Mission Produce has elevated John Pawlowski to the position of CEO, overseeing the US-based avocado and mango supplier. Currently serving as president and chief operating officer, Pawlowski will officially transition into the role after the company’s annual shareholder meeting in April.
He succeeds Steve Barnard, the founder and existing CEO, who will assume the role of executive chairman and focus on providing strategic oversight.
Pawlowski joined Mission Produce in April 2024, bringing prior experience as president and COO of Lipari Foods, in addition to over 16 years at JM Smucker. His tenure there included a key position as vice president of the international division.
“Mission is positioned to keep elevating the avocado and mango experience – partnering with retailers and foodservice operators to grow consumption, improve consistency, and accelerate growth,” Pawlowski stated. “I am excited to lead our talented team as we continue to focus on operational excellence, strong grower relationships, and category-building programs that create value across the supply chain.”
This leadership shift coincided with the release of Mission Produce’s full-year financial results. The company reported a 13% increase in annual revenue, totaling $1.39 billion for the 12 months ending October 31. This growth is attributed to effective marketing strategies and improved yields from its Peruvian orchards within the international farming division.
Net income attributable to the company rose 3% to $37.7 million, translating to $0.53 per diluted share, compared to $0.52 the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA also saw a 3% rise, reaching $110.8 million.
However, the fourth quarter indicated a 10% decline in total revenue, amounting to $319 million, primarily due to decreased pricing impacts on marketing and distribution. A 27% reduction in average per-unit avocado sales prices was partially offset by a 13% increase in avocado volumes.
For the fourth quarter, net income attributable to Mission Produce was $16 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to $17.3 million and $0.24 the prior year. Yet, adjusted EBITDA climbed by 12% to $41.4 million, bolstered by increased avocado production in the international farming sector and higher marketing and distribution volumes.
Looking ahead to the first quarter of the new fiscal year, the company anticipates avocado volumes to increase by approximately 10%, though prices may be about 25% lower than the previous year.
Barnard noted, “We enter fiscal 2026 with strong financial momentum and a very healthy balance sheet. We generated more than $180 million of operating cash flow over the past two years. With our heavy capital investment cycle now complete and capital expenditures expected to soften to around $40 million in fiscal 2026, we are well-positioned to accelerate free cash flow generation—creating significant value for our shareholders.”
