Calavo expands partnership with Mexican avocado growers

In response to increasing demand for avocados, both in the U.S. and internationally, Calavo has expanded its partnership with Mexican growers from Michoacán to Jalisco, according to a release.

“This will elevate our sourcing capabilities to an even higher level, and we are poised to not only provide U.S. tables with the best quality of avocados on the market, but it will also provide opportunities to supply the international community,” said Dionisio Ortiz, vice president, Calavo de Mexico, in the release.

The expansion will also enhance the Santa Paula, Calif.-based company’s ability to supply avocados year-round.

“Calavo’s state-of-the-art facility in Ciudad Guzmán is certified for exports to the United States, and with access to the largest Global G.A.P. Certified acreage in Jalisco, we are well positioned to offer availability of avocados year-round with particular emphasis on programs for various holidays both in the U.S. as well as internationally,” said Danny Dumas, Calavo’s recently appointed senior vice president and general manager of its grown division, which includes all aspects of avocado sales and sourcing.  

Calavo’s operation in Jalisco, Avocados de Jalisco, will be led by Eloy Reyna, vice president, Calavo de Jalisco.

“At Calavo, we pride ourselves in our deep grower relationships, our care for our family of employees and our stewardship of our communities and the environment. This has been our philosophy in Mexico for the past 25 years, and we have modeled our operation in Guzmán the exact same way,” said Eloy, who welcomed members of the Calavo team and grower partners at Calavo’s packing facility.

Founded in 1924, Calavo Growers, Inc. sells avocados, tomatoes, papayas, fresh-cut fruit, vegetables and prepared foods under the Calavo brand name, proprietary sub-brands, private label and store brands. The company serves retail grocery, foodservice, club stores, mass merchandisers, food distributors and wholesalers worldwide.