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From Avocados to Berries: Is AVO Becoming a Global Fruit Powerhouse?

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Key Takeaways

  • AVO is expanding beyond avocados into berries, including blueberries, to broaden its portfolio.
  • AVO leverages owned farms, global sourcing and distribution networks to compete in the blueberry category.
  • Mission Produce faces higher costs and execution risks in berries, but diversification may improve resilience.

Mission Produce, Inc. (AVO - Free Report) has long been synonymous with avocados, but the company’s expanding footprint across berries and other fruit categories is reshaping that narrative. As consumer demand shifts toward healthier, fresher and more convenient food options, the company is steadily broadening its portfolio to reduce reliance on a single crop and unlock new growth avenues. This evolution raises a timely question for investors: Is Mission Produce transforming into a diversified global fruit powerhouse, or simply extending its core competencies into adjacent categories?

The company’s move into berries, particularly blueberries, highlights a strategic use of its vertically integrated model. By leveraging owned farming operations, global sourcing and established distribution infrastructure, AVO is positioning itself to compete in a category with strong long-term demand but high execution risk. Investments in premium varietals, expanded acreage and improved post-harvest handling are aimed at delivering better flavor, shelf life and year-round availability. These efforts mirror the disciplined, data-driven approach that helped Mission Produce scale its avocado business globally.

However, diversification brings complexity. Berries are more cost-intensive, sensitive to weather and labor dynamics, and require sustained capital investment before returns fully materialize. While near-term margin volatility is likely, the broader strategy strengthens AVO’s growth profile and resilience over time. If the company can consistently apply its operational expertise across avocados, berries and other fruits, it moves closer to becoming a multi-category global produce leader, less exposed to single-crop cycles and better positioned for long-term value creation.

How CTVA & DOLE Are Shaping the Global Fruit Ecosystem

Corteva, Inc. (CTVA - Free Report) and Dole plc (DOLE - Free Report) are shaping the global fruit landscape from different angles, one through agricultural innovation and grower-focused technology, the other through unmatched scale, integration and supply-chain execution.

While Corteva is not a fruit producer in the traditional sense, its role in the global fruit ecosystem is becoming increasingly influential. Through advanced seed genetics, crop protection and precision agriculture solutions, the company supports productivity and yield improvements across fruit and specialty crop markets worldwide. By focusing on innovation that helps growers manage input costs, climate variability and sustainability pressures, Corteva is positioning itself as a critical enabler of global fruit supply rather than a direct producer, making its “powerhouse” status one rooted in technology and agricultural efficiency.

Dole is already one of the closest examples of a global fruit powerhouse, with a diversified portfolio spanning bananas, pineapples, berries and other fresh produce categories. Its strength lies in scale, vertically integrated sourcing and a global logistics network that allows it to supply key markets consistently. By improving supply-chain efficiency, expanding value-added offerings and investing in sustainability, Dole is reinforcing its leadership position while adapting to margin pressures and shifting consumer preferences, solidifying its role as a dominant global fruit player.

AVO’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates

Shares of Mission Produce have lost 2.1% in the last six months compared with the industry’s decline of 10.4%.

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Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

From a valuation standpoint, AVO trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.22X, significantly above the industry’s average of 14.45X.

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Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AVO’s fiscal 2026 earnings suggests a year-over-year decline of 10.13%, while that for fiscal 2027 indicates growth of 4.23%.

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Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

AVO stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.


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