Calavo Growers - 10-Q quarterly report FY

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o     Accelerated filer þ     Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes o No þ

Registrant’s number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 31, 2007 was 14,299,833

     This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements relating to our future results (including certain projections and business trends) that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. Forward-looking statements frequently are identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” and other similar expressions. Our actual results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: increased competition, conducting substantial amounts of business internationally, pricing pressures on agricultural products, adverse weather and growing conditions confronting avocado growers, new governmental regulations, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those set forth in Part I., Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006, and those detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

     Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our) procures and markets avocados and other perishable commodities and prepares and distributes processed avocado products. Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, processed avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and processed food products to food distributors, produce wholesalers, supermarkets, and restaurants on a worldwide basis. We procure avocados principally from California, Mexico, and Chile. Through our operating facilities in southern California, Texas, New Jersey, Arizona, and Mexico, we sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados for distribution both domestically and internationally. Additionally, we also distribute other perishable foods, such as tomatoes and Hawaiian grown papayas, and prepare processed avocado products. We report our operations in two different business segments: (1) fresh products and (2) processed products.

     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006.

     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which permits entities to choose to measure at fair value eligible financial instruments and certain other items that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The standard requires that unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected be reported in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We will adopt SFAS No. 159 no later than the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We are currently assessing the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R). SFAS No. 158 requires company plan sponsors to display the net over- or under-funded position of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability, with any unrecognized prior service costs, transition obligations or actuarial gains/losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity. SFAS No. 158 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006. We will adopt SFAS No. 158 as of the end of fiscal 2007. We are currently assessing the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 158 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

     In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, clarifies the definition of fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. However, the application of SFAS No. 157 may change current practice for some entities. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We will adopt SFAS No. 157 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009. We are currently assessing the impact that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

     In September 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108 on Quantifying Misstatements. SAB No. 108 requires companies to use both a balance sheet and an income statement approach when quantifying and evaluating the materiality of a misstatement, and contains guidance on correcting errors under the dual approach. SAB No. 108 also provides transition guidance for correcting errors existing in prior years. SAB No. 108 is effective for annual financial statements covering the first fiscal year ending after November 15, 2006, with earlier application encouraged. We do not believe that the adoption of SAB 108 will have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

     In July 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48). This interpretation clarifies the application of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, by defining a criterion that an individual tax position must meet for any part of the benefit of that position to be recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, but earlier adoption is permitted. We will adopt FIN 48 on November 1, 2007. We are currently assessing the impact the adoption of FIN 48 will have on our financial position and results of operations.

     We adopted SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment, on November 1, 2005. SFAS No. 123(R) requires us to account for awards of equity instruments issued to our employees under the fair value method of accounting and recognize such amounts in our statements of operations. We are required to measure compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognize compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations over the service period that the awards are expected to vest. In our consolidated statements of operations, we record: (i) compensation cost for options granted, modified, repurchased or cancelled on or after November 1, 2005 under the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) and (ii) compensation cost for the unvested portion of options granted prior to November 1, 2005 over their remaining vesting periods using the amounts previously measured under SFAS No. 123 for pro forma disclosure purposes.

     The value of each option award is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton or lattice-based option valuation models, which primarily consider the following assumptions: (1) expected volatility, (2) expected dividends, (3) expected term and (4) risk-free rate. Such models also consider the intrinsic value in the estimation of fair value of the option award. Forfeitures are estimated when recognizing compensation expense, and the estimate of forfeitures will be adjusted over the requisite service period to the extent that actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ, from such estimates. Changes in estimated forfeitures will be recognized through a cumulative catch-up adjustment in the period of change and will also impact the amount of compensation expense to be recognized in future periods.

     In December 2006, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 20,000 shares of our common stock to two members of our Board of Directors. Each grant to acquire 10,000 shares vests in increments of 2,000 per annum over a five-year period and have an exercise price of $10.46 per share. Vested options have a term of five years from the vesting date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $10.46. The estimated fair market value of such option grant was approximately $40,000, based on the following assumptions:

     The expected stock price volatility rate was based on the historical volatility of our common stock. The risk free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods approximating the expected life of the option. The expected life represents the average period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding, as calculated using the simplified method described in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107.

