WHAT DOES A RIPE AVOCADO SOUND LIKE?

The old adage is true: you cannot judge a book by its cover. Until recently, the only avocado ripe sorting technology available did just that, tapped the surface of the fruit. However, just scratching (or denting) the surface really can’t tell you whether an avocado is ripened all the way down to the seed. Consequently, getting the fruit you ordered can be hit or miss.

No more. In addition to the most advanced ripening rooms in the industry, Calavo now owns the world’s leading technology of sorting fruit and is setting the pace for internal quality sorting.

ACOUSTIC FIRMNESS SENSOR

AFS is the latest innovative technology for on-line non-destructive measurement of firmness and related characteristics. Sensors provide excellent results through the use of acoustic signals that give an indication of the firmness of the fruit as a whole, rather than only a small part.

GOOD VIBRATIONS

The AFS uses sensors to “listen” to the acoustic response of the avocado. In this way it measures the vibration pattern of the entire piece of fruit. This pattern (resonance attenuated vibration) is characteristic of the overall firmness, water content,

freshness, and the internal structure of the avocado. The signals are analyzed to determine the firmness index or internal pressure.

As a result, this non-destructive method provides more accurate, consistent, reliable results, every time. And, AFS is supported and proved to

offer additional benefits over other methods by leading researchers* in the post harvest field.

AFS technology is truly superior to all other methods and precisely why we’ve chosen it.

VERIFIED INTERNAL PRESSURE TECHNOLOGY THAT MOVES AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

��������������������������

*UC Davis

Aweta BV, located in Nootdorp, Holland, is an international manufacturer of sorting and packing systems with the leading position in sorting equipment all over the world. Manufacturing sorting machines began in 1966 for Dutch greenhouse customers and has since extended its business into all the major fruit, vegetable and flower growing regions with operations in North and South America, Australia, Canada and Italy.

©2005 CALAVO GROWERS, INC. • 1-800-4-CALAVO • WWW.CALAVO.COM

��������������������������

INTRODUCING ProRipeVIP™

A SHARPER NAIL BEATS A HEAVIER HAMMER ANY DAY

Other mechanical methods merely take localized measurements and can’t give a true reading of the entire internal quality of the avocado. In order to guesstimate the firmness value of the fruit, a calculated average of multiple, separate measurements are used and can vary depending on where they are taken. Bottom line? Inconsistent and contradictory results.

AFS technology, however, gives readings of the entire internal quality of an avocado, regardless of where the measurement has been taken.

FORCED-AIR VS. HOT AIR

While AFS sorting technology makes a big difference, it all starts in our ProRipe™ rooms. Within these rooms you’ll find the most advanced ripening technology available – forced-air technology. Unlike other ripening systems that are merely retrofitted banana rooms, the ProRipe™ system was built exclusively for avocados.

VIP RIPE CHAIN MISSING LINK

We know your customers demand better quality products. We also know your customers have different requirements for preconditioned avocados. With ProRipeVIP™ you get the flexibility of meeting the demands and trends of your customers and markets.

Our VIP Ripe Chain education manuals provide the missing link giving you the information required to profitably sell ripe avocados.

VIP Ripe Chain for Retail provides essential information directed at receivers and warehouse personnel on handling ProRipeVIP™ avocados. Then, we follow the chain to your stores offering produce managers salient information on ordering, handling, merchandising, and selling ripe fruit.

VIP Ripe Chain for Consumers gives retailers tools to educate shoppers on buying ripe fruit. Ad concepts, in-store communications, even our box and ripe sticker, are callouts directed at shoppers to buy ripe fruit now (which also means more often!).

VIP Ripe Chain for Foodservice focuses on the various needs of the restaurant trade. This communication provides pointers along with care & handling tips for receivers (at both ends). This will ensure your customers get what they need to use now and help them with future ordering.

VIP Ripe Chain for Wholesale not only provides all of the above, this manual has tools to assist you with reselling ProRipeVIP™ avocados in your terminal market. Additionally, the VIP Ripe Chain for Wholesale will help you choose the right program for your retail and foodservice customers alike.

