Calavo Growers (CVGW) 10-Q 6 Jun 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	30-Apr-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2
Trading Symbol	'CVGW
Entity Registrant Name	'CALAVO GROWERS INC
Entity Central Index Key	'0001133470
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--10-31
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	15,760,405

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$19,914	$8,019
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $2,789 (2014) and $1,697 (2013)	64,093	55,060
Inventories, net	32,261	28,673
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,528	10,757
Advances to suppliers	39	3,213
Income taxes receivable	773	2,013
Deferred income taxes	1,995	1,995
Total current assets	132,603	109,730
Property, plant, and equipment, net	55,568	52,649
Investment in Limoneira Company	39,705	45,531
Investment in unconsolidated entities	1,533	1,420
Goodwill	18,262	18,262
Other assets	11,436	12,347
Total assets	259,107	239,939
Current liabilities:	'	'
Payable to growers	19,117	14,490
Trade accounts payable	15,850	11,699
Accrued expenses	22,568	20,939
Short-term borrowings	41,030	33,990
Dividend payable	'	11,004
Current portion of long-term obligations	5,321	5,258
Total current liabilities	103,886	97,380
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Long-term obligations, less current portion	5,801	7,792
Deferred income taxes	3,922	6,194
Total long-term liabilities	9,723	13,986
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 15,760 (2014) and 15,720 (2013) shares issued and outstanding	15	15
Additional paid-in capital	65,358	59,376
Accumulated other comprehensive income	9,861	13,414
Retained earnings	66,337	55,653
Total shareholders' equity	145,602	128,452
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	259,107	239,939
Calavo Salsa Lisa [Member]	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	-104	121
FreshRealm [Member]	'	'
Long-term liabilities:	'	'
Noncontrolling interest	$4,031	($6)

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance1

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowances of accounts receivable	$2,789	$1,697
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares issued	15,760	15,720
Common stock, shares outstanding	15,760	15,720

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$194,894	$166,336	$363,059	$305,835
Cost of sales	175,917	154,800	330,392	281,175
Gross margin	18,977	11,536	32,667	24,660
Selling, general and administrative	9,111	8,190	17,383	17,011
Operating income	9,866	3,346	15,284	7,649
Interest expense	-292	-317	-548	-569
Other income, net	270	235	405	373
Income before provision for income taxes	9,844	3,264	15,141	7,453
Provision for income taxes	3,432	1,071	5,254	2,579
Net income	6,412	2,193	9,887	4,874
Add: Net loss - noncontrolling interest	298	20	798	46
Net income attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc.	$6,710	$2,213	$10,685	$4,920
Calavo Growers, Inc.'s net income per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.43	$0.15	$0.68	$0.33
Diluted	$0.43	$0.15	$0.68	$0.33
Number of shares used in per share computation:	'	'	'	'
Basic	15,755	14,819	15,740	14,827
Diluted	15,764	14,839	15,750	14,846

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme1

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income	$6,412	$2,193	$9,887	$4,874
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized holding income (loss) on available for sales investments arising during period	3,803	-5,393	-5,825	-6,638
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,483	2,103	2,272	2,589
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,320	-3,290	-3,553	-4,049
Comprehensive income (loss)	8,732	-1,097	6,334	825
Add: Net loss - noncontrolling interest	298	20	798	46
Comprehensive income (loss) - Calavo Growers, Inc.	$9,030	($1,077)	$7,132	$871

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme2

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net income	$9,887	$4,874
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	3,378	3,293
Income from unconsolidated entities	12	'
Interest on contingent consideration	18	84
Revalue adjustment on contingent consideration	'	1,444
Stock-based compensation expense	303	191
Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-9,033	-20,479
Inventories, net	-3,588	-2,486
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,771	-1,349
Advances to suppliers	3,174	2,338
Income taxes receivable	1,415	-113
Other assets	78	143
Payable to growers	4,628	10,516
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses	5,762	5,027
Net cash provided by operating activities	13,263	3,483
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Acquisitions property, plant, and equipment	-5,464	-3,092
Investment in unconsolidated entity	-125	'
Net cash used in investing activities	-5,589	-3,092
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:	'	'
Payment of dividend to shareholders	-11,005	-9,646
Proceeds on revolving credit facilities, net	7,040	14,970
Payments on long-term obligations	-1,928	-1,611
Retirement of common stock	'	-4,788
Proceeds from issuance of FreshRealm stock	10,000	'
Exercise of stock options	114	700
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	4,221	-375
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	11,895	16
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	8,019	7,103
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	19,914	7,119
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:	'	'
Tax benefit related to stock based compensation	175	208
Collection on Beltran Infrastructure Advance	'	1,690
Unrealized investment holding losses	($5,825)	($6,638)

Description_of_the_business

Description of the business	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Description of the business	'
	1. Description of the business
	Business
	Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our), is a global leader in the avocado industry and an expanding provider of value-added fresh food. Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, prepared avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and prepared 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 various operating facilities, we sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados, tomatoes, pineapples and/or Hawaiian grown papayas. Additionally, we also produce salsa and prepare ready-to-eat produce and deli products.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed 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, 2013.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued a standard that revised the disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and requires entities to present information about significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component either (1) on the face of the statement where net income is presented or (2) as a separate disclosure in the notes to the financial statements. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a standard permitting the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to the United States Treasury rate and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). In addition, the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges is removed. The Company is required to adopt these provisions prospectively for qualifying new or re-designated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our financial statements.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In March 2013, the FASB issued a standard which requires the release of a Company’s cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment will not have a material effect on our financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a standard to clarify the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists as of the reporting date. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment will not have a material effect on our financial statements.

