Patrick Cortes Discusses Mission Produce's Viva Fresh Program; Teases Expansion
OXNARD, CA - The show we have all been waiting for is nearly upon us, sparking an eager and hungry excitement for all things innovation and fresh produce. As is custom, Mission Produce is one of those companies bringing ingenuity and opportunities to the 2022 Viva Fresh Expo. With the clock ticking, I reached out to the industry trailblazer in order to learn more about what the company has in store for attendees.
“This year, we’ll be showcasing the Mission Advantages for the customer as part of our Experience the Difference campaign, specifically highlighting our year-round, industry-leading ripe avocado and mango programs,” Patrick Cortes, Senior Director of Business Development and Foodservice, shares with me. “We’ll discuss our vertical integration model for both avocados and mangos, and how our mango program is expanding with additional offerings of premium varieties.”
With a host of buying organizations looking to tap into these advantages, I asked Patrick to share more about how Mission keeps its hands and eyes on all aspects of the supply chain.
“Our vertical integration in Peru for both avocados and mangos enables us to provide competitive value from field to fork with enhanced control, consistency, and reliability in supply,” he continues. “Mission owns one of the world’s largest avocado ripening and distribution networks. In North America alone, we have 10 state-of-the-art forward distribution centers (FDCs) and over 100 ripe rooms, meaning we have the capacity to ripen more than 15 million avocados at any given time.”
Mission’s FDCs are also strategically located in key markets of North America, meaning the company has the capability to deliver ripe fruit within 24 hours. Mission’s scale, positioning, and advanced technology enable the operation to increase shelf-life and provide high-quality and consistent ripe programs for retail, wholesale, and foodservice customers.
“A Mission avocado or mango program promotes a consistent supply, a high-quality product, and an enhanced consumer experience. Our programs are designed to meet the needs of each individual customer, with the goal of increasing sales and improving category profit margins,” Patrick reveals, laying all his cards out on the table.
And, when I ask Patrick, “Why Viva?” he shares that the Expo attracts the top vendors and customers across all parts of the supply chain.
“In a cost-effective manner, we can meet with growers, discover industry innovations, and learn of novel packaging or sustainability initiatives. Additionally, the show consistently delivers a strong retail, wholesale, and foodservice attendance, allowing for productive one-on-one meetings to prospect new business and strategize with current customers,” Patrick concludes.
With our AndNowUKnow bags packed and full of cards, notepads, and a lot of excitement, we will be wheels up soon and seeing you all this week in Grapevine, Texas!