WE ANSWER TO VIPS

Conditioning and sorting ripened avocados is one thing. Conditioning your personnel, customers and shoppers is quite another. Which is why Calavo quality control, sales and marketing representatives are always at your disposal. Where you take delivery of the fruit,

from a Calavo Value-added Depot or ProRipeVIP™ ripe center, Calavo will work with your logistics, buyers, receivers and customers to make sure the fruit that’s coming into your facility meets your specifications.

WE’RE RIPE AND READY TO GROW, ARE YOU?

When you buy from Calavo, rest assured you are buying from the largest (and oldest) marketer of avocados in the world. As a result, we have relationships with worldwide growers who produce nothing but the finest Hass avocados. We conduct third-party food safety certifications at all of our facilities that continually receive superior ratings. And we are adding new value-added depots and ProRipeVIP™ locations throughout the U.S.

Better still Calavo is the only avocado marketer in the U.S. to offer the newest, most innovative and accurate post ripe sorting technology available in the world – ProRipeVIP™ utilizing AFS.

So consider this: 85% of your retail shoppers buy avocados that are ripe and ready for tonight. And perfectly ripened avocados sell as much as 4 to 1 over non-ripe fruit.

That kind of category growth should give you a good vibration. And Calavo is the only one who has that vibe. ProRipeVIP™.

PRE-CONDITIONEDEthylene triggered avocados, non-sorted, PLU stickers only. (15-25psi +/-2).

VIP STAGE 3 BREAKINGDelivered ready-to-eat in 3 days when stored at room temperature, 5 days under refrigeration. Ideal for customers with transit time between first receiving and destination warehouses. PLU RIPE stickers. (10-15 psi +/-2).

VIP STAGE 4 FIRM RIPEDelivered ready-to-eat in 24 to 36 hours when stored at room temperature, 3 to 5 days under refrigeration. Ideal for wholesalers and foodservice distributors that supply several areas of customers needs. PLU RIPE stickers. (5-10 psi +/-2).

VIP STAGE 5 RIPE Delivered fully ripe and ready-to-eat now, up to 2 days shelf life when stored at room temperature, up to 3 days when stored under refrigeration. Ideal for heavy volume retailers and foodservice locations using for slices and guacamole. PLU RIPE stickers. (0-5 psi +/-2).

COLOR AND MATURATIONSkin color is not indicative of fruit ripeness. As avocados mature on trees, the skin naturally turns darker and darkens more quickly once ethylene is introduced into the ripening process. This is due to maturation and oil content development. Avocados that remain on the tree longer develop more oil and will also ripen more quickly on their own or via pre-conditioning.

STORINGOnce avocados are ripe they will hold for up to 3 to 5 days if refrigerated at 40°F. Avocados should never be stored below 40°F or above 70°F.

*Note: Most avocado damage is caused by not maintaining the cold chain.

AFS

�

STAGES OF ProRipeVIP™ REFERENCE GUIDE

��������������������������

OTHER METHODS

WHAT DOES A RIPE AVOCADO SOUND LIKE?

The old adage is true: you cannot judge a book by its cover. Until recently, the only avocado ripe sorting technology available did just that, tapped the surface of the fruit. However, just scratching (or denting) the surface really can’t tell you whether an avocado is ripened all the way down to the seed. Consequently, getting the fruit you ordered can be hit or miss.

No more. In addition to the most advanced ripening rooms in the industry, Calavo now owns the world’s leading technology of sorting fruit and is setting the pace for internal quality sorting.

ACOUSTIC FIRMNESS SENSOR

AFS is the latest innovative technology for on-line non-destructive measurement of firmness and related characteristics. Sensors provide excellent results through the use of acoustic signals that give an indication of the firmness of the fruit as a whole, rather than only a small part.

GOOD VIBRATIONS

The AFS uses sensors to “listen” to the acoustic response of the avocado. In this way it measures the vibration pattern of the entire piece of fruit. This pattern (resonance attenuated vibration) is characteristic of the overall firmness, water content,

freshness, and the internal structure of the avocado. The signals are analyzed to determine the firmness index or internal pressure.

As a result, this non-destructive method provides more accurate, consistent, reliable results, every time. And, AFS is supported and proved to

offer additional benefits over other methods by leading researchers* in the post harvest field.

AFS technology is truly superior to all other methods and precisely why we’ve chosen it.

