Mission Produce has completed work on a new multi-million dollar forward distribution and ripening centre in New Jersey to handle its rapidly expanding Peruvian avocado import deal. The facility has over 100,000ft2 of operational space, including 360 ripe pallet spaces with room to add extra spaces when necessary, plus 4,500 cooler pallet spaces and 23 insulated dock doors.
The company's vice-president of distribution and logistics, Jeremy Currier, toldAmericafruit the centre houses the latest fruit handling technology as well as incorporating systems and methods of working that boost efficiency and reduce energy consumption, making it one of the most modern distribution centres in the country.
“The purpose of the move to the new facility is all about growth, operational expansion and projected sales increases,” Currier explained. “New Jersey is our primary location for receiving fruit from Peru. During the Peruvian season, which runs from May to September, we anticipate 25 containers per day, which equates to over 200 loads per week.”
Consumption of avocados in the north-east US has apparently grown faster in the past few years than any other region in the country. 'We simply outgrew our old New Jersey facility very quickly,' Currier said. 'With the anticipation of large supplies coming out of Peru, the new centre will give us plenty of room to accommodate the volume.'
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