Information_regarding_our_oper

Information regarding our operations in different segments	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Information regarding our operations in different segments	'
	2. Information regarding our operations in different segments
	We report our operations in three different business segments: (1) Fresh products, (2) Calavo Foods, and (3) RFG. These three business segments are presented based on how information is used by our Chief Executive Officer to measure performance and allocate resources. The Fresh products segment includes all operations that involve the distribution of avocados and other fresh produce products. The Calavo Foods segment represents all operations related to the purchase, manufacturing, and distribution of prepared products, including guacamole and salsa. The RFG segment represents all operations related to the manufacturing and distribution of fresh-cut fruit, ready-to-eat vegetables, recipe-ready vegetables and deli meat products. Since it has not commenced principal operations, FreshRealm, LLC (FreshRealm) is currently considered in its development stage. Once principal operations commence, FreshRealm is expected to become our fourth segment. Selling, general and administrative expenses, as well as other non-operating income/expense items, are evaluated by our Chief Executive Officer in the aggregate. We do not allocate assets, or specifically identify them to, our operating segments. The following table sets forth sales by product category, by segment (in thousands):
		Three months ended April 30, 2014												Three months ended April 30, 2013
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods									products			Foods
	Third-party sales:
	Avocados	$	106,713		$	—		$	—		$	106,713		$	95,203		$	—		$	—		$	95,203
	Tomatoes		12,590			—			—			12,590			12,375			—			—			12,375
	Papayas		3,139			—			—			3,139			3,146			—			—			3,146
	Pineapples		1,858			—			—			1,858			2,152			—			—			2,152
	Other fresh products		80			—			—			80			150			—			—			150
	Food service		—			12,674			—			12,674			—			10,578			—			10,578
	Retail and club		—			5,533			56,339			61,872			—			4,311			42,388			46,699
	Total gross sales		124,380			18,207			56,339			198,926			113,026			14,889			42,388			170,303
	Less sales incentives		(428	)		(3,090	)		(514	)		(4,032	)		(538	)		(2,685	)		(744	)		(3,967	)
	Net sales	$	123,952		$	15,117		$	55,825		$	194,894		$	112,488		$	12,204		$	41,644		$	166,336
		Six months ended April 30, 2014												Six months ended April 30, 2013
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods									products			Foods
	Third-party sales:
	Avocados	$	196,077		$	—		$	—		$	196,077		$	169,285		$	—		$	—		$	169,285
	Tomatoes		19,096			—			—			19,096			19,336			—			—			19,336
	Papayas		6,424			—			—			6,424			6,380			—			—			6,380
	Pineapples		2,755			—			—			2,755			3,171			—			—			3,171
	Other fresh products		144			—			—			144			213			—			—			213
	Food service		—			22,645			—			22,645			—			20,502			—			20,502
	Retail and club		—			11,055			112,872			123,927			—			8,971			85,666			94,637
	Total gross sales		224,496			33,700			112,872			371,068			198,385			29,473			85,666			313,524
	Less sales incentives		(822	)		(5,727	)		(1,460	)		(8,009	)		(830	)		(5,339	)		(1,520	)		(7,689	)
	Net sales	$	223,674		$	27,973		$	111,412		$	363,059		$	197,555		$	24,134		$	84,146		$	305,835
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods
	Three months ended April 30, 2014
	Net sales	$	123,952		$	15,117		$	55,825		$	194,894
	Cost of sales		114,269			11,294			50,354			175,917
	Gross margin	$	9,683		$	3,823		$	5,471		$	18,977
	Three months ended April 30, 2013
	Net sales	$	112,488		$	12,204		$	41,644		$	166,336
	Cost of sales		108,422			7,901			38,477			154,800
	Gross margin	$	4,066		$	4,303		$	3,167		$	11,536
	For the three months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Fresh products totaling $8.6 million and $8.8 million were eliminated. For the three months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Calavo Foods totaling $3.9 million and $3.4 million were eliminated.
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods
	Six months ended April 30, 2014
	Net sales	$	223,674		$	27,973		$	111,412		$	363,059
	Cost of sales		207,783			21,558			101,051			330,392
	Gross margin	$	15,891		$	6,415		$	10,361		$	32,667
	Six months ended April 30, 2013
	Net sales	$	197,555		$	24,134		$	84,146		$	305,835
	Cost of sales		186,720			16,743			77,712			281,175
	Gross margin	$	10,835		$	7,391		$	6,434		$	24,660
	For the six months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Fresh products totaling $17.6 million and $18.5 million were eliminated. For the six months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Calavo Foods totaling $7.6 million and $6.5 million were eliminated.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	3. Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		April 30,		October 31,
		2014		2013
	Fresh fruit	$	18,216	$	13,928
	Packing supplies and ingredients		6,249		5,511
	Finished prepared foods		7,796		9,234
		$	32,261	$	28,673
	During the three and six-month periods ended April 30, 2014, we recorded $0.3 million in provisions to reduce our inventories to the lower of cost or market. During the three and six-month periods ended April 30, 2013, we were not required to and did not record any provisions to reduce our inventories to the lower of cost or market.