VERIFIED INTERNAL PRESSURE TECHNOLOGY THAT MOVES AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

��������������������������

*UC Davis

Aweta BV, located in Nootdorp, Holland, is an international manufacturer of sorting and packing systems with the leading position in sorting equipment all over the world. Manufacturing sorting machines began in 1966 for Dutch greenhouse customers and has since extended its business into all the major fruit, vegetable and flower growing regions with operations in North and South America, Australia, Canada and Italy.

©2005 CALAVO GROWERS, INC. • 1-800-4-CALAVO • WWW.CALAVO.COM

��������������������������

INTRODUCING ProRipeVIP™

A SHARPER NAIL BEATS A HEAVIER HAMMER ANY DAY

Other mechanical methods merely take localized measurements and can’t give a true reading of the entire internal quality of the avocado. In order to guesstimate the firmness value of the fruit, a calculated average of multiple, separate measurements are used and can vary depending on where they are taken. Bottom line? Inconsistent and contradictory results.

AFS technology, however, gives readings of the entire internal quality of an avocado, regardless of where the measurement has been taken.

FORCED-AIR VS. HOT AIR

While AFS sorting technology makes a big difference, it all starts in our ProRipe™ rooms. Within these rooms you’ll find the most advanced ripening technology available – forced-air technology. Unlike other ripening systems that are merely retrofitted banana rooms, the ProRipe™ system was built exclusively for avocados.

VIP RIPE CHAIN MISSING LINK

We know your customers demand better quality products. We also know your customers have different requirements for preconditioned avocados. With ProRipeVIP™ you get the flexibility of meeting the demands and trends of your customers and markets.

Our VIP Ripe Chain education manuals provide the missing link giving you the information required to profitably sell ripe avocados.

VIP Ripe Chain for Retail provides essential information directed at receivers and warehouse personnel on handling ProRipeVIP™ avocados. Then, we follow the chain to your stores offering produce managers salient information on ordering, handling, merchandising, and selling ripe fruit.

VIP Ripe Chain for Consumers gives retailers tools to educate shoppers on buying ripe fruit. Ad concepts, in-store communications, even our box and ripe sticker, are callouts directed at shoppers to buy ripe fruit now (which also means more often!).

VIP Ripe Chain for Foodservice focuses on the various needs of the restaurant trade. This communication provides pointers along with care & handling tips for receivers (at both ends). This will ensure your customers get what they need to use now and help them with future ordering.

VIP Ripe Chain for Wholesale not only provides all of the above, this manual has tools to assist you with reselling ProRipeVIP™ avocados in your terminal market. Additionally, the VIP Ripe Chain for Wholesale will help you choose the right program for your retail and foodservice customers alike.

WE ANSWER TO VIPS

Conditioning and sorting ripened avocados is one thing. Conditioning your personnel, customers and shoppers is quite another. Which is why Calavo quality control, sales and marketing representatives are always at your disposal. Where you take delivery of the fruit,

from a Calavo Value-added Depot or ProRipeVIP™ ripe center, Calavo will work with your logistics, buyers, receivers and customers to make sure the fruit that’s coming into your facility meets your specifications.

WE’RE RIPE AND READY TO GROW, ARE YOU?

When you buy from Calavo, rest assured you are buying from the largest (and oldest) marketer of avocados in the world. As a result, we have relationships with worldwide growers who produce nothing but the finest Hass avocados. We conduct third-party food safety certifications at all of our facilities that continually receive superior ratings. And we are adding new value-added depots and ProRipeVIP™ locations throughout the U.S.

Better still Calavo is the only avocado marketer in the U.S. to offer the newest, most innovative and accurate post ripe sorting technology available in the world – ProRipeVIP™ utilizing AFS.

So consider this: 85% of your retail shoppers buy avocados that are ripe and ready for tonight. And perfectly ripened avocados sell as much as 4 to 1 over non-ripe fruit.

That kind of category growth should give you a good vibration. And Calavo is the only one who has that vibe. ProRipeVIP™.

PRE-CONDITIONEDEthylene triggered avocados, non-sorted, PLU stickers only. (15-25psi +/-2).

VIP STAGE 3 BREAKINGDelivered ready-to-eat in 3 days when stored at room temperature, 5 days under refrigeration. Ideal for customers with transit time between first receiving and destination warehouses. PLU RIPE stickers. (10-15 psi +/-2).

