Latest news with #MissionProduce
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Who's Winning the Avocado Clash: Mission Produce or Calavo Growers?
In the fast-growing world of fresh produce, no fruit has captured the market's imagination quite like the avocado, and two names stand out in the race to dominate the global supply chain — Mission Produce Inc. AVO and Calavo Growers Inc. CVGW. Both companies have carved out powerful positions in the avocado industry, but their strategies, scale and market approaches set them on distinctly different face-off takes you inside the competitive dynamics between these two avocado titans, comparing their market shares, positioning and business models. AVO leans on a vertically integrated, global footprint with a sharp focus on operational efficiency and international sourcing. Then again, CVGW blends avocado distribution with a broader portfolio that includes value-added fresh foods and prepared consumer demand for healthy, fresh options continues to rise and global supply chains grow more complex, the question arises: Which company is better positioned to scale, adapt and lead in the premium produce category? Join us as we unpack the strengths, strategies, and prospects of AVO and CVGW in this all-green battle for avocado dominance. AVO continues to cement its position as a global leader in the avocado industry, attracting investor interest with its scale, strategic clarity and consistent execution. The company opened fiscal 2025 with strong momentum, driven by impressive gains in its Marketing & Distribution segment despite supply disruptions in Mexico, its primary sourcing region. This performance underscores Mission Produce's agility in navigating market volatility while maintaining pricing power and meeting rising consumer demand. With sourcing operations across Mexico, Peru, Colombia and Guatemala, AVO commands a meaningful share of the global avocado supply and is steadily expanding into complementary high-growth categories like blueberries and the core of Mission Produce's growth strategy is its vertically integrated model, diversified sourcing, and product expansion. Its multi-category portfolio, anchored by health-forward staples, positions the company to benefit from long-term consumer trends. AVO is investing heavily in infrastructure, including new acreage for blueberries and a growing mango program, as well as optimizing its North American distribution network for cost efficiency. This operational flexibility allows Mission Produce to shift sourcing when needed, ensuring service continuity and reinforcing its reputation as a reliable, high-quality supplier in a competitive the financial front, AVO is showing disciplined, profitable growth. Adjusted earnings and EBITDA have improved, backed by strong asset utilization and expanding farming operations. The company is also investing in digital innovation to enhance efficiency across its logistics and supply chain. However, tariff uncertainties remain a variable, especially given Mexico's central role in sourcing. Temporary tariffs earlier this year created margin pressure and underscored the value of Mission Produce's global diversification. With alternative sourcing regions like Peru, Colombia and others, and a resilient supply network, the company is well-equipped to absorb geopolitical shocks, strengthening its case as a long-term growth player in the global produce sector. CVGW, a long-established leader in the avocado and fresh food space, is making a strong comeback with a sharpened focus on profitability, margin expansion and operational efficiency. In its latest quarter, the company delivered its best first-quarter adjusted net income since 2019, signaling a turning point after years of restructuring. The Fresh segment, led by avocados, saw a significant surge in profitability despite a slight dip in volume, driven largely by stronger average pricing and lower fruit costs. This pricing power reflects Calavo Growers' deep industry relationships and disciplined sourcing strategy. As a major player in the avocado market, CVGW's influence remains critical, with its branded products and private-label offerings reaching a broad base of retail and foodservice sets Calavo Growers apart is its dual-segment portfolio, combining its core Fresh segment with a stable, if challenged, Prepared segment that includes ready-to-eat guacamole and fresh-cut fruit. While the Prepared segment faced margin pressure in first-quarter fiscal 2025, it remains a strategic lever as convenience trends grow. The Calavo brand itself stands for freshness, trust and health, resonating especially with health-conscious, time-strapped by a vertically integrated supply chain and long-standing grower partnerships, CVGW continues to strengthen its operational backbone. The company's targeted cost discipline, evidenced by a significant drop in SG&A expenses, and a tripling of adjusted EBITDA, underscores its renewed commitment to sustainable others in the produce industry, CVGW faces uncertainty regarding tariff dynamics, particularly regarding Mexican avocado imports. While tariffs briefly posed additional cost pressures, the company's management remains confident that the nutritional value and affordability of avocados will preserve demand resilience. More importantly, Calavo Growers' long-standing sourcing presence in Mexico, paired with adaptive pricing and logistics strategies, offers it a buffer against short-term disruptions. With a strong balance sheet, growing momentum, and a clear focus on shareholder value, CVGW is emerging as a streamlined, high-potential investment in the evolving global produce landscape. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mission Produce's fiscal 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year declines of 6.6% and 32.4%, respectively. EPS estimates have been unchanged in the past 30 days. AVO's annual sales and earnings are slated to decrease 3.2% and 6% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Calavo Growers' fiscal 2025 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year growth of 7.2% and 78.1%, respectively. EPS estimates have been unchanged in the past 30 days. CVGW's annual sales and earnings are slated to increase 5.1% and 24.1% year over year, respectively, in fiscal 2026. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Mission Produce and Calavo Growers have experienced stable estimates in the past 30 days. However, CVGW holds an edge, supported by stronger projected year-over-year sales and EPS growth, compared with the anticipated year-over-year declines in Mission Produce's sales and EPS. In the past three months, the CVGW stock had the edge in terms of performance, having recorded a total return of 16.8%. This has noticeably outpaced the benchmark S&P 500's return of 1.2% and AVO's 12.3% decline. