Mission Produce Masters The Art of Ripening
OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce knows avocados through and through, and the green gold maven is giving an inside look into the company’s state-of-the-art ripening centers and skilled ripening process. Requiring sensitive practices, the program created by Mission not only reduces shrink, but will provide value to avocado programs across retail, wholesale, and foodservice as well.
“We have experts on both the science and on the art. The science behind ripening is key, but there is an art to how you handle the fruit,” explained Director of Operational Excellence Jason Payne. “You must know the science to create the art. The art is knowing the timing, age, dry matter, and operation of the rooms.”
Due to to the fact that avocados come from various regions around the world, conditions like seasonality, origin, age, and handling practices in each location affect the outcome of the fruit and require skillful ripeners to be able to balance the different factors.
According to a press release, a master avocado ripener will be able to carefully balance each of the effects while also taking into account dry matter, temperature, and humidity. With so many factors playing a role in the success of each avocado crop, Mission has become an expert in skillfully handling each avocado that it comes in contact with.
“Mission’s goal is to provide its customers with the best product available,” said FDC Manager Stacy McFann. “We continually develop, research, and educate our staff on new industry techniques to provide increased shelf life and have continued to adopt innovative practices within the ripening process. Mission strives to be the industry standard in service and product excellence.”
Mission has 11 operational, state-of-the-art ripening facilities across the globe, and is now building its 12th and largest facility in Laredo, Texas.
Each of the nine locations in North America are strategically located no more than 24 hours via truck ride away from customers, ensuring maximum freshness.
“When I ripen fruit, I think of how I would want to receive the fruit as a retailer, wholesaler, and as a consumer,” said Ripe and Inventory Manager George Bahamonde. “You must love what you do, as well as take pride and ownership in the end result. I think what sets Mission apart in the industry is primarily its commitment from everyone here to ensure we deliver the best fruit to our customers. The commitment, drive, devotion, knowledge, passion, training, and ownership of everyone has been the key to Mission’s success.”
How will Mission continue to expand its avocado ripening programs as it looks to grow the category? AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you all of the latest news and updates.
