Mission Produce Adopted Fair Trade Certification
The avocado producer has committed to Fair Trade standards following its acquisition of Calavo Growers.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Organic Food
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Mission Produce has committed to Fair Trade Certification for its avocado program following the acquisition of Calavo Growers. This expansion integrates Calavo Growers operations into the company business network to leverage broader sourcing capabilities.
Why it matters
Fair Trade Certification ensures that products meet specific standards for working conditions and wages while generating Community Development Funds for farmworkers. This commitment aligns with company values and meets the growing demand for recognized retail standards in the produce industry.
Calavo Growers generated more than $3.7 million in Community Development Funds since joining the Fair Trade Certified program in 2013. Mission Produce will operate booths #3453 and #2271 at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.
The players
Mission Produce
Mission Produce is a major global avocado grower, packer, and shipper.
Calavo Growers
Calavo Growers is a California-based agriculture company that specializes in the processing and distribution of avocados and other perishables.
The details
Mission Produce integrates the operations of Calavo Growers, which has participated in the Fair Trade Certified program for over a decade. The Fair Trade label guarantees that participating products meet strict requirements for ethical working conditions and fair wages for labor in the agricultural sector.
Timeline
Calavo Growers joined the Fair Trade Certified program in 2013.
Mission Produce previewed new operational capabilities in the summer of 2026.
Mission Produce will appear at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando on October 15-16, 2026.
Culture Shift
This move reflects the growing consumer and retail preference for ethical supply chain transparency in the fresh produce sector. It follows the Fair Trade Certified program standards for farmworker wage and safety, signaling an industry-wide push to formalize labor practices.
Shoppers can expect to see increased availability of Fair Trade certified avocados in grocery retail locations. This shift means that consumer purchases will now directly contribute to development funds for agricultural workers in the supply chain.
The takeaway
Choosing Fair Trade certified products helps ensure that agricultural workers receive fair wages and support for their local communities. This transition highlights how corporate acquisitions can be used to scale ethical production standards across the entire food supply chain.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving standards in the produce industry by visiting our Organic Food section.
More information
For more details on the company commitment, visit the Mission Produce corporate website.
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Would you pay a premium for produce certified to provide fair wages to farmworkers?
