Calavo Growers has completed the expansion of its fresh avocado packing operations at its facility in Uruapan,Michoacán,Mexico,positioning the company to address the strong consumer demand in that produce category.
Calavo Growers chairman,president and CEO Lee E Cole said that consumer demand for fresh avocados continues to grow at a rapid pace,with per capita consumption heading from four to five pounds annually.
"With the anticipated uptick in supply and our expanded capacity,Calavo is well positioned to handle this increased volume,"Cole added.
The upgrades at the facility will enable the company to pack at least 6 million pounds of fruit per week,a 200%increase over prior output,which translates to 300 million pounds per annum.
In addition to increasing the facility's total square footage by nearly 75%,specific enhancements include larger,faster equipment for grading,sizing and packing that is both quiet and safe.The company also installed larger coolers to keep pace with the increased production.
