Calavo, founded in 1924 and headquartered in Santa Paula, California, is a global supplier and distributor of fresh avocados and perishable foods. The company partners with growers in key producing regions to source, ripen and package whole avocados for retail, wholesale and foodservice customers. Calavo's commitment to quality and food safety underpins its position as a trusted link between growers and end-markets.
Cyborg Score Rationale
Calavo announced a strategic combination with Mission Produce, with fiscal 2025 net sales of $648.4M versus $661.5M prior year. While facing headwinds from supply challenges and regulatory issues, the company maintains strong liquidity and a stable dividend, though growth remains muted.
Top Insights
On January 14, 2026, Calavo filed an 8-K for entry into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Mission Produce, Inc. Mission agreed to acquire Calavo through a two-step merger structure where holders receive 0.9790 Mission Produce shares plus $14.85 in cash per share.
The company faced challenges in its Fresh segment, including a temporary FDA detention hold that resulted in $4.2 million in discrete costs. The Fresh segment saw a 5% decrease in sales to $155.9 million, while the Prepared segment showed strong growth with a 40% increase to $22.9 million.
Long-time President & CEO Lee E. Cole retired effective Dec 8, 2025.
The company maintained strong liquidity with $63.8 million in cash and $114.3 million in available credit.
Named Competitors
Fresh Avocado Distribution — Leading competitor and acquirer; largest avocado company in North America
Fresh Produce Distribution — Diversified fresh produce distributor competing in tropical fruits
Recent Developments
(January 2026) Mission Produce merger agreement announced at $14.85 cash plus 0.9790 shares per Calavo share
(December 2025) CEO Lee E. Cole retired; leadership transition completed
(Q3 2025) FDA detention hold resolved; Fresh segment declined 5% but Prepared segment grew 40%
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