As global demand for avocados continues to rise, maintaining perfect quality from orchard to retail shelf has become both an art and a science. For Mission Produce – one of the world's leading avocado suppliers – cooling, storage, and ripening are managed with scientific precision and decades of expertise. The company's goal is clear: to deliver the World's Finest Avocados™ to customers around the globe, at exactly the right stage of ripeness.
© Mission Produce Europe B.V. A World-Class Cold Chain
Mission Produce's commitment to quality begins the moment the fruit leaves the tree. "We operate a world-class cold chain," says Paul Frowde, Managing Director for Europe & UK. "Our fruit is kept under precise temperature specifications to maintain the highest possible quality from harvest to delivery."
That precision starts in the field. In Peru, Mission Produce employs in-field hydrocooling technology to rapidly lower the temperature of freshly harvested avocados before packing. "This postharvest practice promotes long-lasting quality, especially for fruit shipped to Europe and the UK," Paul explains.
The company's quality team determines the ideal transit and storage temperatures based on variables such as maturity, dry matter, and seasonality. "We calculate the optimal conditions for every batch and maintain those parameters throughout our supply chain," says Paul. "That's why customers know us for consistent excellence."
Tight Logistics, Seamless Delivery
With ripening and distribution centers strategically located in Poeldijk (the Netherlands) and Dartford (UK), Mission Produce ensures just-in-time deliveries across its European network. "Our positioning allows us to provide direct-to-retail service to both the UK and EU markets," Paul explains.
© Mission Produce Europe B.V.
Maintaining cold chain integrity is critical at every stage. "Even slight temperature fluctuations can affect quality and shelf life," says Paul. "Consistency is key – from our growers and packers to our ripening rooms and logistics partners."
Collaboration with customers is at the core of Mission's approach. "We work closely with retailers to align our operations with their supply chains," says Paul. "That collaboration ensures the freshest possible product arrives exactly when needed, every day."
Rising Demand, Evolving Expectations
The global appetite for avocados shows no signs of slowing. According to the World Avocado Organization, the UK is now the third-largest avocado market in Europe. "Both the UK and European markets are ripe with potential," Paul notes. "Much of the growth has come from attracting new avocado shoppers."
What today's consumers want, he adds, is simple: avocados that are ripe and ready to eat. "Consistency is the key to expanding consumption," says Paul. "When shoppers can rely on the ripeness and quality of the fruit they find in stores, they buy more."
© Mission Produce Europe B.V.
To meet that expectation, Mission Produce has focused on improving reliability through innovative ripening technology, proven processes, and a service-driven mindset. "Consumer confidence depends on product consistency," Paul emphasizes. "When the avocado performs every time, the category grows."
Mastering the Art of Ripening
After more than four decades in the global avocado trade, Mission Produce has perfected what it calls the Art of Ripening. The company's science-based processes are designed to deliver precise, predictable ripeness every time.
At the heart of this expertise is Mission Control, an advanced ripening system developed in the UK. "Mission Control gives us next-level precision over the ripening environment," explains Paul. "It allows us to ripen fruit from multiple origins – each with unique characteristics – to exactly the same level of ripeness."
Commercial trials have shown impressive results. "We've seen up to a 38% improvement in quality consistency compared to standard ripening systems," says Paul. "Mission Control has been a game-changer for our customers and has set a new standard for ripe avocados in the UK market."
Technology Driving Efficiency and Reliability
Innovation remains central to Mission Produce's global strategy. "Our Mission Control system gets smarter every season," Paul says. "By refining our controls and leveraging data, we're continuously improving how we manage ripening across different origins and conditions."
© Mission Produce Europe B.V.
Automation and data analysis also support efficiency. "By using technology to monitor and adjust our operations, we can reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and maintain consistent product quality," Paul notes.
The company's digital tools provide visibility across the cold chain – from temperature and humidity to CO₂ levels. "This level of monitoring allows us to react quickly to any deviation and protect the integrity of our fruit," says Paul.
Collaborative Partnerships for Consistent Supply
Mission Produce's success is built on partnership. "We combine deep product knowledge with supply chain expertise to understand our customers' needs in detail," says Paul. "That collaboration keeps satisfaction at the highest level."
Through its global sourcing network, Mission Produce supplies avocados year-round from more than 15 countries of origin, five of which are vertically integrated. "This structure allows us to plan impactful programs with our retail partners and ensure a reliable supply across all seasons," Paul explains.
By aligning sourcing, ripening, and logistics under one coordinated system, the company ensures that quality fruit is always available, regardless of seasonality or geography.
The Road Ahead: Data and Precision
Looking forward, Mission Produce continues to invest in technologies that enhance precision, reliability, and efficiency. "Every day, our focus remains the same: to deliver the freshest possible product seamlessly to our customers," Paul concludes.
© Mission Produce Europe B.V.
With intelligent ripening systems, global logistics coordination, and a relentless commitment to quality, Mission Produce is setting new benchmarks in how avocados are cooled, transported, and ripened. As global consumption continues to grow, the company's blend of science, technology, and expertise positions it to meet future demand with confidence — one perfectly ripe avocado at a time.
Voor meer informatie:
Mission Produce Europe
[email protected]
www.missionproduce.com
