SAN FRANCISCO, CA - GrubMarket, the AI-powered technology enabler and digital transformer of the American food supply chain industry, as well as one of the largest private food eCommerce companies globally, announced it has completed the acquisition of Houston, TX-based Schoenmann Produce, a major produce distributor that has proudly served customers across the foodservice, retail, wholesale, healthcare, education, and maritime industries throughout the Gulf Coast region for more than 100 years.

Founded in 1910 with a mission to connect local farmers with Houston's expanding culinary scene, Schoenmann Produce has grown into a highly regarded regional distributor serving customers across Texas and Louisiana. Since 1973, the company has been owned and led by Cary Hoffman, who, together with current President Mark Steakley, has driven the company's growth and cemented its strong reputation and enduring industry relationships.

Today, Schoenmann Produce offers a wide range of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced from around the world, including both staple and specialty categories such as potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, avocados, berries, mushrooms, and citrus. The company also emphasizes Texas-grown products as an important part of its portfolio, reinforcing its support for local agriculture while serving the broader Gulf Coast region.

Schoenmann Produce's operations are supported by a state-of-the-art Houston facility located on 34.5 acres near Houston's Hobby Airport. The 90,000 square foot facility features 75,000 square feet of cold storage capacity; a fully refrigerated dock; dedicated ripening rooms for bananas, avocados, and tomatoes; and a refrigerated fleet of trucks ready to serve customers across the region. With a strong commitment to operational excellence, the facility and team earned a Primus score of 100, reflecting Schoenmann's meticulous approach to food safety, traceability, and quality assurance. The company also maintains a strong quality control program supported by third-party inspections.

Mark Steakley, President of Schoenmann Produce, said: "Joining GrubMarket reflects an important moment in the continued evolution of Schoenmann Produce. For more than a century, our company has consistently operated on the principles of quality, service, and integrity, and we are proud of the deep trust we have earned from our customers and partners over the years. With GrubMarket, we can build a future that aligns with these shared core values, while leveraging an innovative-driven approach to long-term growth. We are incredibly optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead."

Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, added in the recent release: "Schoenmann Produce has built an impressive business with real staying power in one of the country's most important regional produce markets. Their longstanding customer relationships, broad product capabilities, and well-developed infrastructure extending from their Houston headquarters make them a strong strategic fit for GrubMarket, as we continue to strengthen our presence in key U.S. produce markets, including Texas and the Gulf Coast region."

As part of GrubMarket's portfolio, Schoenmann Produce will have access to GrubMarket's proprietary, AI-powered software solutions, including WholesaleWare, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) ERP platform that provides food industry wholesalers, distributors, and shippers with seamless financial management, powerful sales support, precise inventory management, lot traceability, grower accounting, and automated routing and logistics; GrubAssist AI, GrubMarket's groundbreaking suite of agentic enterprise AI assistants that empower food supply chain businesses with deep insights, intelligent analysis, and automated order processing; Orders IO, GrubMarket's custom-branded, mobile and online ordering eCommerce solution; and GrubPay, the company's digital payments platform specifically designed for the needs of the food supply chain industry.

OXNARD, CA - In its latest blog, the provider breaks down how shifting consumer habits are redefining the avocado category, from a trend-driven item to an everyday staple. The piece highlights the role of omnichannel shoppers, protein pairings, and evolving demand in driving continued growth.

Scroll through social media lately and you’ve probably seen it: “2026 is the new 2016.” A throwback mindset with a modern twist—simpler times, feel-good food, and everyday indulgences that don’t break the bank.

Back in 2016, avocados were at the center of that moment, a symbol of feel-good eating that balanced taste, nutrition, and a little everyday indulgence. Fast forward to today, and avocados have evolved from a cultural trend into a category powerhouse.

From Trend to Staple: The Avocado Evolution

A decade ago, avocados were still considered a “sometimes” purchase for many households. Fast forward to today, and they’ve become a weekly staple across retail, foodservice, and beyond.