Related_party_transactions

Related party transactions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related party transactions	'
	4. Related party transactions
	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 April 30, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $0.8 million and $6.1 million. During the six months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $1.2 million and $6.4 million. Amounts payable to these board members were $0.6 million and $3.3 million as of April 30, 2014 and October 31, 2013.
	During the three and six months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, we received $0.1 million as dividend income from Limoneira Company (Limoneira).
	The three previous owners and current executives of RFG have a majority ownership of certain entities that provide various services to RFG. RFG’s California operating facility leases a building from LIG partners, LLC (LIG) pursuant to an operating lease. LIG is majority owned by an entity owned by such three executives of RFG. For the three months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, total rent paid to LIG was $0.1 million. For the six months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, total rent paid to LIG was $0.3 million. RFG’s Texas operating facility leases a building from THNC, LLC (THNC) pursuant to an operating lease. THNC is majority owned by an entity owned by such three executives of RFG. For the three months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, total rent paid to THNC was $0.1 million. For the six months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, total rent paid to THNC was $0.2 million. Additionally, RFG sells cut produce and purchases raw materials, obtains transportation services, and shares costs for certain utilities with Third Coast Fresh Distribution (Third Coast). Third Coast is majority owned by an entity owned by such three executives of RFG. For the three months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, total sales made to Third Coast were $0.3 million and $0.6 million. For the six months ended April 30, 2014 and 2013, total sales made to Third Coast were $0.5 million and $1.6 million. For the three months April 30, 2014 and 2013, total purchases made from Third Coast were less than $0.1 million and $0.2 million. For the six months April 30, 2014 and 2013, total purchases made from Third Coast were $0.1 million and $1.0 million. Amounts due from Third Coast were $0.3 million and $1.0 million at April 30, 2014 and October 31, 2013. Amounts due to Third Coast were less than $0.1 million at April 30, 2014 and October 31, 2013.

Other_assets

Other assets	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Other assets	'
	5. Other assets
	Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		April 30,		October 31,
		2014		2013
	Intangibles, net	$	6,587	$	7,272
	Grower advances		790		938
	Loan to Agricola Belher		1,690		1,690
	Loan to FreshRealm members		290		283
	Notes receivable from San Rafael		1,441		1,594
	Other		638		570
		$	11,436	$	12,347
	Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		April 30, 2014									October 31, 2013
		Weighted-		Gross		Accum.			Net		Gross		Accum.			Net
		Average		Carrying		Amortization			Book		Carrying		Amortization			Book
		Useful Life		Value					Value		Value					Value
	Customer list/relationships		8.0 years	$	7,640	$	(2,843	)	$	4,797	$	7,640	$	(2,364	)	$	5,276
	Trade names		8.4 years		2,760		(1,768	)		992		2,760		(1,636	)		1,124
	Trade secrets/recipes		12.6 years		630		(190	)		440		630		(137	)		493
	Brand name intangibles		indefinite		275		—			275		275		—			275
	Non-competition agreements		5.0 years		267		(184	)		83		267		(163	)		104
	Intangibles, net			$	11,572	$	(4,985	)	$	6,587	$	11,572	$	(4,300	)	$	7,272
	We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $0.7 million for the remainder of fiscal 2014, with $1.3 million of amortization expense for fiscal year 2015, $1.2 million for fiscal year 2016, $1.1 million for each of the fiscal years 2017 and 2018, and $0.9 million for years thereafter, through fiscal year 2023.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	6. Stock-Based Compensation
	In April 2011, our shareholders approved the Calavo Growers, Inc. 2011 Management Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). All directors, officers, employees and consultants (including prospective directors, officers, employees and consultants) of Calavo and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the 2011 Plan. Up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock may be issued by Calavo under the 2011 Plan.
	On January 9, 2014, all 12 of our non-employee directors were granted 1,750 restricted shares each (total of 21,000 shares). These shares have full voting rights and participate in dividends as if unrestricted. The closing price of our stock on such date was $32.49. On January 1, 2015, as long as the directors are still serving on the board, these shares lose their restriction and become non-forfeitable and transferable. These shares were granted pursuant to our 2011 Management Incentive Plan.
	On January 27, 2014, our executive officers were granted a total of 10,774 restricted shares. These shares have full voting rights and participate in dividends as if unrestricted. The closing price of our stock on such date was $30.50. These shares vest in one-third increments, on an annual basis, beginning January 1, 2015.
	Stock options are granted with exercise prices of not less than the fair market value at grant date, generally vest over one to five years and generally expire two to five years after the grant date. We settle stock option exercises with newly issued shares of common stock.
	We 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. We measure the fair value of our stock based compensation awards on the date of grant.
	A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
		Number			Weighted-		Aggregate
		of			Average		Intrinsic
		Shares			Exercise		Value
					Price
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		27		$	15.79		—
	Exercised		(8	)	$	14.58		—
	Outstanding at April 30, 2014		19		$	16.28	$	606
	Exercisable at April 30, 2014		15		$	15.59	$	482
	At April 30, 2014, outstanding stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 4.1 years. At April 30, 2014, exercisable stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 3.7 years. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense was insignificant for the three months ended April 30, 2014.
	A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2011 Management Incentive Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
		Number			Weighted-		Aggregate
		of			Average		Intrinsic
		Shares			Exercise		Value
					Price
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		20		$	22.64		—
	Outstanding at April 30, 2014		20		$	22.64	$	169
	Exercisable at April 30, 2014		6		$	22.36	$	52
	At April 30, 2014, outstanding stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 6.1 years. At April 30, 2014, exercisable stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 4.2 years. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense was $0.2 million and $0.3 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2014.

