Clevenger noted that combining Latin American sourcing networks with existing berry operations optimized logistics and sourcing efficiencies.
Also in 2024, Freska formed its own trucking company to internally take control of its logistics from its Mexico suppliers to the U.S. border. In the past year, its fleet of trucks has expanded to 42, greatly improving the transportation piece of the puzzle inside Mexico.
Late last year, Freska and Agrifruit appointed Paul Gagliardi to serve as chief financial officer for both organizations to drive value creation by fostering collaboration across all financial aspects of the two companies. Clevenger said that aligning financial planning across both organizations creates economies of scale, cost savings in shared operations and better capital allocation toward high-return initiatives for both companies.
“Through these partnerships, Freska has positioned itself as a more diversified, resilient, and efficient produce company,” Clevenger said. “The synergies gained from supply chain integration, operational efficiencies, and product diversification create a stronger foundation for long-term growth, market expansion and profitability.”
Even before these partnerships were established, Freska’s expansion actions spoke of a company looking toward the future.
“Our avocado segment has seen consistent growth since its inception,” Clevenger said. “In 2015, we enhanced our capabilities by acquiring Harvest Time Produce, a California-based avocado packer, enabling us to handle approximately 8 to 12 million pounds of California avocados annually. This acquisition complemented our existing imports from Mexico, solidifying our year-round avocado program.”
Freska added three new ripening rooms to its Oxnard facility in January 2022 to accommodate its growth in both mangos and avocados. “While we may not be the largest player in the avocado market, our focus is on providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service, positioning us as a significant and reliable supplier in the industry,” he said. “We anticipate continued expansion in our avocado operations over the next five years. Our plans include increasing organic offerings, exploring new packaging solutions and strengthening our grower relationships to ensure consistent quality and supply.”
The company has been growing its volume in the organic category for almost a decade. As of July 2024, organics accounted for approximately 30 percent of the company’s business, with projections to double this share over the next five years, according to Clevenger. “This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for organic products and Freska’s commitment to expanding its organic offerings,” he said.
Looking ahead, Freska aims to continue its growth by exploring new product categories, enhancing supply chain efficiencies and expanding its global footprint. Over the next five years, Clevenger expects the company to “dominate multiple mango categories, including fresh, organic and dried.” He added that it will also expand its dried fruit business, potentially adding other tropical fruit varieties. The five-year outlook also calls for strengthening its berry and avocado divisions, becoming a major player in both spaces.
“Freska is now a multi-category, globally integrated fresh and dried produce company,” Clevenger said. “While mangos remain the foundation, the company’s expansion into dried mangos, organic produce, berries and avocados ensures long-term growth and diversification. Expect Freska to be a leader not just in mango imports, but in the broader fresh and dried produce industry in the years ahead.”
