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COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
3 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2021
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact  
COVID-19 Pandemic Impact

14. COVID-19 Pandemic Impact

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) announced a global health emergency because of a new strain of coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China and the risks to the international community as the virus spreads globally beyond its point of origin. In March 2020, the WHO classified the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, based on the rapid increase in exposure globally.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenging and unprecedented conditions for our business, and we are committed to taking action in support of a Company-wide response to the crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and created significant volatility and disruption of financial markets. We believe we are well-positioned for the future as we continue to navigate the crisis and prepare for an eventual return to a more normal operating environment. We have successfully implemented contingency plans in the U.S. and in Mexico to monitor the evolving needs of our businesses in those countries, as well as those related to our Peru partner in consignment avocado sales.

The COVID-19 pandemic began to have an adverse impact on our results of operations in the month of March 2020, resulting in cancelled orders, altered customer buying patterns, delays in potential new business opportunities, losses on product unable to be sold, reductions in margins related to lower manufacturing throughput, and changes to integration plans for an acquired entity. The effects of the pandemic have been more pronounced in the portions of our business

servicing foodservice customers and to a lesser extent certain segments of our retail business, including behind-the-glass deli and grab-and-go convenience items.

We may also experience additional costs related to increased workers’ compensation claims, health and safety inspections and group health insurance expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may also be subject to lawsuits from employees and others exposed to COVID-19 at our production and other facilities. Our professional and general liability insurance may not cover all claims against us. In addition, our operations and financial results may be further adversely affected by federal or state laws, regulations, orders, or other governmental or regulatory actions addressing the current COVID-19 pandemic. While we have managed the pandemic well, with improving results in April 2020 and minimal disruption to our overall business thus far, the continuing impact of the pandemic on our future consolidated results, financial position and cash flows are uncertain.