VIP STAGE 4 FIRM RIPEDelivered ready-to-eat in 24 to 36 hours when stored at room temperature, 3 to 5 days under refrigeration. Ideal for wholesalers and foodservice distributors that supply several areas of customers needs. PLU RIPE stickers. (5-10 psi +/-2).

VIP STAGE 5 RIPE Delivered fully ripe and ready-to-eat now, up to 2 days shelf life when stored at room temperature, up to 3 days when stored under refrigeration. Ideal for heavy volume retailers and foodservice locations using for slices and guacamole. PLU RIPE stickers. (0-5 psi +/-2).

COLOR AND MATURATIONSkin color is not indicative of fruit ripeness. As avocados mature on trees, the skin naturally turns darker and darkens more quickly once ethylene is introduced into the ripening process. This is due to maturation and oil content development. Avocados that remain on the tree longer develop more oil and will also ripen more quickly on their own or via pre-conditioning.

STORINGOnce avocados are ripe they will hold for up to 3 to 5 days if refrigerated at 40°F. Avocados should never be stored below 40°F or above 70°F.

*Note: Most avocado damage is caused by not maintaining the cold chain.

AFS

�

STAGES OF ProRipeVIP™ REFERENCE GUIDE

��������������������������

OTHER METHODS

��������������������������

INTRODUCING ProRipeVIP™

A SHARPER NAIL BEATS A HEAVIER HAMMER ANY DAY

Other mechanical methods merely take localized measurements and can’t give a true reading of the entire internal quality of the avocado. In order to guesstimate the firmness value of the fruit, a calculated average of multiple, separate measurements are used and can vary depending on where they are taken. Bottom line? Inconsistent and contradictory results.

AFS technology, however, gives readings of the entire internal quality of an avocado, regardless of where the measurement has been taken.

FORCED-AIR VS. HOT AIR

While AFS sorting technology makes a big difference, it all starts in our ProRipe™ rooms. Within these rooms you’ll find the most advanced ripening technology available – forced-air technology. Unlike other ripening systems that are merely retrofitted banana rooms, the ProRipe™ system was built exclusively for avocados.

VIP RIPE CHAIN MISSING LINK

We know your customers demand better quality products. We also know your customers have different requirements for preconditioned avocados. With ProRipeVIP™ you get the flexibility of meeting the demands and trends of your customers and markets.

Our VIP Ripe Chain education manuals provide the missing link giving you the information required to profitably sell ripe avocados.

VIP Ripe Chain for Retail provides essential information directed at receivers and warehouse personnel on handling ProRipeVIP™ avocados. Then, we follow the chain to your stores offering produce managers salient information on ordering, handling, merchandising, and selling ripe fruit.

VIP Ripe Chain for Consumers gives retailers tools to educate shoppers on buying ripe fruit. Ad concepts, in-store communications, even our box and ripe sticker, are callouts directed at shoppers to buy ripe fruit now (which also means more often!).

VIP Ripe Chain for Foodservice focuses on the various needs of the restaurant trade. This communication provides pointers along with care & handling tips for receivers (at both ends). This will ensure your customers get what they need to use now and help them with future ordering.

VIP Ripe Chain for Wholesale not only provides all of the above, this manual has tools to assist you with reselling ProRipeVIP™ avocados in your terminal market. Additionally, the VIP Ripe Chain for Wholesale will help you choose the right program for your retail and foodservice customers alike.

WE ANSWER TO VIPS

Conditioning and sorting ripened avocados is one thing. Conditioning your personnel, customers and shoppers is quite another. Which is why Calavo quality control, sales and marketing representatives are always at your disposal. Where you take delivery of the fruit,

from a Calavo Value-added Depot or ProRipeVIP™ ripe center, Calavo will work with your logistics, buyers, receivers and customers to make sure the fruit that’s coming into your facility meets your specifications.

WE’RE RIPE AND READY TO GROW, ARE YOU?

When you buy from Calavo, rest assured you are buying from the largest (and oldest) marketer of avocados in the world. As a result, we have relationships with worldwide growers who produce nothing but the finest Hass avocados. We conduct third-party food safety certifications at all of our facilities that continually receive superior ratings. And we are adding new value-added depots and ProRipeVIP™ locations throughout the U.S.