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation perspective, Mission Produce trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 26.89X, which is above its 5-year median of 20.5X. Moreover, the AVO stock trades above Calavo Growers' forward 12-month P/E multiple of 12.49X and a 5-year median of 21.87X. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research At current levels, CVGW appears attractively priced relative to AVO, offering a compelling case for value-focused investors. While Calavo Growers' lower valuation may reflect lingering market skepticism, it suggests an opportunity the market has yet to fully recognize, particularly considering the company's recent operational turnaround. With improving profitability, expanding margins and disciplined cost management, Calavo Growers is demonstrating meaningful progress that supports a stronger earnings outlook without the elevated price contrast, AVO trades at more than double Calavo's current forward P/E multiple and sits above its 5-year median, signaling a valuation that already reflects much of its growth potential. While Mission Produce's premium is supported by its global sourcing footprint, multi-category strategy and digital innovation, the stock leaves less room for upside surprises and offers less of a cushion in a volatile market this dynamic, CVGW offers a more favorable risk-reward profile, especially for investors seeking exposure to the avocado sector with a margin of safety. With a well-known brand, stabilized operations, and improving financial performance, Calavo Growers' undervalued stock could represent a more prudent and timely entry point, particularly as valuation discipline becomes increasingly important in today's market. Calavo Growers emerges as the more compelling pick, particularly for investors seeking a balanced blend of value and growth. While Mission Produce stands out for its global footprint and diversified category strategy, Calavo Growers' recent performance suggests a company on the a robust three-month return, a leaner cost structure and clear signs of a successful operational turnaround, CVGW is capturing attention not just for what it is today but also for where it is headed. Its significantly lower valuation, especially when compared with AVO's premium pricing, underscores the market's relative underappreciation, offering an attractive entry to CVGW's appeal is the positive momentum in analyst sentiment. Positive forward estimates signal growing confidence in the company's earnings potential, suggesting the turnaround is not only real but sustainable. While AVO may offer long-term strategic advantages through diversification and scale, CVGW currently presents a more favorable risk-reward investors focused on capitalizing on both recovery and value, Calavo Growers is making a strong case as the stock to watch in the avocado space. AVO and CVGW currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Calavo Growers, Inc. (CVGW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MISSION PRODUCE® to Release Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on Thursday, June 5, 2025
OXNARD, Calif., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVO) ('Mission' or 'the Company') a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, today announced it will release its financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended April 30, 2025 after the market closes on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its financial results at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the same day. Conference Call Details The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing (877) 407-9039 or for international callers by dialing (201) 689-8470. A replay of the call will be available through June 19, 2025 by dialing (844) 512-2921 or for international callers by dialing (412) 317-6671; the passcode is 13751791. The live audio webcast of the conference call will be accessible in the News & Events section on the Company's Investor Relations website at An archived replay of the webcast will also be available shortly after the live event has concluded. About Mission Produce, Inc.: Mission Produce is a global leader in the worldwide avocado business with additional offerings in mangos and blueberries. Since 1983, Mission Produce has been sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados, and currently services retail, wholesale and foodservice customers in over 25 countries. The vertically integrated Company owns and operates four state-of-the-art packing facilities in key growing locations globally, including California, Mexico and Peru and has additional sourcing capabilities in Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa and more, which allow the company to provide a year-round supply of premium fruit. Mission's global distribution network includes strategically positioned forward distribution centers across key markets throughout North America, China, Europe, and the UK, offering value-added services such as ripening, bagging, custom packing and logistical management. For more information, please visit Contacts:Investor Relations Contact:ICRJeff Media:Jenna AguileraMarketing Content and Communications ManagerMission Produce,
The South African
14-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
First shipment of South African avocados arrives in China
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has hailed the South African avocado industry's active pursuit of international markets. Last week saw the arrival of the season's first batch of avocados in Shanghai, China. 'The expansion of markets stimulates the demand for South African products, and this demand in turn, drives economic growth and job creation across the sector. This 'early bird shipment' to China is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and strategic foresight within our avocado industry,' Steenhuisen said. The Minister noted that South Africa's position as a major player in the global avocado market was supported by private sector investment made by companies like ZZ2, a leading farming conglomerate, in cutting-edge packhouses and nurseries, Core Fruit's well-established expertise in exports, and Mission Produce's global reach. He also noted that South Africa holds a distinct logistical advantage compared to major competitors like Peru, thanks to shorter shipping times to China. 'This logistical edge, coupled with ZZ2's early production timing, allows South African avocados to access the Chinese market during a period of lower supply.' In August 2023, South Africa and China concluded a phytosanitary agreement that saw the first 21 tons South African avocados from Westfalia Fruits arriving in Shanghai on 8 October 2024. With the 2024 shipment, South Africa became the third African nation to enter the Chinese market, following Kenya and Tanzania. Expanding market access for South African agriculture remains one of Steenhuisen's priorities. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Mission Produce (AVO) Is Among the Best Food Stocks to Buy Under $30