Other_events

Other events	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Other events	'
	7. Other events
	Dividend payment
	On December 12, 2013, we paid a $0.70 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $11.0 million to shareholders of record on November 29, 2013.
	Contingencies
	From time to time, 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.

Fair_value_measurements

Fair value measurements	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value measurements	'
	8. Fair value measurements
	A fair value measurement is determined based on the assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing an asset or liability. A three-tiered hierarchy draws distinctions between market participant assumptions based on (i) observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets (Level 1), (ii) inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2) and (iii) unobservable inputs that require the Company to use present value and other valuation techniques in the determination of fair value (Level 3).
	The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities as of April 30, 2014 that are measured on a recurring basis during the period, segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy:
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
			(All amounts are presented in thousands)
	Assets at Fair Value:
	Investment in Limoneira Company(1)		$	39,705	$	—	$	—	$	39,705
	Total assets at fair value		$	39,705	$	—	$	—	$	39,705
	-1	The investment in Limoneira Company consists of marketable securities in the Limoneira Company stock. We currently own approximately 12% of Limoneira’s outstanding common stock. These securities are measured at fair value by quoted market prices. Limoneira’s stock price at April 30, 2014 and October 31, 2013 equaled $22.97 per share and $26.34 per share. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized through other comprehensive income. Unrealized investment holding income arising during the three months ended April 30, 2014 was $3.8 million. Unrealized investment holding losses arising during the six months ended April 30, 2014 was $5.8 million.
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
			(All amounts are presented in
			thousands)
	Liabilities at fair value:
	Salsa Lisa contingent consideration(2)		$	—	$	—	$	694	$	694
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	—	$	—	$	694	$	694
	-2	Each period we revalue the contingent consideration obligations to their fair value and record increases or decreases in the fair value into selling, general and administrative expense. Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes in assumed discount periods and rates, changes in the assumed timing and amount of revenue and expense estimates. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions described above, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. No revalue adjustments were necessary during the three and six months ended April 30, 2014.
	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the contingent consideration for Salsa Lisa:
			Balance at		Interest		Revalue		Balance
			October 31,				Adjustment		April 30,
			2013						2014
			(All amounts are presented in thousands)
	Salsa Lisa contingent consideration		$	676	$	18	$	—	$	694
	Total		$	676	$	18	$	—	$	694

Noncontrolling_interest

Noncontrolling interest	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling interest	'
	9. Noncontrolling interest
	The following table reconciles shareholders’ equity attributable to noncontrolling interest related to the Salsa Lisa acquisition and FreshRealm, LLC (in thousands).
	Salsa Lisa noncontrolling interest	Three months			Three months
		ended			ended
		April 30,			April 30,
		2014			2013
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	(69	)	$	331
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(35	)		(20	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	(104	)	$	311
		Six months			Six months
		ended			ended
		April 30,			April 30,
		2014			2013
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	121		$	357
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(225	)		(46	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	(104	)	$	311
	FreshRealm noncontrolling interest	Three months			Three months
		ended			ended
		April 30,			April 30,
		2014			2013
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	(316	)	$	—
	New member contribution		4,610			—
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of FreshRealm		(263	)		—
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	4,031		$	—
		Six months			Six months
		ended			ended
		April 30,			April 30,
		2014			2013
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	(6	)	$	—
	New member contribution		4,610			—
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of FreshRealm		(573	)		—
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	4,031		$	—
	Since it has not commenced principal operations, FreshRealm is currently considered in its development stage. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2014, FreshRealm has incurred $0.5 million and $1.0 million in expenses, which has been recorded in selling, general and administrative. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2013, FreshRealm has incurred $0.6 million in expenses. Since its creation, FreshRealm has had $2.9 million in cumulative losses. See Note 10 for a discussion about a change in the ownership percentage and the allocation of noncontrolling interest.

FreshRealm_LLC

FreshRealm, LLC	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Text Block [Abstract]	'
FreshRealm, LLC	'
	10. FreshRealm, LLC
	As of April 30, 2014, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement (Agreement) by and among FreshRealm, and the ownership members of FreshRealm. With this agreement, Impermanence, LLC (Impermanence) was admitted as an ownership member of FreshRealm. Impermanence contributed $10.0 million to FreshRealm for approximately 28.2% ownership. With this contribution, and a new noncontrolling ownership percentage, $4.6 million of this contribution was attributed to noncontrolling interest.
	As a result of the admission of Impermanence, Calavo’s ownership was reduced from 71.5% to 50.8%.
	Effective April 1, 2014, with this agreement, the first $10.0 million of losses will be allocated solely to Impermanence. As a result, all losses from FreshRealm effective April 1, 2014, will be considered losses attributed to noncontrolling members, and not attributed to Calavo.
	FreshRealm is currently considered in its development stage, as planned, principal operations have not commenced. As a result, the company has no sales, or cost of sales. When principal operations commence, FreshRealm is expected to become our fourth segment. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2014, FreshRealm has incurred $0.5 million and $1.0 million in expenses, which has been recorded in selling, general and administrative. For the three and six months ended April 30, 2013, FreshRealm has incurred $0.6 million in expenses.

