Mission Produce, Inc. has announced plans to open a state-of-the-art ripening, packing and forward distribution center (FDC) in Dartford, England in 2023. Strategically located with direct access to major international ports and transportation networks, the facility is expected to strengthen Mission’s expanding international footprint and optimize product distribution to the company’s European customer base.
“Mission’s UK FDC is designed to streamline operations while delivering a cost-effective model,” said Steve Barnard, chief executive officer and founder. “This milestone represents a significant opportunity for our business and enhances our ability to drive global avocado consumption as we accelerate our reach in the European market.”
Mission Produce will be opening a ripening, packing and forward distribution center (FDC) in Dartford, England in 2023.
The 102,000-square-foot UK FDC is located near the UK’s largest ports and airports and at the intersection of England’s extensive transportation network, with direct access to the M25. The building is sustainability-focused and certified by an internationally accepted sustainability standard with a BREEAM “excellent” rating for its efficient use of resources, including its incorporation of solar panels and rainwater harvesting.
“The facility’s strategic location provides us with unique access to the growing UK market for avocados while simplifying import logistics and expediting transit times,” said Ben Barnard, vice-president of business operations. “Meanwhile, the facility’s sustainable systems and use of renewable energy are expected to promote energy, cost and maintenance savings.”
The 102,000-square-foot UK FDC is located near the UK’s largest ports and airports and at the intersection of England’s transportation network, with direct access to the M25.
Featuring cutting-edge technology, the facility is designed to maximize logistical efficiencies and enhance product quality. It will be the company’s first facility to feature the “Mission Control” exclusive ripening room technology, which involves a specialized atmosphere control process to create the optimal environment for ripening. By using this technology, the company will have the ability to ripen fruit to customer specifications. In addition, the facility incorporates grading visibility technology, which can reduce handling times and minimize fruit damage, and testing machinery, which can determine stages of ripeness with advanced precision.
“Our specialized ‘Mission Control’ technology supports enhanced quality, longer shelf-life and waste reduction,” said Paul Frowde, managing director at Mission Produce UK. “Our processes coupled with our team of ripening experts enhances our ability to provide excellent service and custom offerings for our UK customer base.”
Mission’s owned or partnered production from South Africa, Peru, Colombia and Guatemala is expected to be distributed through the facility across Europe.
Mission Produce’s UK FDC will be located at Unit 3, Clipper Boulevard, Crossways Business Park, Dartford, DA2 6QB. For sales inquiries, please contact mpuksales@missionproduce.com.
For more information:
Jenna Aguilera
Mission Produce, Inc.
press@missionproduce.com
www.missionproduce.com