     We report our operations in two business segments: (1) fresh products and (2) processed products. These two business segments are presented based on how information is used by our president to measure performance and allocate resources. The fresh products segment includes all operations that involve the distribution of avocados grown both inside and outside of California, as well as the distribution of other non-processed, perishable food products. The processed products segment represents all operations related to the purchase, manufacturing, and distribution of processed avocado products. Additionally, selling, general and administrative expenses, as well as other non-operating income/expense items, are evaluated by our president in the aggregate. We do not allocate assets, or specifically identify them to, our operating segments. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

     The following table sets forth sales by product category, by segment (in thousands):

     Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):

     During the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, we were not required to, and did not, record any provisions to reduce our inventories to the lower of cost or market.

     We sell papayas obtained from an entity owned by our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President. Sales of papayas procured from the related entity amounted to approximately $3,726,000, and $3,705,000 for the nine months ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, resulting in gross margins of approximately $354,000 and $311,000. Sales of papayas procured from the related entity amounted to approximately $1,266,000, and $1,114,000 for the three months ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, resulting in gross margins of approximately $136,000 and $108,000. Included in accrued liabilities are approximately $269,000 and $79,000 at July 31, 2007 and October 31, 2006 due to this entity.

     Certain members of our Board of Directors market avocados through Calavo pursuant to marketing agreements substantially similar to the marketing agreements that we enter into with other growers. During the three months ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $4.1 million and $6.2 million. During the nine months ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $6.5 million and $12.4 million.

     At July 31, 2007, prepaid expenses and other current assets include a receivable from Maui Fresh, LLC totaling $0.5 million.

     At July 31, 2007, other assets in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements included the following intangible assets: customer-related intangibles of $590,000 (accumulated amortization of $415,000) and brand name intangibles of $275,000. The customer-related intangibles are being amortized over five years. The intangible asset related to the brand name currently has an indefinite remaining useful life and, as a result, is not currently subject to amortization. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $29,000 for the remainder of fiscal 2007 and approximately $118,000 per annum for fiscal 2008, with the remaining amortization expense of approximately $28,000 recorded in fiscal 2009.

     In November 2001, our Board of Directors approved two stock-based compensation plans.

     Participation in the directors stock option plan is limited to members of our Board of Directors. The plan makes available to the Board of Directors, or a plan administrator, the right to grant options to purchase up to 3,000,000 shares of common stock. In connection with the adoption of the plan, the Board of Directors approved an award of fully vested options to purchase 1,240,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share. We terminated this plan during the third quarter of fiscal 2007. Outstanding options have not been impacted by such termination.

     In December 2003, our Board of Directors approved the issuance of options to acquire a total of 50,000 shares of our common stock to two members of our Board of Directors. Each option to acquire 25,000 shares vests in substantially equal installments over a three-year period, has an exercise price of $7.00 per share, and has a term of five years from the grant date. The market price of our common stock at the grant date was $10.01. In December 2005, the related stock option agreements were modified to shorten the option terms, as defined. Such modifications were contemplated primarily as a result of Section 409A of the tax code. During the nine months ended July 31, 2007 and 2006, we recognized approximately $8,000 and $38,000 of compensation expense with respect to these stock option awards. No compensation expense was recorded in our second or third fiscal quarters of 2007 related to these stock options.

     A summary of stock option activity follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):

     The weighted average remaining life of such outstanding options is 1.39 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended July 31, 2007 was approximately $238,000.

     The employee stock purchase plan was approved by our Board of Directors and shareholders. Participation in the employee stock purchase plan is limited to employees. The plan provides the Board of Directors, or a plan administrator, the right to make available up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock at a price not less than fair market value.