We recently published a list of 12 Best Food Stocks to Buy Under $30. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVO) stands against other best food stocks to buy under $30. Consumer Defensive Sector: Trends and Outlook On April 25, Shana Sissel, Founder & CEO of Banrion Capital Mgmt, appeared on CNBC to talk about the struggles in the consumer staple sector and investor caution due to tariffs and 'Trump exhaustion.' She said the consumer defensive stocks are going on a downward trend, which makes sense to her, especially if you look at how the market's momentum flows. The concern about a recession and potential economic downturn might be too aggressive. She opined that she wouldn't take it as much of a point right now because even if we are going to see any economic slowdown from tariffs, one thing is certain: consumers do not tend to cut back on staples. The sector includes the types of companies and consumer goods that people cannot and will not live without. However, even in this sector, there are some unusual economic indicators that may reflect signs of an economic recession. This includes the snack indicator, where people tend to cut back on snacks in tough times instead of staple food items and other more essential nutrition types. While this is something to keep in mind about the sector, Sissel said that how the consumer staples are performing reflects the momentum swing we have seen in the market. The outlook is, of course, concerning, as it is necessary to look at how people are thinking about the market conditions and the effects of tariff impacts. JP Morgan also recently gave a market outlook amid tariffs, saying that the market is very bearish, especially in the macro community. It further said that: 'Most are disregarding the latest trade developments, partly due to 'Trump exhaustion.' We observe that many prefer to stay in cash and maintain lower leverage in their books.' Talking about this outlook, Sissel said that one of the triggers that one must look out for a potential change in sentiment is the fact that there is a contrarian sentiment, where we have seen a lot of investors buying the dip. A whole generation of investors has learned to buy the dip because, most of the time, the market recovers quickly. She also said that the Trump exhaustion appears to be very real, as continuous policy changes have created uncertainty in the market, especially regarding tariffs. While it looks like things are calming down, investors are going to be cautious about jumping in too quickly because of the continuous policy changes. She thus opined that we might see cash staying on the sideline a little bit longer, which meant that we have not seen enough change to indicate that any market gains we are seeing right now are sustainable.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mission Produce® Appoints Michael Sims to Board of Directors
OXNARD, Calif., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mission Produce, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVO) ('Mission' or 'the Company'), a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados with additional offerings in mangos and blueberries, today announced the appointment of Michael Bryan Sims to its board of directors, effective May 5, 2025. Sims is appointed as an independent Class I director, serving on the audit committee, with a term expiring at the Company's 2028 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. In connection with this appointment, Mission Produce's board of directors has increased the size of the board from eight to nine directors. Sims is a seasoned financial executive with more than four decades of experience leading global organizations across the food, agriculture, and consumer industries. He brings deep operational, strategic, and financial expertise, with a proven track record of driving growth, improving margins, and leading transformative initiatives for both public and private companies. Sims most recently served as Executive Vice President and CFO of TruGreen, where he led the company through critical financial restructurings, operational improvements, and strategic capital deployment. He previously held senior leadership roles at AdvancePierre Foods, where he helped take the company public and later facilitated its acquisition by Tyson Foods, and at Chiquita Brands International, where he led global finance and business development initiatives for over 20 years. In addition to his executive experience, Sims currently serves on the boards of The Hain Celestial Group and Winland Foods, where he provides strategic and financial oversight as a board member and audit committee chair. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University. 'We are pleased to welcome Michael to our board of directors,' said Steve Barnard, CEO of Mission Produce. 'Michael's extensive financial background combined with his board-level experience in the food and consumer sectors make him an ideal addition to our team. We expect that his proven ability to align financial strategy with long-term business objectives will enhance our growth strategies and create sustainable value moving forward.' 'I'm honored to join the board of Mission Produce,' said Mr. Sims. 'Mission's industry-leading position in the avocado and mango industries, commitment to diversification, operational excellence, and supply chain transparency aligns closely with my professional philosophies, and I look forward to supporting the Company's continued growth and success.' About Mission Produce, Inc.: Mission Produce is a global leader in the worldwide avocado business with additional offerings in mangos and blueberries. Since 1983, Mission Produce has been sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados, and currently services retail, wholesale and foodservice customers in over 25 countries. The vertically integrated Company owns and operates four state-of-the-art packing facilities in key growing locations globally, including California, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala and has additional sourcing capabilities in Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa and more, which allow the company to provide a year-round supply of premium fruit. Mission's global distribution network includes strategically positioned forward distribution centers across key markets throughout North America, China, Europe, and the UK, offering value-added services such as ripening, bagging, custom packing and logistical management. For more information, please visit Contacts Investor Relations:ICRJeff Media:Jenna AguileraMarketing Content and Communications Manager Mission Produce, Inc. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