The Rise of the Omnichannel Avocado Shopper

Convenience is driving today’s shopper—and more and more, that means turning to digital grocery. In 2025, 21% of households shopped both online and in-store, up from just 5% of shoppers in 2019.¹ And these omnichannel shoppers are driving serious avocado demand:¹

• They purchase avocados 16 times per year
• They spend $59 annually on avocados

Even more compelling, avocado purchase frequency and dollar spend for omnichannel shoppers is 50% higher than in-store-only shoppers, signaling significant opportunity for the avocado category in the digital era.¹

The Protein Effect: Avocados as a Power Pair

If 2016 was about avocado toast, 2026 is about avocado + protein. Protein has become one of the most powerful drivers in food:

• 70% of Americans are actively trying to consume more protein (+8 pts since 2021)2
• “High protein” Google searches are up 178% since 20193

While avocados aren’t high in protein themselves, they play an important supporting role—bringing healthy fats, fiber, and craveable flavor to protein-rich meals.⁴

hen avocados are in the basket alongside these protein items, the total basket rings $49 higher on average, making them a clear driver of incremental sales.⁵

Why 2026 Looks a Lot Like 2016 (Only Bigger)

The “2026 is the new 2016” trend isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about returning to foods that feel good, deliver value, and fit seamlessly into everyday life.

Avocados do all three:

• They’ve evolved from trend to habit
• They align with modern priorities like protein-forward eating
• They thrive in today’s omnichannel retail landscape

And perhaps most importantly—they continue to grow.

Looking to unlock more from your avocado category in 2026?

Connect with Mission Produce for a customized category review and data-driven recommendations tailored to your business.

End Notes:

^{Numerator Insights, Shopper Metrics Calendar Year 2025 vs. 2019.}

^{2025 IFIC Food Nutrition Survey. Morgan Stanley Research.}

^{2019-2025 Google Trends. Morgan Stanley Research.}

^{Hass Avocado Board. Avocado Nutrition. 2025.}

^{Numerator Insights, Cross Purchase Report, Calendar Year 2025.}

LA JOLLA, CA - The Peruvian Avocado Commission (PAC), through its flagship brand Avocados from Peru, proudly announced that Stephen J. Barnard and Bob Lucy were honored with the prestigious Global Leadership Award in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the avocado industry.

The awards were presented on April 8, 2026, during a special dinner held at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in honor of the recipients, the evening prior to the PAC 2026 Annual Membership Meeting.

Stephen Barnard, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mission Produce, was recognized as a true pioneer who helped transform avocados into a global staple through innovation in ripening, global sourcing, and category development. Over more than four decades, he built Mission Produce into a vertically integrated, billion-dollar business spanning more than 25 countries. His early and visionary investment in Peru helped establish the country as a leading global supplier, including founding the largest avocado packing operation in the world in Peru and becoming one of the largest avocado growers in the country. A bold and forward-thinking leader guided by his philosophy to “play offense” and “not be afraid to lose,” Barnard’s impact extended across the entire value chain and through his industry leadership, including service on the board of the International Fresh Produce Association.

Bob Lucy, co-founder of Del Rey Avocado Company, was honored for his nearly five decades of leadership and service to the avocado industry. A respected pioneer, Lucy played a key role in shaping the U.S. avocado market and expanding the global presence of the category. He served for many years as Chairman of the Peruvian Avocado Commission’s Marketing Committee and as a member of its Board of Directors, helping guide strategic growth initiatives and strengthen the positioning of Peruvian avocados in the U.S. market. His broader industry contributions included leadership roles with the California Avocado Commission and other international organizations.

“These awards recognized not only remarkable individual achievement, but also the spirit of vision, innovation, and partnership that drives our industry forward,” said Xavier Equihua, President & CEO of PAC, in the recent release.

“Through our Global Leadership Award, the Peruvian Avocado Commission is proud to be the only organization in the avocado category that honors leaders whose vision and contributions have advanced both the global avocado industry and the growth of Peru as a leading origin,” said PAC Chairman Jose Antonio Castro. “Stephen and Bob exemplify the leadership, commitment, and long-term vision that continue to elevate our industry worldwide.”

The Global Leadership Award represents the highest level of recognition by Avocados from Peru, honoring individuals whose vision, commitment, and impact have helped shape the future of the global avocado industry.