     The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan of Calavo Growers, Inc. (the “2005 Plan”) was approved by our Board of Directors and shareholders. The 2005 Plan authorizes the granting of the following types of awards to persons who are employees, officers, consultants, advisors, or directors of Calavo Growers, Inc. or any of its affiliates:

     Subject to the adjustment provisions of the 2005 Plan that are applicable in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, reverse stock split or similar transaction, up to 2,500,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the 2005 Plan and no person shall be granted awards under the 2005 Plan during any 12-month period that cover more then 500,000 shares of common stock.

     A summary of stock option activity follows (in thousands, except for share amounts):

     The weighted average remaining life of such outstanding options is 3.28 years and the estimated fair market value per share granted during the nine-months ended July 31, 2007 was approximately $2.06 per share. At July 31, 2007, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to such unvested stock options awards was approximately $36,000, which is expected to be recognized over the remaining period of approximately five years.

     In January 2007, we paid a $0.32 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $4.6 million to shareholders of record on December 15, 2006. In January 2006, we paid a $0.32 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $4.6 million to shareholders of record on December 15, 2005.

     Hacienda Suit — We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda) for the tax year ended December 31, 2000. During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we received an assessment totaling approximately $2.0 million from Hacienda related to the amount of income at our Mexican subsidiary. Subsequent to that initial assessment, the Hacienda offered a settlement of approximately $400,000, which we declined. Based primarily on discussions with legal counsel and the evaluation of our claim, we maintain our belief that the Hacienda’s position has no merit and that we will prevail. Accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the financial statements as of July 31, 2007. We pledged our processed products building located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico as collateral to the Hacienda in regards to this assessment. We are currently working on removing such lien.

     Processed Products suit – During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company was named defendant in a complaint filed with the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, seeking monetary damages of not less than $2.5 million stemming from packing services performed on behalf of the complainant. The initial complaint stated various allegations, including breach of contract, negligence, etc. Subsequent to that initial complaint, the court has dismissed certain allegations. We believe the charges in this case are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the litigation. Accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the financial statements as of July 31, 2007.

     We are also involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business that we do not believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

     In January 2007, we converted one of our short-term, non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities into a term revolving credit agreement due February 2010. In February 2007 and June 2007, we further amended the term and also amended the total credit available pursuant to this borrowing agreement. The term is through February 2012, and the total available credit is $20 million. Under the terms of this agreement, we are advanced funds for both working capital and long-term productive asset purchases. Borrowings incur interest at 6.3% at July 31, 2007. Under this credit facility, we had $10.0 million outstanding as of July 31, 2007. The credit facility contains various financial covenants, the most significant relating to working capital, tangible net worth (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (as defined). We were in compliance with all such covenants at July 31, 2007.

     In June 2007, we entered into a distribution agreement with Agricola Belher (Belher) of Mexico, a well-established quality producer of fresh vegetables, primarily tomatoes, for export to the U.S. market. Pursuant to such distribution agreement, Belher agreed, at their sole cost and expense, to harvest, pack, export, ship, and deliver tomatoes exclusively to one of our operating facilities described in footnote 1 or to our Los Angeles, California market location. In exchange, we agreed to sell and distribute such tomatoes, advance $2 million to Belher for operating purposes, provide additional advances as shipments are made during the season (subject to limitations, as defined), and return the proceeds from such tomato sales to Belher, net of our commission and aforementioned advances. The agreement also allows for us to advance additional amounts to Belher at our sole discretion. All advances that remain outstanding as of May 2008 are immediately due and payable. As of July 31, 2007, we have advanced $1 million to Belher (included in advances to suppliers) pursuant to this agreement and have advanced an additional $500,000 in August 2007. We anticipate advancing the remaining $500,000 in September 2007. Pursuant to EITF 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, we will record gross revenues related to this agreement, as we believe we are acting more like the principal in these sales transactions.

