Mission Produce completes acquisition of Calavo Growers

Mission Produce has completed its acquisition of Calavo Growers, bringing together two of North America’s most established avocado companies.

The deal makes Calavo a wholly owned subsidiary of Mission Produce and expands Mission’s position in the fresh produce sector. Calavo is known for fresh avocados, tomatoes, papayas and prepared foods, including guacamole.

Mission Produce said the acquisition will strengthen its vertically integrated global network by adding more sourcing and packing capacity, improving the use of assets across its operations and expanding its reach into complementary fresh produce categories.

The transaction also gives Mission a stronger position in prepared foods, a segment the company described as high-margin and high-growth. This includes products such as guacamole, where Calavo already has an established presence.

According to the company, the combined business will be able to offer customers more complete service, greater supply reliability and more flexibility across the fresh produce chain. They also expect the acquisition to support innovation and create further integration benefits over time.

Mission Produce CEO John Pawlowski said the closing of the transaction marks an important step for the company and the wider industry. He said the combined platform gives Mission greater scale and a stronger operational base to serve customers, growers, partners and shareholders.

Calavo’s former President and CEO, B. John Lindeman, will continue to lead the Calavo business during a transition period. He will report to Pawlowski.

Lindeman said Calavo’s long-standing relationships with growers, customers and communities across North America would remain in place as the company begins its new chapter under Mission Produce.

As part of the transaction, Calavo shareholders will receive $26.05 per share. This includes $14.85 in cash and 0.9790 shares of Mission common stock for each Calavo share, based on Mission’s closing share price of $11.44 on May 27, 2026.

Trading of Calavo common stock on Nasdaq was suspended before the market opened on May 28, 2026. The shares are expected to be delisted from Nasdaq by June 8, 2026.

Mission also announced that Kathleen Holmgren has joined its Board of Directors. Holmgren is a former Chair of Calavo’s Board and has held senior executive roles at Automation Anywhere and Sun Microsystems. She currently serves on the board of Extreme Networks.

Mission Produce supplies fresh Hass avocados and mangos to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers in more than 25 countries. The company also grows blueberries and operates packing facilities in the United States, Mexico, Peru and Guatemala.

Looking for a reliable year-round supply of avocados and fresh produce? Inquire for a free consultation today.