Mission Produce is getting a nearly $16 million vote of confidence from a major shareholder after two big things happen -- avocado demand hits record highs and an acquisition takes shape.

Globalharvest Holdings Venture Ltd., a 10% shareholder, bulked up its stake in the produce company this week, a securities filing shows.

On July 7 and 8, Globalharvest purchased 1.18 million shares of Mission Produce for about $15.8 million, at average prices ranging from $13 to $13.52 a share.

Globalharvest holds 12.4 million shares, representing 14% of the total 88,320,000 shares outstanding.

The firm first disclosed a stake in Mission Produce in 2025, reporting it had accumulated 4,458,750 shares by June of that year.

The latest purchases came as Mission Produce shares climbed above $13 for the first time since May. The stock has been a strong performer this year, rising 15% against a 10% gain for the S&P 500 and a 13% gain for the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite.

Macro factors are working in the company's favor. Management noted on the latest earnings call that U.S. avocado consumption reached record highs in the fiscal second quarter, with over 1.6 million new households entering the market.

While pricing remains volatile, this rising demand establishes a larger customer base to leverage once market conditions normalize. Mission Produce reported 15% growth in sales volumes in its latest quarter.

The late-May acquisition of Calavo Growers is already reshaping Mission Produce, historically a pure-play avocado business. The transaction broadens the company's focus toward fresh produce and high-margin prepared foods like guacamole. The company said it expects additional value from the deal to materialize in the fourth fiscal quarter.

Inside Scoop is a regular Barron's feature covering stock transactions by corporate executives and board members -- so-called insiders -- as well as large shareholders, politicians, and other prominent figures. Due to their insider status, these investors are required to disclose stock trades with the Securities and Exchange Commission or other regulatory groups.

Write to Mackenzie Tatananni at mackenzie.tatananni@barrons.com

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July 10, 2026 11:30 ET (15:30 GMT)

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