     Concurrently, we also entered into an infrastructure agreement in June 2007 with Belher in order to significantly increase production yields and fruit quality. Pursuant to this agreement, we are to advance up to $5 million to be used solely for the acquisition, construction, and installation of improvements to and on certain land owned by Belher, as well as packing line equipment. Advances incur interest at 9.4% at July 31, 2007. We advanced $3.7 million as of July 31, 2007 ($0.7 million included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $3.0 million included in other long-term assets) and also advanced an additional $1.1 million in August 2007. We anticipate advancing the remaining $0.2 million during our fourth fiscal quarter of 2007. The agreement allows for additional $1.0 million advances to take place during the last five months of each of our fiscal years 2008 through 2010, but they are subject to certain conditions and are to be made at our sole discretion. Belher is to annually repay these advances in no less than 20% increments of the original principal amount of each advance made on or before each of July 2008 through July 2010. Interest is to be paid monthly or annually, as defined. All unpaid amounts advanced during our fiscal 2007 are due in July 2012. Belher may prepay, without penalty, all or any portion of the advances at any time.

     In order to secure their obligations pursuant to both agreements discussed above, Belher granted us a first-priority security interest in certain assets, including cash, inventory and fixed assets, as defined.

     This information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report, and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2006 of Calavo Growers, Inc. (we, Calavo, or the Company). Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

     In January 2007, we paid a $0.32 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $4.6 million to shareholders of record on December 15, 2006. In January 2006, we paid a $0.32 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $4.6 million to shareholders of record on December 15, 2005.

     Hacienda Suit — We are currently under examination by the Mexican tax authorities (Hacienda) for the tax year ended December 31, 2000. During the first quarter of fiscal 2005, we received an assessment totaling approximately $2.0 million from Hacienda related to the amount of income at our Mexican subsidiary. Subsequent to that initial assessment, the Hacienda offered a settlement of approximately $400,000, which we declined. Based primarily on discussions with legal counsel and the evaluation of our claim, we maintain our belief that the Hacienda’s position has no merit and that we will prevail. Accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the financial statements as of July 31, 2007. We pledged our processed products building located in Uruapan, Michoacan, Mexico as collateral to the Hacienda in regards to this assessment. We are currently working on removing such lien.

     Processed Products suit – During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company was named defendant in a complaint filed with the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, seeking monetary damages of not less than $2.5 million stemming from packing services performed on behalf of the complainant. The initial complaint stated various allegations, including breach of contract, negligence, etc. Subsequent to that initial complaint, the court has dismissed certain allegations. We believe the charges in this case are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the litigation. Accordingly, no amounts have been provided in the financial statements as of July 31, 2007.

     We are also involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business that we do not believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial statements.

     In January 2007, we converted one of our short-term, non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities into a term revolving credit agreement due February 2010. In February 2007 and June 2007, we further amended the term and also amended the total credit available pursuant to this borrowing agreement. The term is through February 2012, and the total available credit is $20 million. Under the terms of this agreement, we are advanced funds for both working capital and long-term productive asset purchases. Borrowings incur interest at 6.3% at July 31, 2007. Under this credit facility, we had $10.0 million outstanding as of July 31, 2007. The credit facility contains various financial covenants, the most significant relating to working capital, tangible net worth (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (as defined). We were in compliance with all such covenants at July 31, 2007.

          In June 2007, we entered into a distribution agreement with Agricola Belher (Belher) of Mexico, a well-established quality producer of fresh vegetables, primarily tomatoes, for export to the U.S. market. Pursuant to such distribution agreement, Belher agreed, at their sole cost and expense, to harvest, pack, export, ship, and deliver tomatoes exclusively to one of our operating facilities described in footnote 1 or to our Los Angeles, California market location. In exchange, we agreed to sell and distribute such tomatoes, advance $2 million to Belher for operating purposes, provide additional advances as shipments are made during the season (subject to limitations, as defined), and return the proceeds from such tomato sales to Belher, net of our commission and aforementioned advances. The agreement also allows for us to advance additional amounts to Belher at our sole discretion. All advances that remain outstanding as of May 2008 are immediately due and payable. As of July 31, 2007, we have advanced $1 million to Belher (included in advances to suppliers) pursuant to this agreement and have advanced an additional $500,000 in August 2007. We anticipate advancing the remaining $500,000 in September 2007. Pursuant to EITF 99-19, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent, we will record gross revenues related to this agreement, as we believe we are acting more like the principal in these sales transactions.

