What is it you seek in a supply-side partner? Whether it be year-round offerings, strong grower relations, a robust production network, or any combination of the three, Mission Produce® has sharpened its competitive edge with the long-term development of its diversified sourcing strategy.
Mission Produce’s expansive sourcing network spans several vital growing regions, including California—where this blueprint first took root—along with vertically integrated operations in Peru and Guatemala, as well as in Colombia through its alliance with a leading growing partner. With two packhouses in-country to source high-quality avocados for the U.S. year-round, the company is also the top exporter of avocados from Mexico. Continuing to elevate its prowess in the category, Mission has further strengthened its program with strategic investments in a joint venture in South Africa.
As the formidable operation continues to see the success of this global tactic, Keith Barnard took a moment to discuss the producer’s growth, vision, and more with us here at The Snack.
Peggy Packer: Keith, Mission Produce’s diversified sourcing network is a key component of its success in the avocado sector. Can you tell me more about the foundation of this strategy? 
Keith Barnard, Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing, Mission Produce®: Mission Produce follows the avocado and mango seasons around the globe, sourcing from over 21 countries of origin to be able to offer reliable supply year-round. A key part of our diversified sourcing strategy is to be able to source from two or more origins at any given time throughout the year. This enables us to fill any supply gaps and strategically mitigate supply chain challenges.
In our 41st year, we are proud to say Mission Produce has established and continues to hold long-standing relationships with top growers around the world. It’s because of our global grower network that we’re able to source only the World’s Finest Avocados™ and World’s Finest Mangos™.
KB: We never stop growing, and our world-class team never stops innovating. We continue to expand into new territories and new markets with the goal of bringing more avocados and mangos to consumers all over the world. We’ve invested in our global grower relationships, vertical integration, and expanding our network to make sure our customers have what they need when they need it.
We are more than a supplier—we are a strategic partner. We not only provide a high-quality product, but we help you grow your category and maximize your profitability. When you partner with Mission Produce, you benefit from The Mission Advantage from field to fork. This includes our world-class global marketing and distribution network, industry-leading ripening technology, data-driven intelligence powered by AvoIntel™, and elite customer service.
With access to 17 forward distribution centers worldwide, we are in an industry-leading position to deliver the World’s Finest Avocados and World’s Finest Mangos to key markets worldwide.
KB: Throughout Mission’s four decades of leadership in the fresh produce business, we’ve grown accustomed to navigating the inevitable challenges of the avocado market. We can’t predict extreme weather or control trade disruptions, but we do have strategies in place to mitigate the impact of these events on our business and on our customers.
With our diversified sourcing strategy, we source from at least two or more origins year-round. So, we and our customers always have options. If supply is tight in one region due to natural or other causes, we can pivot and source from another. This gives us flexibility and enhances our reliability as a year-round supplier of the World’s Finest Avocados™.
We’re always exploring new growing regions, and each region we add to our network strengthens our diversified sourcing strategy and, most importantly, our ability to service our customers.
"A key part of our diversified sourcing strategy is to be able to source from two or more origins at any given time throughout the year. This enables us to fill any supply gaps and strategically mitigate supply chain challenges."
Keith Barnard, Senior Vice President of Global Sourcing, Mission Produce®
Providing the world’s finest fruit is no small task. Yet, with the benefits of vertical integration and year-round supply padding its portfolio, this dynamic global operation holds its rank as a reliable supplier in the avocado and mango spaces. That, my friends, is how you bring delicious, high-quality fruit to market—the Mission Produce® way. 
