Calavo Growers, Inc. Announces New Director; Election of Banking Executive Michael D. Hause Brings Range of Experience in Farm Credit, Internal Audit to Company Board.

Business Editors

SANTA ANA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 17, 2003

Calavo Growers, Inc. (Nasdaq:CVGW), a worldwide leader in packing and distributing avocado, processed avocado and other perishable food products, announced today that Michael D. Hause, president and chief executive officer of Santa Clara Valley Bank, N.A. (OTCBB:SCVE), has been elected to the company's board of directors. He succeeds Edward P. Smith, who did not stand for re-election.

Hause, 49, brings more than 25 years' experience in banking, farm credit, agribusiness and internal audit with him to his seat on the Calavo board. Prior to joining Santa Clara Valley Bank in October 2001, Hause spent in excess of 20 years with Central Coast Farm Credit, serving most recently as senior vice president and director of internal audit, a department that he established and led. Earlier, from 1985 until 1991, Hause held the post of vice president - chief credit officer with the same association.

Hause is an alumnus of Santa Clara University, where he earned both his master of business administration with an emphasis in agribusiness and a bachelor of science degree in biology. Married with two children, he is active in organizations and philanthropies throughout the Santa Clara Valley.

"Michael Hause's extensive background in banking and financial services for agribusinesses, including credit-making and internal audit, has provided him with considerable first-hand experience in the avocado industry," said Lee E. Cole, Calavo's chairman, president and chief executive officer. "I welcome him to Calavo's board and look forward to his counsel and perspective. Furthermore, along with my fellow board members, we thank Ed Smith for his years of service to the company and wish him well in the future."

About Calavo

Calavo Growers, Inc. engages in the procurement and marketing of avocados and other perishable foods and the preparation and distribution of processed avocado products. Founded in 1924, Calavo's expertise in marketing and distributing avocado, processed avocado, and other perishable foods allows the company to deliver a wide array of fresh and processed food products to food distributors, produce wholesalers, supermarkets, and restaurants on a worldwide basis.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains statements relating to future events and results of Calavo (including certain projections and business trends) that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and events may differ 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 detailed from time to time in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, without limitation, the company's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2002. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.