          Concurrently, we also entered into an infrastructure agreement in June 2007 with Belher in order to significantly increase production yields and fruit quality. Pursuant to this agreement, we are to advance up to $5 million to be used solely for the acquisition, construction, and installation of improvements to and on certain land owned by Belher, as well as packing line equipment. Advances incur interest at 9.4% at July 31, 2007. We advanced $3.7 million as of July 31, 2007 ($0.7 million included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $3.0 million included in other long-term assets) and also advanced an additional $1.1 million in August 2007. We anticipate advancing the remaining $0.2 million during our fourth fiscal quarter of 2007. The agreement allows for additional $1.0 million advances to take place during the last five months of each of our fiscal years 2008 through 2010, but they are subject to certain conditions and are to be made at our sole discretion. Belher is to annually repay these advances in no less than 20% increments of the original principal amount of each advance made on or before each of July 2008 through July 2010. Interest is to be paid monthly or annually, as defined. All unpaid amounts advanced during our fiscal 2007 are due in July 2012. Belher may prepay, without penalty, all or any portion of the advances at any time.

          In order to secure their obligations pursuant to both agreements discussed above, Belher granted us a first-priority security interest in certain assets, including cash, inventory and fixed assets, as defined.

     The following table summarizes our net sales by business segment for each of the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2007 and 2006:

     Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2007, compared to fiscal 2006, increased by $12.4 million, or 15.7%; whereas net sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2007, compared to fiscal 2006, increased by $20.8 million, or

10.6%. The increase in fresh product sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2007 was primarily related to increased sales in Mexico sourced avocados, partially offset by a decrease in sales from California sourced avocados. The increase in fresh product sales during the nine months ended July 31, 2007 was primarily driven by increased sales related to Chilean and Mexico sourced avocados, partially offset by decreased sales related to avocados sourced from California. While the procurement of fresh avocados related to our fresh products segment is seasonal, sales of our processed products business is generally not subject to a seasonal effect. For the related three and nine-month periods, the increase in net sales delivered by our processed products business was due primarily to an increase in total pounds of product sold.

     Net sales to third parties by segment exclude value-added services billed by our Uruapan packinghouse and our Uruapan processing plant to the parent company. All intercompany sales are eliminated in our consolidated results of operations.

     Net sales delivered by the business increased by approximately $10.8 million, or 15.8%, for the third quarter of fiscal 2007, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2006. This increase was primarily related to an increase in sales of Mexico grown avocados in the U.S. marketplace. The volume of Mexican fruit sold increased by approximately 19.7 million pounds, or 339.6%, when compared to the same prior year period. This increase was primarily in the U.S. marketplace and was substantially related to an increased emphasis in the Mexican avocado crop certified for export to the U.S., which principally stemmed from the expected, and ultimately realized, smaller California avocado crop. Additionally, the average per carton selling price of Mexican avocados increased approximately 32.1% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this increase to the smaller California avocado crop in the marketplace during our third fiscal quarter, as well as the premium pricing related to our ProRipeVIP^TM avocado ripening program.

     The increased sales discussed above was partially offset by a decrease in sales related to avocados sourced from California. California avocados sales reflect a 53.7% decrease in pounds of avocados sold, when compared to the same prior year period. The decrease in pounds is consistent with the expected decrease in the overall harvest of the California avocado crop for the 2006/2007 season. Our market share of shipped California avocados decreased to 29.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2007, when compared to a 34.4% market share for the same prior year period. The average selling price, on a per carton basis, of California avocados sold, however, increased approximately 71.0% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this increase to the aforementioned smaller California avocado crop for the 2006/2007 season.

