their communities and supports a more sustainable and ethical food system, the company notes.
“I’ve had the privilege of being part of this program since the beginning and have seen firsthand the difference it’s made for growers and their communities,” says Sandy Eason, director of organic sales for Mission Produce. “There are countless stories of how Fair Trade Certified has changed lives for the better, and expanding the program across Mission’s network means that impact will only grow. I couldn’t be prouder to help carry it forward into this next chapter.”
The initiative builds on the company’s acquisition of Calavo Growers, which has participated in the Fair Trade Certified program since 2013. That program has generated over $3.3 million in Community Development Funds, supporting local healthcare facilities, medical and vision care, reforestation, housing repairs and educational supplies for farming families, according to the company.
“Following our acquisition of Calavo Growers, we’ve been focused on bringing together the best of both organizations,” Becker says. “Fair Trade Certified is one thing we’ve been able to build on as a larger company, and it won’t be the only one. Avocados remain the core of our business, and the scale we now operate at gives us more ways to secure a reliable, high-quality, year-round supply.”
