Diana McClean Discusses Mission Produce's Back-to-School Marketing and Solutions Strategies


Tue. August 26th, 2025 - by Jordan Okumura-Wright

OXNARD, CA - Any way you slice it, the popularity of avocados and mangos continues to skyrocket, making each category ripe for promotion. Whether it's a summer holiday or, in this case, the back-to-school season, retailers can expect a healthy dose of consumer traffic around avocado and mango produce department destinations.

Diana McClean, Director of Marketing and Communications, Mission Produce®
Diana McClean, Director of Marketing and Communications, Mission Produce®

“Back to School is all about setting kids up for success, and better-for-you snacks are leading the way. Approximately 64 percent of consumers are actively seeking snacks that offer health benefits, such as protein, energy, and immune support.1 Both avocados and mangos are naturally nutrient-dense,2,3 kid-friendly, and versatile—whether it’s a creamy avocado paired with protein-rich items or a mango as a refreshing, vitamin-packed snack,” Diana McClean, Director of Marketing and Communications, Mission Produce, shares.

While we all have felt the rise of healthy snacking in recent years, it was great to learn that snacking is driving eating habits more than ever, with nearly half of consumers snacking three or more times a day.1

Whether it's a summer holiday or, in this case, the back-to-school season, retailers can expect a healthy dose of consumer traffic around avocado and mango produce department destinations

“Parents want snacks that fuel, not just fill, and that’s where avocados and mangos shine: They’re nutrient-dense, kid-friendly, and packed with energy-boosting benefits.2,3 Today’s families need fresh, healthy, grab-and-go options,” Diana explains. “Our bagged avocados and retail-ready mango packs make it easy for parents to bring home value, convenience, and nutrition in one stop.”

Diana continues to share her insights, adding that bagged avocados sales doubled between 2019 and 2024, driving the majority of category growth.

“Similarly, our Retail Ready Mango Bag is an easy option that gives families the flexibility to enjoy mangos all week,” she details. “We also offer a wide range of avocado sizes—from Minis for quick snacking to Jumbos that work beautifully for meal prep. These innovations ensure families have fresh, healthy options that fit seamlessly into their routines. This season, Jumbo fruit is in strong supply–so it’s the perfect time for retailers to GO BIG and promote meal prep solutions that add value to the basket.”

Approximately 64 percent of consumers are actively seeking snacks that offer health benefits, such as protein, energy, and immune support

Along with data-backed insights, Mission supports its partners with a reliable supply, promotion opportunities, and category insights that help merchandise for shopper appeal.

“Our bagged avocados are a natural fit for secondary displays near lunchbox staples, while our mango bags offer families a grab-and-go solution that makes healthy eating simple during the busy Back-to-School season,” Diana describes. “By highlighting avocados’ kid-friendly texture and mangos’ immunity-boosting vitamin C, retailers can capture parents’ desire for health while appealing to kids’ love of taste and fun.2,3

Back-to-school season provides ample opportunities to meet shoppers where they are, and Mission Produce has the location dialed in.

End Notes:
1. 2025 Circana Snack Survey
2. Hass Avocado Nutrition Copy Points – USDA APPROVED July 2025
3. National Mango Board. Mango Nutrition Handout. 2022.


Companies in this Story


Mission Produce

We’ve grown to become the world's trailblazer in producing, distributing, and marketing fresh Hass avocados. With…