OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce’s latest expansion plan is backed by an innovative, state-of-the-art ripening technology set to significantly bolster its operations. The provider recently announced the testing results of its Mission Control ripening technology and management process, revealing that Mission Control will be implemented for the first time in the supplier’s newest forward distribution center in Dartford, England, expected to open in March of 2023.

“As experts in the art of ripening, Mission Produce is entering the U.K. market by leading innovation in the avocado category,” said Steve Barnard, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mission Produce. “With many strategic advantages, including the reach of our advanced global network, vertical integration, year-round supply, and enhanced ripening capabilities with Mission Control, we are positioned to drive demand and market growth in the U.K. for ripe avocados and mangos.”

Mission Control is a Mission-exclusive, atmosphere-control ripening process that utilizes state-of-the-art technology to accelerate fruit ripening by as much as 20 percent when compared to a conventional ripening system, a press release explained. This can provide significant benefits when delivering ripe and ready fruit to customers.

In addition, a study designed in partnership with The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited showed fruit ripeness throughout the ripening chamber to be more consistent when using Mission Control.

“We continue to innovate to bring the highest quality fruit to our customers and solidify our position as a reliable source of the world’s finest avocados and mangos,” said Paul Frowde, Managing Director, Mission Produce UK. “The Mission Control ripening process is a unique method of fruit ripening that is designed to enhance the customer experience and promote product reliability in order to drive category growth for our customers. With a well-established team across supply chain, operations, ripening management, and quality assurance, we look forward to expanding the Company’s global network in the U.K.”

Adam Shaw, Technical Director, Mission Produce UK, also commented on the benefits of the system.

“Mission Control was designed with a science-based approach to create the optimal environment for ripening,” said Shaw. “We’ve fine-tuned our controls in collaboration with our strategic partners, who hold a wealth of biological knowledge and technological understanding in our industry. Based on our impressive testing results, we are confident that the technology can promote a more consistent and reliable product and, in turn, enhance our customer relationships.”

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Mission Produce