Subsequent_events

Subsequent events	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent events	'
	11. Subsequent events
	We have evaluated subsequent events to assess the need for potential recognition or disclosure in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Such events were evaluated through the date these financial statements were issued. Based upon this evaluation, it was determined that no subsequent events occurred that require recognition in the financial statements.

Description_of_the_business_Po

Description of the business (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Business	'
	Business
	Calavo Growers, Inc. (Calavo, the Company, we, us or our), is a global leader in the avocado industry and an expanding provider of value-added fresh food. Our expertise in marketing and distributing avocados, prepared avocados, and other perishable foods allows us to deliver a wide array of fresh and prepared 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 various operating facilities, we sort, pack, and/or ripen avocados, tomatoes, pineapples and/or Hawaiian grown papayas. Additionally, we also produce salsa and prepare ready-to-eat produce and deli products.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed 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, 2013
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In February 2013, the FASB issued a standard that revised the disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and requires entities to present information about significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component either (1) on the face of the statement where net income is presented or (2) as a separate disclosure in the notes to the financial statements. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a standard permitting the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to the United States Treasury rate and London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). In addition, the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges is removed. The Company is required to adopt these provisions prospectively for qualifying new or re-designated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In March 2013, the FASB issued a standard which requires the release of a Company’s cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment will not have a material effect on our financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a standard to clarify the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists as of the reporting date. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this amendment will not have a material effect on our financial statements.

Information_regarding_our_oper1

Information regarding our operations in different segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Sales by Product Category, by Segment	'
	The following table sets forth sales by product category, by segment (in thousands):
		Three months ended April 30, 2014												Three months ended April 30, 2013
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods									products			Foods
	Third-party sales:
	Avocados	$	106,713		$	—		$	—		$	106,713		$	95,203		$	—		$	—		$	95,203
	Tomatoes		12,590			—			—			12,590			12,375			—			—			12,375
	Papayas		3,139			—			—			3,139			3,146			—			—			3,146
	Pineapples		1,858			—			—			1,858			2,152			—			—			2,152
	Other fresh products		80			—			—			80			150			—			—			150
	Food service		—			12,674			—			12,674			—			10,578			—			10,578
	Retail and club		—			5,533			56,339			61,872			—			4,311			42,388			46,699
	Total gross sales		124,380			18,207			56,339			198,926			113,026			14,889			42,388			170,303
	Less sales incentives		(428	)		(3,090	)		(514	)		(4,032	)		(538	)		(2,685	)		(744	)		(3,967	)
	Net sales	$	123,952		$	15,117		$	55,825		$	194,894		$	112,488		$	12,204		$	41,644		$	166,336
		Six months ended April 30, 2014												Six months ended April 30, 2013
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods									products			Foods
	Third-party sales:
	Avocados	$	196,077		$	—		$	—		$	196,077		$	169,285		$	—		$	—		$	169,285
	Tomatoes		19,096			—			—			19,096			19,336			—			—			19,336
	Papayas		6,424			—			—			6,424			6,380			—			—			6,380
	Pineapples		2,755			—			—			2,755			3,171			—			—			3,171
	Other fresh products		144			—			—			144			213			—			—			213
	Food service		—			22,645			—			22,645			—			20,502			—			20,502
	Retail and club		—			11,055			112,872			123,927			—			8,971			85,666			94,637
	Total gross sales		224,496			33,700			112,872			371,068			198,385			29,473			85,666			313,524
	Less sales incentives		(822	)		(5,727	)		(1,460	)		(8,009	)		(830	)		(5,339	)		(1,520	)		(7,689	)
	Net sales	$	223,674		$	27,973		$	111,412		$	363,059		$	197,555		$	24,134		$	84,146		$	305,835
Gross Margin	'
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods
	Three months ended April 30, 2014
	Net sales	$	123,952		$	15,117		$	55,825		$	194,894
	Cost of sales		114,269			11,294			50,354			175,917
	Gross margin	$	9,683		$	3,823		$	5,471		$	18,977
	Three months ended April 30, 2013
	Net sales	$	112,488		$	12,204		$	41,644		$	166,336
	Cost of sales		108,422			7,901			38,477			154,800
	Gross margin	$	4,066		$	4,303		$	3,167		$	11,536
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods
	Six months ended April 30, 2014
	Net sales	$	223,674		$	27,973		$	111,412		$	363,059
	Cost of sales		207,783			21,558			101,051			330,392
	Gross margin	$	15,891		$	6,415		$	10,361		$	32,667
	Six months ended April 30, 2013
	Net sales	$	197,555		$	24,134		$	84,146		$	305,835
	Cost of sales		186,720			16,743			77,712			281,175
	Gross margin	$	10,835		$	7,391		$	6,434		$	24,660

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventories	'
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		April 30,		October 31,
		2014		2013
	Fresh fruit	$	18,216	$	13,928
	Packing supplies and ingredients		6,249		5,511
	Finished prepared foods		7,796		9,234
		$	32,261	$	28,673

