MIAMI, FL - The need for a new facility is a key sign of growth for any company, and cementing its evolution into a year-round grower-shipper of avocados, WP Produce has unveiled its own expansion. As its Florida season gets underway, the second-generation, family-owned and operated company has announced a new packing facility located in Homestead, Florida.

"We've been based in Miami for nearly 40 years," said Chris Gonzalez, Vice President of Sales. "Our growth over the past few years, combined with our vision for the future and confidence in the potential of Tropical avocados and other tropicals, dictated the need for this new facility. We've also been following the decline of Florida avocados for years, so we also wanted to reinvest in Florida now to support the industry and growers, who have been combating laurel wilt disease and the pressure of real estate development infringing on productive groves."

WP Produce sources its fruit from Florida and the Dominican Republic, producing its well-known large, vibrant Desbry^® Tropical avocados. According to a press release, due to their size and quality, the variety delivers larger margins and category growth for retailers while simultaneously providing greater value and convenience to foodservice operators. Because of this value, both Florida and Dominican Tropical avocados have been gaining popularity and distribution.

"It's great to see the increasing interest in Tropical Avocados from retailers and foodservice customers throughout North America," added Gonzalez. "This new packing house helps us keep up with demand and deliver premium-quality Desbry fruit coast to coast. Our customers rely on WP to deliver to far-away destinations, and we will always continue to make improvements that assure we can meet and exceed their needs as a preferred supplier."

Currently, WP serves clients in retail and foodservice across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, utilizing Hazel Technologies' shelf-life extending sachets to reduce shrink while preserving quality. This wide-spread customer base is another reason, along with an increase in demand for Tropical avocados, that the company has introduced its new facility. With summer right around the corner, WP expects demand to continue to increase.

"We're probably best known for our Dominican fruit, but we have always supplied Florida-grown Tropical avocados as well," Gonzalez said. "The Florida season started in May, and is now really getting going with increased volumes and better-tasting fruit. Supplies have been tighter than usual this year, but we always make sure our contract customers have the fruit they need for peak summer avocado consumption."

To provide its clients with exactly the right type of fruit for their operations, WP Produce offers loose fruit in 8, 9, 10, and 12 count packs. Double-layered boxes are also available in 16, 18, 20, and 24 counts. For retailers whose shoppers prefer packaged items for safety or convenience, the grower-shipper offers two count poly/mesh bags that deliver in a 25 lb carton.

Further bolstering its retail success, the company has a value-added merchandising program that offers signage, recipe tear pads, and eye-catching displays to educate consumers while increasing sales.

With Tropical avocados continuing to gain traction throughout the U.S. as retailers expand the avocado category, now is the perfect time to showcase this unique fruit. Remaining green and ripe three times longer than Hass avocados and having a sturdy texture, Tropical avocados are a great option for consumers looking to diversify their summer eating with salads, dips, and other refreshing dishes, so stock your displays to take advantage of this rising category.

How will WP Produce's new facility allow the company to further expand its reach in the avocado market? Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we bring you the latest.

WP Produce