OXNARD, CA - Most of the times I’ve tried new foods have been sitting at a restaurant, fully trusting the chef, and letting them lead the way to deliciousness. This is a trait Mission Produce™ knows well of its consumers too, as the avocado and mango grower prepares to showcase perfectly ripened avocados and mangos, with samples of Peruvian Avocado Toast and Mango Panna Cotta, at the International Fresh Produce Association's (IFPA) Foodservice Conference.

"The foodservice sector is a catalyst to food innovation, often introducing consumers to their first taste of new flavors and ingredients—and at Mission Produce, we know the quality of those ingredients is the foundation of creating a positive dining experience,” said Galen Johnson, Senior Director of Sales, Foodservice and Wholesale. “That’s why we're committed to delivering the world’s finest avocados and mangos, expertly ripened and ready for preparation. As masters in the art of ripening, our partners count on our custom ripe programs for fresh fruit delivered seven days a week. And at this year’s Foodservice Conference, we’re looking forward to sharing our insights on the value that both avocados and mangos can bring to the menu, as well as look at ripe program opportunities for restaurants, hospitality, business dining, and schools.”

Did you know that a majority of consumers, 97.2 percent according to a release, will pay more to include avocados in their dish? And when it comes to mangos, the mention of “mango” on menus in the United States has grown by 7 percent in the last four years, now mentioned on 42 percent of U.S. menus.

“Avocados and mangos are versatile ingredients with significant opportunities to be incorporated across more of the menu,” added Johnson. “Both offer unique textures and flavors, as well as important health benefits. So, we’ll be sampling both expertly ripened avocados and mangos to showcase the quality of our fruit and to inspire more avocado and mango culinary creations.”

With Mission’s focus on ripened avos and mangos to the right stage, a customer-tailored ripening program is available and provides order flexibility. This includes daily deliveries, last-minute order changes, and multi-stage shipments.

Visit Mission Produce at the Foodservice Conference to sample the Peruvian Avocado Toast and Mango Panna Cotta at booth #218!