Oxnard, Calif. – Oct. 6, 2026 – Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVO) (“Mission” or “the Company”) a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, today announced its commitment 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 move reflects the Company’s “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,” said Brooke Becker, Senior Vice President of Sales & 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™️1 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, invest in their communities, and supports a more sustainable and ethical food system. Calavo Growers has championed the Fair Trade Certified program since 2013, generating more than $3.7 million in Community Development Funds that have enabled initiatives such as the development of a healthcare management center, health, dental, and vision care, reforestation projects, housing repairs, food assistance, and school supplies for growers, workers, and their families.
“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,” said Sandy Eason, Director of Organic Sales. “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.”
“Following our acquisition of Calavo Growers, we’ve been focused on bringing together the best of both organizations,” added Becker. “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. This summer season gave us an early preview of what’s possible– with stronger visibility in the field, broader sourcing capabilities, and the flexibility to pivot as markets shift, we’re already delivering more for our customers.”
Mission will showcase its New Era of Fresh at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 15–16 in Orlando, Fla.— the Company’s largest-ever presence at the show, and its first appearance as one fully combined organization. Mission will be on hand at booth #3453 (Avocados) and booth #2271 (Diversified Fresh), spotlighting its portfolio of mangos, papayas, tomatoes, and prepared foods alongside its core avocado business. For more information or to schedule a meeting, contact SalesReps@missionproduce.com.
End Notes:
- Fair Trade USA™, a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the leading certifier of Fair Trade products in North America. Offering award-winning, rigorous, and globally recognized sustainable sourcing certification programs that improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and build resilient, transparent supply chains, its trusted Fair Trade Certified™ label on a product signifies that it was made according to stringent fair trade standards. Fair Trade USA is building an innovative model of responsible business, conscious consumerism, and shared value to eliminate poverty and enable sustainable development for farmers, workers, their families, and communities around the world.
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