MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA and OXNARD, CA – One of the largest producers of Hass avocados in Colombia has entered into a formal marketing and distribution agreement with Mission Produce. The Oxnard-based Mission penned a deal with Cartama.

“With the addition of Colombia, this will be the eighth country where Mission has invested capital and infrastructure,” noted Steve Barnard, Mission’s President & CEO. “We are continuing to grow our global footprint and planning for the future.”

Cartama is a 16-year-old company that has rapidly ascended to become one of Colombia’s largest grower/packers.

According to a joint press release, Cartama has been rapidly expanding its avocado production in recent years and expects to have nearly 1,000 hectares in production by the end of 2017.

“We are very enthusiastic about the venture with Mission,” said Ricardo Uribe, Cartama’s CEO. “Cartama is a world-class producer of Hass avocados, and working with Mission gives us access to world markets and the ability to accelerate our aggressive growth plans.”

Both companies expect the partnership to complement their existing businesses and create new possibilities for global expansion.

“Colombia produces avocados on a year-round basis, and is a natural complement for our destination markets around the world,” added Jim Donovan, Mission’s Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing. “Our agreement with Cartama to market and distribute Colombian avocados gives us an additional source of supply as the category continues to grow globally.”

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Mission Produce Cartama