Other_assets_Tables

Other assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Deferred Costs Capitalized Prepaid And Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Assets	'
	Other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		April 30,		October 31,
		2014		2013
	Intangibles, net	$	6,587	$	7,272
	Grower advances		790		938
	Loan to Agricola Belher		1,690		1,690
	Loan to FreshRealm members		290		283
	Notes receivable from San Rafael		1,441		1,594
	Other		638		570
		$	11,436	$	12,347
Schedule of Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
		April 30, 2014									October 31, 2013
		Weighted-		Gross		Accum.			Net		Gross		Accum.			Net
		Average		Carrying		Amortization			Book		Carrying		Amortization			Book
		Useful Life		Value					Value		Value					Value
	Customer list/relationships		8.0 years	$	7,640	$	(2,843	)	$	4,797	$	7,640	$	(2,364	)	$	5,276
	Trade names		8.4 years		2,760		(1,768	)		992		2,760		(1,636	)		1,124
	Trade secrets/recipes		12.6 years		630		(190	)		440		630		(137	)		493
	Brand name intangibles		indefinite		275		—			275		275		—			275
	Non-competition agreements		5.0 years		267		(184	)		83		267		(163	)		104
	Intangibles, net			$	11,572	$	(4,985	)	$	6,587	$	11,572	$	(4,300	)	$	7,272

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
2005 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	'
Stock Option Activity, Related to Incentive Plan	'
	A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
		Number			Weighted-		Aggregate
		of			Average		Intrinsic
		Shares			Exercise		Value
					Price
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		27		$	15.79		—
	Exercised		(8	)	$	14.58		—
	Outstanding at April 30, 2014		19		$	16.28	$	606
	Exercisable at April 30, 2014		15		$	15.59	$	482
2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]	'
Stock Option Activity, Related to Incentive Plan	'
	A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2011 Management Incentive Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
		Number			Weighted-		Aggregate
		of			Average		Intrinsic
		Shares			Exercise		Value
					Price
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		20		$	22.64		—
	Outstanding at April 30, 2014		20		$	22.64	$	169
	Exercisable at April 30, 2014		6		$	22.36	$	52

Fair_value_measurements_Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities as of April 30, 2014 that are measured on a recurring basis during the period, segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy:
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
			(All amounts are presented in thousands)
	Assets at Fair Value:
	Investment in Limoneira Company(1)		$	39,705	$	—	$	—	$	39,705
	Total assets at fair value		$	39,705	$	—	$	—	$	39,705
	-1	The investment in Limoneira Company consists of marketable securities in the Limoneira Company stock. We currently own approximately 12% of Limoneira’s outstanding common stock. These securities are measured at fair value by quoted market prices. Limoneira’s stock price at April 30, 2014 and October 31, 2013 equaled $22.97 per share and $26.34 per share. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized through other comprehensive income. Unrealized investment holding income arising during the three months ended April 30, 2014 was $3.8 million. Unrealized investment holding losses arising during the six months ended April 30, 2014 was $5.8 million.
			Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
			(All amounts are presented in
			thousands)
	Liabilities at fair value:
	Salsa Lisa contingent consideration(2)		$	—	$	—	$	694	$	694
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	—	$	—	$	694	$	694
	-2	Each period we revalue the contingent consideration obligations to their fair value and record increases or decreases in the fair value into selling, general and administrative expense. Increases or decreases in the fair value of the contingent consideration obligations can result from changes in assumed discount periods and rates, changes in the assumed timing and amount of revenue and expense estimates. Significant judgment is employed in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions as of the acquisition date and for each subsequent period. Accordingly, future business and economic conditions, as well as changes in any of the assumptions described above, can materially impact the amount of contingent consideration expense we record in any given period. No revalue adjustments were necessary during the three and six months ended April 30, 2014.
Reconciliation of Contingent Consideration	'
	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the contingent consideration for Salsa Lisa:
			Balance at		Interest		Revalue		Balance
			October 31,				Adjustment		April 30,
			2013						2014
			(All amounts are presented in thousands)
	Salsa Lisa contingent consideration		$	676	$	18	$	—	$	694
	Total		$	676	$	18	$	—	$	694

Noncontrolling_interest_Tables

Noncontrolling interest (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The following table reconciles shareholders’ equity attributable to noncontrolling interest related to the Salsa Lisa acquisition and FreshRealm, LLC (in thousands).
	Salsa Lisa noncontrolling interest	Three months			Three months
		ended			ended
		April 30,			April 30,
		2014			2013
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	(69	)	$	331
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(35	)		(20	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	(104	)	$	311
		Six months			Six months
		ended			ended
		April 30,			April 30,
		2014			2013
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	121		$	357
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(225	)		(46	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	(104	)	$	311
	FreshRealm noncontrolling interest	Three months			Three months
		ended			ended
		April 30,			April 30,
		2014			2013
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	(316	)	$	—
	New member contribution		4,610			—
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of FreshRealm		(263	)		—
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	4,031		$	—
		Six months			Six months
		ended			ended
		April 30,			April 30,
		2014			2013
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	(6	)	$	—
	New member contribution		4,610			—
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of FreshRealm		(573	)		—
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	4,031		$	—

Recovered_Sheet1

Information Regarding Our Operations in Different Segments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	3	'
Fresh products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Inter-segment sales and cost of sales eliminated in consolidation	$8.60	$8.80	$17.60	$18.50
Calavo Foods [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Inter-segment sales and cost of sales eliminated in consolidation	$3.90	$3.40	$7.60	$6.50

