California's Mission Produce Inc. will be expanding its operations across North America, with new plans in both Canada and Mexico.

For its Canadian expansion, the avocado and asparagus producer will grow its Toronto Ripe Center from 6,000 square feet to 28,000. The larger area will allow space for 144 ripening pallets, up from 72, and create cooling storage room for over 400 pallets.

The facility has served eastern Canada for three years.

Vice President of Sales Ross Wileman explained the benefits of the expansion plan for Canadian consumers.

“We now have the opportunity to ensure our customer’s growth needs. These regional, high-tech facilities ripen fruit, maximize just-in-time delivery, reduce customer inventory management and enhance transportation efficiency. Mission customers are ensured a consistent flow of fresh products on an as needed basis,” Wileman said.

For the Mexican side of the growth plan, Mission Produce has a new packing house near Zamora, Michoacán which opens the company to once untouchable regions in the country. It also makes the business within reach of Jalisco, a fruit-producing region that it expects will soon be welcomed to the U.S. market.

As is, the facility can pack 300 pallets per day in its 28,000 square feet of space. Mission plans to double the facility's size, add bagging capabilities and increase cold storage space from 100 pallets to 500.

www.freshfruitportal.com