Better still Calavo is the only avocado marketer in the U.S. to offer the newest, most innovative and accurate post ripe sorting technology available in the world – ProRipeVIP™ utilizing AFS.

So consider this: 85% of your retail shoppers buy avocados that are ripe and ready for tonight. And perfectly ripened avocados sell as much as 4 to 1 over non-ripe fruit.

That kind of category growth should give you a good vibration. And Calavo is the only one who has that vibe. ProRipeVIP™.

PRE-CONDITIONEDEthylene triggered avocados, non-sorted, PLU stickers only. (15-25psi +/-2).

VIP STAGE 3 BREAKINGDelivered ready-to-eat in 3 days when stored at room temperature, 5 days under refrigeration. Ideal for customers with transit time between first receiving and destination warehouses. PLU RIPE stickers. (10-15 psi +/-2).

VIP STAGE 4 FIRM RIPEDelivered ready-to-eat in 24 to 36 hours when stored at room temperature, 3 to 5 days under refrigeration. Ideal for wholesalers and foodservice distributors that supply several areas of customers needs. PLU RIPE stickers. (5-10 psi +/-2).

VIP STAGE 5 RIPE Delivered fully ripe and ready-to-eat now, up to 2 days shelf life when stored at room temperature, up to 3 days when stored under refrigeration. Ideal for heavy volume retailers and foodservice locations using for slices and guacamole. PLU RIPE stickers. (0-5 psi +/-2).

COLOR AND MATURATIONSkin color is not indicative of fruit ripeness. As avocados mature on trees, the skin naturally turns darker and darkens more quickly once ethylene is introduced into the ripening process. This is due to maturation and oil content development. Avocados that remain on the tree longer develop more oil and will also ripen more quickly on their own or via pre-conditioning.

STORINGOnce avocados are ripe they will hold for up to 3 to 5 days if refrigerated at 40°F. Avocados should never be stored below 40°F or above 70°F.

*Note: Most avocado damage is caused by not maintaining the cold chain.

AFS

�

STAGES OF ProRipeVIP™ REFERENCE GUIDE

��������������������������

OTHER METHODS

WHAT DOES A RIPE AVOCADO SOUND LIKE?

The old adage is true: you cannot judge a book by its cover. Until recently, the only avocado ripe sorting technology available did just that, tapped the surface of the fruit. However, just scratching (or denting) the surface really can’t tell you whether an avocado is ripened all the way down to the seed. Consequently, getting the fruit you ordered can be hit or miss.

No more. In addition to the most advanced ripening rooms in the industry, Calavo now owns the world’s leading technology of sorting fruit and is setting the pace for internal quality sorting.

ACOUSTIC FIRMNESS SENSOR

AFS is the latest innovative technology for on-line non-destructive measurement of firmness and related characteristics. Sensors provide excellent results through the use of acoustic signals that give an indication of the firmness of the fruit as a whole, rather than only a small part.

GOOD VIBRATIONS

The AFS uses sensors to “listen” to the acoustic response of the avocado. In this way it measures the vibration pattern of the entire piece of fruit. This pattern (resonance attenuated vibration) is characteristic of the overall firmness, water content,

freshness, and the internal structure of the avocado. The signals are analyzed to determine the firmness index or internal pressure.

As a result, this non-destructive method provides more accurate, consistent, reliable results, every time. And, AFS is supported and proved to

offer additional benefits over other methods by leading researchers* in the post harvest field.

AFS technology is truly superior to all other methods and precisely why we’ve chosen it.

VERIFIED INTERNAL PRESSURE TECHNOLOGY THAT MOVES AT THE SPEED OF SOUND

��������������������������

*UC Davis

Aweta BV, located in Nootdorp, Holland, is an international manufacturer of sorting and packing systems with the leading position in sorting equipment all over the world. Manufacturing sorting machines began in 1966 for Dutch greenhouse customers and has since extended its business into all the major fruit, vegetable and flower growing regions with operations in North and South America, Australia, Canada and Italy.

©2005 CALAVO GROWERS, INC. • 1-800-4-CALAVO • WWW.CALAVO.COM