Recovered_Sheet2

Information Regarding Our Operations in Different Segments - Sales by Product Category, by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	$198,926	$170,303	$371,068	$313,524
Less sales incentives	-4,032	-3,967	-8,009	-7,689
Net sales	194,894	166,336	363,059	305,835
Avocados [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	106,713	95,203	196,077	169,285
Tomatoes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	12,590	12,375	19,096	19,336
Papayas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	3,139	3,146	6,424	6,380
Pineapples [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	1,858	2,152	2,755	3,171
Other fresh products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	80	150	144	213
Food service [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	12,674	10,578	22,645	20,502
Retail and club [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	61,872	46,699	123,927	94,637
Fresh products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	124,380	113,026	224,496	198,385
Less sales incentives	-428	-538	-822	-830
Net sales	123,952	112,488	223,674	197,555
Fresh products [Member] | Avocados [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	106,713	95,203	196,077	169,285
Fresh products [Member] | Tomatoes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	12,590	12,375	19,096	19,336
Fresh products [Member] | Papayas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	3,139	3,146	6,424	6,380
Fresh products [Member] | Pineapples [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	1,858	2,152	2,755	3,171
Fresh products [Member] | Other fresh products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	80	150	144	213
Fresh products [Member] | Food service [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
Fresh products [Member] | Retail and club [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
Calavo Foods [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	18,207	14,889	33,700	29,473
Less sales incentives	-3,090	-2,685	-5,727	-5,339
Net sales	15,117	12,204	27,973	24,134
Calavo Foods [Member] | Avocados [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
Calavo Foods [Member] | Tomatoes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
Calavo Foods [Member] | Papayas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
Calavo Foods [Member] | Pineapples [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
Calavo Foods [Member] | Other fresh products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
Calavo Foods [Member] | Food service [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	12,674	10,578	22,645	20,502
Calavo Foods [Member] | Retail and club [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	5,533	4,311	11,055	8,971
RFG [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	56,339	42,388	112,872	85,666
Less sales incentives	-514	-744	-1,460	-1,520
Net sales	55,825	41,644	111,412	84,146
RFG [Member] | Avocados [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
RFG [Member] | Tomatoes [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
RFG [Member] | Papayas [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
RFG [Member] | Pineapples [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
RFG [Member] | Other fresh products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
RFG [Member] | Food service [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	'	'	'	'
RFG [Member] | Retail and club [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total gross sales	$56,339	$42,388	$112,872	$85,666

Information_Regarding_Our_Oper2

Information Regarding Our Operations in Different Segments - Gross Margin (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	$194,894	$166,336	$363,059	$305,835
Cost of sales	175,917	154,800	330,392	281,175
Gross margin	18,977	11,536	32,667	24,660
Fresh products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	123,952	112,488	223,674	197,555
Cost of sales	114,269	108,422	207,783	186,720
Gross margin	9,683	4,066	15,891	10,835
Calavo Foods [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	15,117	12,204	27,973	24,134
Cost of sales	11,294	7,901	21,558	16,743
Gross margin	3,823	4,303	6,415	7,391
RFG [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net sales	55,825	41,644	111,412	84,146
Cost of sales	50,354	38,477	101,051	77,712
Gross margin	$5,471	$3,167	$10,361	$6,434

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Fresh fruit	$18,216	$13,928
Packing supplies and ingredients	6,249	5,511
Finished prepared foods	7,796	9,234
Total, Inventories	$32,261	$28,673

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Provisions to reduce inventories	$0.30	'

Related_Party_Transactions_Add

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Limoneira [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Dividend income from Limoneira	$0.10	'	'	$0.10	'
Director [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to related parties	0.6	'	0.6	'	3.3
LIG [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Rent paid	0.1	0.1	0.3	0.3	'
THNC [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Rent paid	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2	'
Third Coast [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors	0.1	0.2	0.1	1	'
Sales made to Third Coast	0.3	0.6	0.5	1.6	'
Amounts due from Third Coast	0.3	'	0.3	'	1
Third Coast [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable to related parties	0.1	'	0.1	'	0.1
Avocados [Member] | Director [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors	$0.80	$6.10	$1.20	$6.40	'

Other_Assets_Schedule_of_Other

Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Intangibles, net	$6,587	$7,272
Grower advances	790	938
Loan to Agricola Belher	1,690	1,690
Loan to FreshRealm members	290	283
Notes receivable from San Rafael	1,441	1,594
Other	638	570
Other assets	$11,436	$12,347

Other_Assets_Schedule_of_Intan

Other Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Finite and indefinite lived intangible assets gross	$11,572	$11,572
Accumulated Amortization	-4,985	-4,300
Intangibles, net	6,587	7,272
Customer list/relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted- Average Useful Life	'8 years	'
Gross Carrying Value	7,640	7,640
Accumulated Amortization	-2,843	-2,364
Net Book Value	4,797	5,276
Trade names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted- Average Useful Life	'8 years 4 months 24 days	'
Gross Carrying Value	2,760	2,760
Accumulated Amortization	-1,768	-1,636
Net Book Value	992	1,124
Trade secrets/recipes [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted- Average Useful Life	'12 years 7 months 6 days	'
Gross Carrying Value	630	630
Accumulated Amortization	-190	-137
Net Book Value	440	493
Non-competition agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted- Average Useful Life	'5 years	'
Gross Carrying Value	267	267
Accumulated Amortization	-184	-163
Net Book Value	83	104
Brand name intangibles [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Value	275	275
Accumulated Amortization	'	'
Net Book Value	$275	$275

Other_Assets_Additional_Inform

Other Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Amortization expense for remainder of fiscal 2014	$0.70
Amortization expense for the year 2015	1.3
Amortization expense for the year 2016	1.2
Amortization expense for the year 2017-2018	1.1
Amortization expense for the year 2019-2023	$0.90