     Net sales delivered by the business increased by approximately $17.9 million, or 10.6%, for the nine months ended July 31, 2007, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2006. This increase was primarily related to an increase in sales of Mexico and Chile grown avocados, as well as tomatoes, in the U.S. marketplace. The volume of Mexican fruit sold increased by approximately 47.5 million pounds, or 106.6%, when compared to the same prior year period. This increase was primarily in the U.S. marketplace and was substantially related to an increased emphasis in the Mexican avocado crop certified for export to the U.S., which principally stemmed from the expected, and ultimately realized, smaller California avocado crop. The volume of Chilean fruit sold increased by approximately 6.3 million pounds, or 92.0%, when compared to the same prior year period. This increase is primarily related to the size of the Chilean avocado crop, as well as the timing of the delivery to the United States. Additionally, the average per carton selling price of Mexican avocados increased approximately 18.9% when compared to the same prior year period. The average per carton selling price of Chilean avocados, however, decreased approximately 22.2% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of these price fluctuations to the size and/or timing of delivery of the Chilean and California avocado crop in the marketplace during the nine month period ending July 31, 2007. The volume of non-brokered tomatoes increased by approximately 30.0 million pounds when compared to the same prior year period. This increase, which accounted for the majority of the fluctuation, was primarily related to a new supplier relationship.

     The increased sales discussed above were partially offset by a decrease in sales related to avocados sourced from California. California avocado sales reflect a 56.7% decrease in pounds of avocados sold, when compared to the same prior year period. The decrease in pounds is consistent with the expected decrease in the overall harvest of the California avocado crop for the 2006/2007 season. Our market share of shipped California avocados decreased to 31.6% for the nine month period ending July 31, 2007, when compared to a 34.4% market share for the same prior year period. The average per carton selling price of California avocados, however, increased approximately 49.2% when compared to the same prior year period. We attribute some of this increase to the aforementioned smaller California avocado crop for the 2006/2007 season.

     We anticipate that California avocado sales will experience a seasonal decrease during our fourth fiscal quarter of 2007, as compared to the third fiscal quarter of 2007. Based on the expected smaller California avocado crop for fiscal 2007, which was further impacted by adverse weather conditions that primarily struck California crops during our first quarter, we do not expect sales from California sourced avocados to meet or exceed sales from California sourced avocados generated in the prior year. We intend to leverage our position as the largest packer of Mexico grown avocados for export markets to improve our overall sales.

     We anticipate that net sales related to non-California sourced avocados will experience a seasonal increase in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2007, as compared to the third fiscal quarter of 2007.

     For the quarter ended July 31, 2007, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2006, sales to third-party customers increased by approximately $1.6 million, or 15.5%. This increase is primarily related to a 13.0% increase in total pounds sold, primarily related to an increase in our frozen-foodservice products to new customers. Our average net selling prices remained fairly consistent for the quarter ended July 31, 2007, when compared to the same prior year period.

     For the first nine months of fiscal 2007, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2006, sales to third-party customers increased by approximately $2.9 million, or 10.6%. This increase is primarily related to an 8.5% increase in total pounds sold, as our ultra high-pressure products have experienced widespread acceptance in both the retail and foodservice sectors, as well as an increase in our frozen-foodservice products sold to new customers. Our average net selling prices remained fairly consistent during the first nine months ended July 31, 2007, when compared to the same prior year period.

     Our ultra high-pressure products continue to experience solid demand. During the nine months ended July 31, 2007, gross sales of high-pressure product totaled approximately $11.4 million, as compared to $10.3 million for the same prior year period. We believe that these fresh guacamole products are successfully addressing a growing market segment.

