OXNARD, CA - Endurance to overcome even the greatest challenges: that’s what I think of when I think of this industry. Operators like Mission Produce agree with me, understanding the difficulties that have arisen due to COVID-19. Speaking with Patrick Cortes Sr., Director of Business Development, and Bryan Garibay, Foodservice Manager, I got a sense of how the company is working to support its foodservice operators and how PMA Foodservice: Delivered helped further this goal.

“One of our main goals in attending was to let the industry know that we are hyper-aware of just how much more challenging it is to operate during a pandemic,” Patrick noted. “Food cost, inventory management, and shrink have never been more critical. With that in mind, we wanted to explain the benefit of our new shelf-life extension technology, Avolast, which can help operators add a few additional days of shelf life to their avocados. We also demonstrated a wide variety of solutions that we can customize to help manage their inventory and supply chain.”

As the strategic approach to business has changed across the board, I asked Bryan how Mission’s approach to the show was altered, as well.

“It’s definitely a challenge when everything has to be done virtually, but we tried to approach it similar to an in-person event. We are a solutions-based company, so it was important to hear what needs are out there and customize programs around those needs. We wanted to drive people to our landing page to outline some of those solutions and reach out for more information” Bryan explained.

We continue to approach reopening foodservice operations—a happy day for both suppliers and restaurants. Bryan remarked that Mission’s strategy to support supply chain members is already in place.

“We want to make sure that the industry knows we are here to help and support them through this pandemic. Our industry-leading ripe network is perfectly set up to remain nimble and agile,” he commented. “We have provided solutions and suggestions like multiple order deliveries per week, multiple stages of ripeness, and smaller pack sizes to help manage inventory. We can customize a program to fit even the most difficult of supply chains.”

Honored to win the PMA Foodservice: Delivered “Best Served” solutions contest, Mission continues to strive each day to provide value throughout the supply chain.

“I know it might sound trite, but this too shall pass and we will be stronger. We are focused on delivering the best avocados, at the perfect ripe stage, when our customers need it,” Patrick concluded.

And that optimism is exactly how we overcome.

Mission Produce