WATSONVILLE, CA - Driscoll’s, the global leader in fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, has pledged $5 million to Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

This transformative investment will launch a state-of-the-art farm store, anchoring Cal Poly’s new Plant Sciences Complex and advancing the university’s commitment to developing future leaders in food and agriculture.

The farm store, located within the 6-acre Plant Sciences Complex, is part of the college’s vision to create a vibrant campus hub for innovation. Students will gain practical experience in growing, producing, marketing, and selling campus-made products, while engaging in applied research and retail innovation.

Driscoll’s will have the opportunity to name the farm store, leaving a lasting legacy and celebrating its commitment to community partnership and student development. The store will proudly feature Driscoll’s berries, providing students and faculty with access to fresh, premium fruit directly from the brand.

“We look forward to seeing our investment transform into a unique learning space where students can gain vital experience in an actual retail environment,” said Brie Smith, Driscoll’s executive and proud Cal Poly alumna, in the recent release. “As someone who personally benefited from Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach, I’m thrilled Driscoll’s gets to be part of creating new learning opportunities that will prepare the next generation of industry leaders to bring innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to the food system.”

“Driscoll’s is committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of agriculture and food,” said Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s. “Our partnership with Cal Poly reflects our belief in the power of education, innovation, and hands-on experience to drive meaningful change for our industry and communities.”

The Plant Sciences Complex, which broke ground in November 2023, will feature the George Wurzel Plant Sciences Building and the Bee Sweet Citrus Agriculture Automation Lab, both set to open in 2026. The farm store, located at the corner of Highland Avenue and Mt. Bishop Road, is scheduled to begin construction in 2026 with an anticipated opening in summer 2027.

The store will unite Cal Poly’s food and agriculture enterprises, providing a central location for collaboration and community engagement. Students will gain insight into every step of the food supply chain — from farm operations and food safety to product development and marketing, preparing them for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

“Our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of growers and food innovators who will shape the future of our food systems,” said Brian Horgan, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “Support from industry partners like Driscoll’s enables us to provide students with real-world learning experiences that prepare them to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving agricultural landscape ahead.”

The farm store will serve as a retail and research hub offering student learning opportunities in product testing, consumer engagement, and innovation that reinforce California’s leadership in sustainable agriculture.

Other industry contributors to the Plant Sciences Complex include the James G. Boswell Foundation, Bee Sweet Citrus and Taylor Farms. To join the effort, contact Russ Kabaker, assistant dean of advancement and external relations, at 805-756-6601 or [email protected].

OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce, Inc., a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, announced holiday and winter avocado opportunities, supported by seasonal demand, promotable supply from Mexico, and favorable retail pricing.

This October has shown building momentum, with U.S. avocado volume up 9% year over year.¹ Heading into the holiday season, avocados are averaging just 99 cents each at retail—nearly 20% lower than last year²— positioning the category for strong demand across key seasonal occasions. Last year, U.S. retail avocado volume hit a record during Thanksgiving week.³ Sales for Christmas week are up 14% since 2021,⁴ and January 2025 volume rose 18% over December.⁵

“Avocados deliver all season long—from pre-game snacking to better-for-you meals in the new year,” said Galen Johnson, Senior Director of Sales at Mission Produce, in the recent release. “With 60% of shoppers concerned about healthy eating,⁶ avocados present a strong opportunity for retailers to lean into wellness-driven messaging. Their fiber content and nutrient-rich profile⁷ give shoppers a balanced option they feel good about, while still offering the flavor and versatility they love.”

Mexico’s current avocado harvest is providing promotable volumes across all sizes, giving retailers and foodservice operators the opportunity to support demand with strong, consistent quality. Mission Produce is working closely with its partners to align promotions with key demand periods and deliver ripe programs that drive incremental demand.⁸

“As shoppers plan for seasonal meals and get-togethers, timing and execution at retail are key,” said Johnson. “Most avocado purchases happen the day before or the day of these seasonal eating occasions,⁹ so offering ripe-and-ready fruit is essential to capturing those sales. Our ripening network is built for these moments—delivering the volume, consistency, and ripeness needed to win during high-traffic weeks.”

Mission Produce will be attending the New York Produce Show from December 6–8, 2025, at booth #448. At the show, Mission will showcase its rebranded avocado bags launching in 2026, along with Mexico avocado supply programs and Kent mango opportunities from Peru. For more information or to schedule a meeting, contact [email protected].

^{1. Circana, Total US MULO+, 4 weeks ending 11/3/2025 vs. same time year ago}

^{2. Circana, Total U.S. MULO+, one week ending 10/19/2025 vs. year ago.}

^{3. Circana, Total U.S., one week ending 12/1/2024 vs. one week ending 11/28/2021.}

^{4. Circana, Total U.S. MULO+, 1 week ending 12/29/2014 vs. one week ending 12/26/2021.}

^{5. Circana, Total U.S. MULO+, 4 weeks ending 1/26/2025 vs. prior 4 weeks.}

^{6. Numerator Advanced Shopper Profile, 12 months ending 9/30/2025.}

^{7. Hass Avocado Board. USDA Approved Nutrition Copy. July 2025.}

^{8. Circana, Masked retailer, week ending 5/5/24 vs. prior 4-week average and year ago.}

^{9. Numerator Avocado Study 2024.}