Calavo Growers, Inc., World’s Largest Avocado Marketer, Now Validated Member of U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
Calavo Growers, Inc. (Nasdaq:CVGW), the worldwide leader in avocado marketing and an expanding provider of other perishable products, today announced it has become the first and only validated avocado distributor member of the U.S. Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program.
C-TPAT is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and all parties to the Calavo Growers, Inc. global logistics network, designed to protect commerce from terrorism. To participate in the C-TPAT program, members must develop and implement comprehensive protocol to enhance security internally and among its logistics partners.
“The reality of doing business in a post-9/11 world is that over the last several years, Calavo has developed a secure network with heightened awareness at every level of our organization,” said Calavo President and CEO Lee Cole. “C-TPAT has provided a perfect roadmap, allowing us to review and fortify our security policies, and as a result, helping us fulfill an important goal as stewards of public responsibility.”
As a validated member of the C-TPAT program with a long history of selling and sourcing its products globally, Calavo benefits from a reduced number of inspections, as well as expedited border crossings. According to Cole, the close relationship between U.S. Customs and Calavo minimizes delays and speeds transit time for the company’s fresh and processed fruits, such as avocados and tomatoes, ensuring the highest-quality product for retail and foodservice customers and the ultimate consumers.
Cole said that Calavo is committed to promoting C-TPAT security requirements among its vendors. The company has long relationships with top-tier expeditors and transportation firms that have already obtained C-TPAT member status.
About Calavo
Calavo Growers, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the procurement and marketing of fresh avocados and other perishable foods, as well as the manufacturing and distribution of processed avocado products. Founded in 1924, Calavo’s expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, processed avocados and other perishable foods allows the company to deliver a wide array of fresh and processed food products to food distributors, produce wholesalers, supermarkets and restaurants on a global basis.
Safe Harbor Statement
This news release contains statements relating to future events and results of Calavo (including certain projections and business trends) that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and events may differ from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: increased competition, conducting substantial amounts of business internationally, pricing pressures on agricultural products, adverse weather and growing conditions confronting avocado growers, new governmental regulations, as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, without limitation, the company’s Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2006. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.