     The following table summarizes our gross margins and gross profit percentages by business segment for each of the three and nine-month periods ended July 31, 2007 and 2006:

     Our cost of goods sold consists predominantly of fruit costs, packing materials, freight and handling, labor and overhead (including depreciation) associated with preparing food products and other direct expenses pertaining to products sold. Gross margin dollars decreased by approximately $1.4 million and, as a percent of sales, decreased 3.4% for the third quarter of fiscal 2007; whereas gross margin dollars for the nine months ended July 31, 2007, compared to fiscal 2006, increased by $2.7 million, or, as a percent of sales, increased 0.2%. The decrease in consolidated gross margin percent during the third quarter of fiscal 2007, as compared to the same prior period, was primarily related to a decrease in gross margin percent from both our fresh products and processed products segments. The increase in consolidated gross margin percents for the nine-month period ended July 31, 2007, as compared to the same prior period, was primarily related to an increase in gross margin percent from our fresh products segment, partially offset by a decrease in our gross margin percent from our processed products segments.

     For the third quarter of fiscal 2007, as compared to the same prior year period, gross margin percent related to our fresh products segment decreased approximately 21.9%. Such decrease was primarily driven by a significant decrease in pounds of California sourced fruit and the lower gross margins resulting therefrom. For the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the volume of California fruit decreased 53.7%, when compared to the same prior year period. This had the effect of increasing our per pound production costs, which, as a result, negatively impacted gross margins. The resulting lower gross margins described above were partially offset, however, by an increase in Mexican fruit sold, a decrease in Mexican fruit costs, and/or higher sales prices. The increased volume and decreased fruit costs had the effect of decreasing our per pound production costs, which, as a result, positively impacted gross margins.

     For the nine months ended July 31, 2007, as compared to the same prior year period, gross margin percent related to our fresh products segment increased approximately 4.8%. Such increases were primarily driven by a significant increase in pounds of Mexican and Chilean fruit sold, a decrease in Mexican fruit costs, and/or higher sales prices. For the first nine months of fiscal 2007, we experienced a 106.6% increase in fruit sold related to Mexico sourced fruit. Additionally, for the first nine months of fiscal 2007, we experienced a 92.0% increase in fruit sold related to Chile sourced fruit. This had the effect of decreasing our per pound production costs, which, as a result, positively impacted gross margins. Additionally, the significant increase in tomato volume positively impacted gross margins as well. The resulting higher gross margins described above were partially offset, however, by decreases in California sourced fruit and the lower gross margins resulting therefrom. For the first nine months of fiscal 2007, the volume of California fruit decreased 56.7%, when compared to the same prior year period.

     The processed products gross profit percentages for the third quarter of fiscal 2007, as compared to the same prior period, decreased 35.4% primarily as a result of significantly higher fruit costs, as well as increased packaging costs, which had the effect of increasing our per pound costs. We anticipate that the gross profit percentage for our processed product segment will continue to experience significant fluctuations during the next fiscal quarter primarily due to the uncertainty of the cost of fruit that will be used in the production process.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses include costs of marketing and advertising, sales expenses and other general and administrative costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million, or 6.6%, for the three months ended July 31, 2007, when compared to the same period for fiscal 2006. This decrease was primarily related to lower corporate costs, including, but not limited to, a decrease in stock based compensation (totaling approximately $0.3 million) and a decrease in certain employee compensation costs (totaling approximately $0.2 million). Such decreases were partially offset, however, by higher bad debt expense for the quarter (totaling approximately $0.1 million).

     Interest expense is primarily generated from our short-term borrowings as well as our term loan agreement with Farm Credit West, PCA. For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2007, the increase in interest expense is primarily related to an increase in the average borrowing balance from our short-term credit facilities.

     For the first nine months of fiscal 2007, our provision for income taxes was $3.9 million, as compared to $2.8 million recorded for the comparable prior year period. We expect our effective tax rate to approximate 38.6% during fiscal 2007.

     Cash provided by operating activities was $0.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2007, compared to $8.0 million for the similar period in fiscal 2006. Operating cash flows for the nine months ended July 31, 2007 reflect our net income of $6.1 million, net non-cash items (depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, income from Maui Fresh, LLC, and provision for losses on accounts receivable) of $2.0 million and a net decrease in the components of our working capital of approximately $7.8 million.