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Jan. 27, 2014

Jan. 09, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2011

Jan. 09, 2014

Jan. 09, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Jan. 09, 2014

Jan. 27, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]

2005 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]

Employee Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Director [Member]

Executive officers [Member]

Board of Director Members for October Two Thousand Eleven Option Grants [Member]

Board of Director Members for October Two Thousand Eleven Option Grants [Member]

Board of Director Members for April Two Thousand Eleven Option Grants [Member]

Board of Director Members for April Two Thousand Eleven Option Grants [Member]

Shares_per_employee

Directors

Restricted Stock [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Stock Options [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock shares authorized under ESPP

'

'

'

'

'

1,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of non-employee directors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted shares issued per non-employee directors

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,750

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total restricted shares issued to non-employee directors

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock closing price awarded to executive officers

'

'

$30.50

$32.49

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total restricted shares issued to executive officers

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,774

'

'

'

'

'

Stock options vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'1 year

'

Term of vested stock options

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'2 years

'

'

Weighted-average remaining life of stock options

'

'

'

'

'6 years 1 month 6 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years 1 month 6 days

Exercisable stock options, weighted-average remaining contractual term

'

'

'

'

'4 years 2 months 12 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years 8 months 12 days

Stock-based compensation expense

$303

$191

'

'

'

'

'

'

$200

$300

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Option Activity, Related to Incentive Plan (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
	2005 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]	2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Outstanding, Number of Shares, beginning balance	27	20	20
Exercised, Number of Shares	-8	'	'
Outstanding, Number of Shares, ending balance	19	20	20
Exercisable, Number of Shares	15	6	'
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, beginning balance	$15.79	$22.64	$22.64
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$14.58	'	'
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, ending balance	$16.28	$22.64	$22.64
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$15.59	$22.36	'
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$606	$169	'
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$482	$52	'

Other_Events_Additional_Inform

Other Events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 12, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Other Events [Abstract]	'	'	'
Dividend payment	$0.70	'	'
Dividend aggregate amount to shareholders	$11,000	$11,005	$9,646
Dividend paid date	29-Nov-13	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Apr. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total assets at fair value	$39,705
Total liabilities at fair value	694
Salsa Lisa [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total liabilities at fair value	694
Limoneira [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total assets at fair value	39,705
Level 1 [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total assets at fair value	39,705
Total liabilities at fair value	'
Level 1 [Member] | Salsa Lisa [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total liabilities at fair value	'
Level 1 [Member] | Limoneira [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total assets at fair value	39,705
Level 2 [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total assets at fair value	'
Total liabilities at fair value	'
Level 2 [Member] | Salsa Lisa [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total liabilities at fair value	'
Level 2 [Member] | Limoneira [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total assets at fair value	'
Level 3 [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total assets at fair value	'
Total liabilities at fair value	694
Level 3 [Member] | Salsa Lisa [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total liabilities at fair value	694
Level 3 [Member] | Limoneira [Member]	'
Assets at Fair Value:	'
Total assets at fair value	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ1

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total revalue adjustment of contingent considerations	$0	$0	'
Limoneira [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'
Percentage of outstanding shares of Limoneira's shares owned	12.00%	12.00%	'
Limoneira's stock price	$22.97	$22.97	$26.34
Unrealized investment holding income (losses)	$3,800,000	$5,800,000	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Reconc

Fair Value Measurements - Reconciliation of Contingent Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at October 31, 2013 (All am	$676	'
Interest	18	84
Revalue Adjustment	'	1,444
Balance April 30, 2014	694	'
Salsa Lisa [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at October 31, 2013 (All am	676	'
Interest	18	'
Revalue Adjustment	'	'
Balance April 30, 2014	$694	'

Noncontrolling_Interest_Reconc

Noncontrolling Interest - Reconciliation of Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	$298	$20	$798	$46
FreshRealm noncontrolling interest [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest, beginning	-316	'	-6	'
New member contribution	4,610	'	4,610	'
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-263	'	-573	'
Noncontrolling interest, ending	4,031	'	4,031	'
Salsa Lisa noncontrolling interest [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest, beginning	-69	331	121	357
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-35	-20	-225	-46
Noncontrolling interest, ending	($104)	$311	($104)	$311

Noncontrolling_Interest_Additi

Noncontrolling Interest - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expenses incurred	$9,111,000	$8,190,000	$17,383,000	$17,011,000
FreshRealm [Member]	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expenses incurred	500,000	'	1,000,000	'
Development cost	'	600,000	'	600,000
Cumulative losses	$2,900,000	'	$2,900,000	'

FreshRealm_LLC_Additional_Info

FreshRealm, LLC - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Expenses incurred	'	$9,111,000	$8,190,000	$17,383,000	$17,011,000
FreshRealm [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Cash contribution by minority interest	'	10,000,000	'	10,000,000	'
Ownership percentage by minority stockholder	'	28.20%	'	28.20%	'
New member contribution to noncontrolling ownership	'	'	'	4,600,000	'
Losses attributed to noncontrolling members	10,000,000	'	'	'	'
Expenses incurred	'	500,000	'	1,000,000	'
Development cost	'	'	$600,000	'	$600,000
FreshRealm [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by parent	'	'	'	71.50%	'
FreshRealm [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Ownership percentage by parent	'	'	'	50.80%	'