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Westfalia Fruit India has announced the launch of its first avocado ripening facility in Mumbai, India. The facility will enable the company to provide ready-to-eat avocados to consumers in Mumbai and nearby regions. According to the company, Westfalia has solidified its position as "the largest importer" of avocados in the Indian market. Westfalia said that in the coming years, more than 500 acres of its existing Hass avocado plantations in Southern India will be cultivated, resulting in a continuous year-round presence of avocados for consumers.

Zac Bard, director of Westfalia, said: “Avocado ripeness has been a challenge for both retailers and consumers in India. Many consumers in India are not sure when is the perfect time to eat an avocado. Retailers also, at times, are unaware how to differently handle Hass avocados at different stages of their ripeness. Our perfectly ripened avocados will look to address this gap in the market.” He continued: “Westfalia ripe and ready-to-eat avocados will be available in a special punnet, and consumers can be assured of consistent quality and ripeness. This ripening facility will be a milestone in India and will change the way avocados are marketed and consumed.” GVK Naidu, director of Westfalia and MD of Sam Agri group – Indian joint venture partners of Westfalia – added: “Westfalia Fruit India is excellently placed to offer avocados consistently from multiple origins all year round mentioned. This ripening facility in Mumbai is just the start, and in the coming months, we will have similar facilities in other major metros of the country."