     These working capital decreases include an increase in accounts receivable of $9.4 million, an increase in inventory of $2.8 million, an decrease in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses of $2.2 million, an increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $1.2 million, and an increase in advances to suppliers of $0.4 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in payable to growers of $6.4 million,, an increase in income tax receivable of $1.7 million, and a increase in other assets of $0.1 million.

     The increase in our accounts receivable balance, as of July 31, 2007, when compared to October 31, 2006, primarily reflects higher sales recorded in the month of July 2007, as compared to October 2006. The increase in inventory, as well as the corresponding increase in payable to growers, is primarily related to an increase in California fruit delivered in the month of July 2007, as compared to October 2006. The decrease in trade accounts payable and accrued expenses primarily reflects a decrease in un-vouched liabilities as of July 2007, as compared to October 2006.

     Cash used in investing activities was $6.3 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2007 and related to the loan made to Agricola Belher, as well as the purchase of property, plant and equipment items.

     Cash provided by financing activities was $7.1 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2007, which related principally to $9.2 million of borrowings from our lines of credit, as well as $2.4 million from the collection of our notes receivable from shareholders. Such proceeds were partially offset, however, by the payment of a $4.6 million dividend.

     Our principal sources of liquidity are our existing cash reserves, cash generated from operations and amounts available for borrowing under our existing credit facilities. Cash and cash equivalents as of July 31, 2007 and October 31, 2006 totaled $1.2 million and $0.1 million. Our working capital at July 31, 2007 was $19.6 million, compared to $12.0 million at October 31, 2006. The overall working capital increase primarily reflects increases in our accounts receivable, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets and advances to suppliers balances, partially offset by an increase in our payable to growers.

     We believe that cash flows from operations, available credit facilities, and long-term credit facilities will be sufficient to satisfy our future capital expenditures, grower recruitment efforts, working capital and other financing requirements. We will continue to evaluate grower recruitment opportunities and exclusivity arrangements with food service companies to fuel growth in each of our business segments. We have one short-term and one long-term, non-collateralized, revolving credit facilities. These credit facilities expire in February 2012 and April 2008 and are with separate banks. Under the terms of these agreements, we are advanced funds for both working capital and long-term productive asset purchases. Total credit available under the combined borrowing agreements was $30 million, with a weighted-average interest rate of 6.3% and 6.2% at July 31, 2007 and October 31, 2006. Under these credit facilities, we had $14.3 million and $3.8 million outstanding as of July 31, 2007 and October 31, 2006. The credit facilities contain various financial covenants with which we were in compliance at July 31, 2007. The most significant financial covenants relate to working capital, tangible net worth (as defined), and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (as defined) requirements. We have no significant commitments for capital expenditures as of July 31, 2007.

     See footnote 1 to the consolidated condensed financial statements that are included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

     Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, loan to Agricola Belher, payable to growers, accounts payable, current and long-term borrowings pursuant to our credit facilities with financial institutions, and long-term, fixed-rate obligations. All of our financial instruments are entered into during the normal course of operations and have not been acquired for trading purposes. The table below summarizes interest rate sensitive financial instruments and presents principal cash flows in U.S. dollars, which is our reporting currency, and weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates, as of July 31, 2007.

     We were not a party to any derivative instruments during the fiscal year. It is currently our intent not to use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. Additionally, we do not use any hedging or forward contracts to offset market volatility.

     Our Mexican-based operations transact business in Mexican pesos. Funds are transferred by our corporate office to Mexico on a weekly basis to satisfy domestic cash needs. Consequently, the spot rate for the Mexican peso has a moderate impact on our operating results. However, we do not believe that this impact is sufficient to warrant the use of derivative instruments to hedge the fluctuation in the Mexican peso. Total foreign currency gains and losses for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2006 do not exceed $0.1 million.

          Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

          There were no substantial changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended July 31, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

     We are involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business, none of which we believe will have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results from operations.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

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