Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce Inc. has shared testing results of its Mission Control ripening technology and management process.
The results confirm its ability to accelerate avocado ripening and improve product uniformity, according to a news release. The Mission Control technology will be implemented for the first time in the company’s newest forward distribution center in Dartford, England, which is anticipated to open in March 2023.
“As experts in the art of ripening, Mission Produce is entering the U.K. market by leading innovation in the avocado category,” Steve Barnard, founder and CEO, said in a news release. “With many strategic advantages, including the reach of our advanced global network, vertical integration, year-round supply, and enhanced ripening capabilities with Mission Control, we are positioned to drive demand and market growth in the U.K. for ripe avocados and mangoes.”
Mission Control, a Mission-exclusive atmosphere-control ripening process, was found to accelerate fruit ripening by as much as 20% when compared to a conventional ripening system, according to the release. That faster ripening process can provide significant benefits when delivering ripe and ready fruit to customers, the release said.
Additionally, the release said that fruit ripeness throughout the ripening chamber was found to be more consistent when using Mission Control.
The study was designed in partnership with The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Ltd., notably Dr. Jem Burdon, a postharvest specialist and industry expert in fruit ripening, according to the release.
Trials were conducted at the University of Greenwich’s Produce Quality Centre, one of the U.K.’s top research facilities for storage, handling and packaging solutions for fresh produce, the release said.
“Mission Control was designed with a science-based approach to create the optimal environment for ripening,” Adam Shaw, technical director of Mission Produce U.K., said in the release. “We’ve fine-tuned our controls in collaboration with our strategic partners, who hold a wealth of biological knowledge and technological understanding in our industry. Based on our impressive testing results, we are confident that the technology can promote a more consistent and reliable product and, in turn, enhance our customer relationships.”
Mission Control was built in partnership with the company’s manufacturing partner, Cross Refrigeration, the release said.
“Mission Control can deliver a game-changing impact to the avocado ripening process,” Andrew Nesbitt, group managing director of Cross Group, said in the release.
Paul Frowde, managing director for Mission Produce U.K., said in the release that the Mission Control ripening process is designed to enhance the customer experience and promote product reliability in order to drive category growth for customers.
“With a well-established team across supply chain, operations, ripening management, and quality assurance, we look forward to expanding the company’s global network in the U.K.,” Frowde said in the release.
Mission will be attending Fruit Logistica in Berlin from Feb. 8-10, 2023 (booth# 23/E03). For more information, contact MPUKSales@MissionProduce.com.
