Mission Produce opening avocado packinghouse in Guatemala

Mission Produce, a leader in sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados, is opening a state-of-the-art packinghouse in Guatemala to better serve global markets year-round.

Bernardo Arevalo, president of Guatemala, and U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala Tobin Bradley attended an April 24 ribbon cutting for the facility, expected to open in August.

“Our strategic investment in Guatemala elevates our position as a global leader in the worldwide avocado business and year-round supplier of the World’s Finest Avocados,” Mission Produce CEO Steve Barnard said in a news release. “Guatemala brings great value to our diversified sourcing strategy as a premium growing region with abundant resources, optimal harvest timing and a centralized geographic position.

“With two crops annually, Guatemala bridges supply gaps during key periods throughout the year, enhancing our ability to meet the increasing global demand for avocados. Our new facility will enable us to meet demand more efficiently with greater quality control for customers in the UK, Europe — and soon, the U.S.”

The packinghouse features precision temperature management and automated grading and sorting systems.

“With Mission Produce’s investment in this new world-class facility, we are not only adding value to our national production — we are paving the way for a more competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy,” Arevalo said.

Arevalo said that avocado exports generated more than $15.5 million in 2024 and supported more than 6,000 jobs.

“This progress is a testament to the potential of our agricultural sector and the strength of international partnerships,” he said. “Together, we are building a future where avocados from Guatemala reach more markets and more Guatemalan families benefit from that growth.”

California-based Mission Produce first established farming operations in Guatemala in 2020 with the long-term lease of the Cerro Redondo avocado farm, according to the company. At of the end of fiscal year 2024, Mission had planted 728 hectares on the land, with expectations to plant up to 1,000 hectares and reach full production by 2026.

“The U.S. market is hungry for avocados,” Bradley said. “The demand is there, and with continued collaboration and high standards, Guatemala is in a position to take advantage of this great economic opportunity.”