OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce recently announced that it is expanding its business by establishing operations in South Africa in partnership with ZZ2 and Core Fruit. This new partnership will create a powerful trading platform for avocados produced in Africa, bringing the world’s finest African avocados to booming markets such as Europe, China, and other Asian countries, with anticipated access to the U.S.
“The Mission Produce-ZZ2 relationship is a strong combination and demonstrates our commitment to expanding globally and leading the avocado industry. These powerhouse companies are collaborating in South Africa to amplify state-of-the-art supply chain practices from field to fork,” said President and CEO Steve Barnard. “Southern Africa is an ideal source because of the region's location, fruit quality, and access to Europe and Asia.”
In this partnership, Mission will bring its marketing expertise along with its renowned brand and distribution network to the program, while Core Fruit will manage the logistics. ZZ2, a South African brand and farming operation, will offer both its production, packing, and ecosystem creation knowledge and its avocado technical knowledge, resource base, local networks, nursery trees, packing facilities, and its association with Criterion Africa Partners.
To make sure this exciting initiative goes off without a hitch, Mission South Africa will establish regional relationships and source products from quality growers.
“We have hired an in-country manager, Lindie Stroebel, to hit the ground running and support fast growth. We are excited for her to establish a presence and start building local connections,” said Mission Produce’s Vice President of Global Sourcing Keith Barnard. “The addition of South Africa will ensure that Mission Produce’s supply keeps pace with demand. We are striving for full surety of supply.”
Congratulations to Mission Produce on this exciting new partnership!
