Calavo Growers (CVGW) 10-Q 9 Jun 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Apr-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	CVGW
Entity Registrant Name	CALAVO GROWERS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1133470
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	17,383,295

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$9,269	$6,744
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $3,411 (2015) and $3,248 (2014)	80,493	56,618
Inventories, net	31,045	30,975
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	20,909	19,528
Advances to suppliers	76	3,258
Income taxes receivable	2,460	2,627
Deferred income taxes	3,294	3,294
Total current assets	147,546	123,044
Property, plant, and equipment, net	60,855	57,352
Investment in Limoneira Company	39,653	44,355
Investment in unconsolidated entities	18,360	18,380
Deferred income taxes	13,932	12,287
Goodwill	18,262	18,262
Other assets	8,954	9,784
Total assets	307,562	283,464
Current liabilities:
Payable to growers	25,078	6,660
Trade accounts payable	19,125	15,065
Accrued expenses	20,605	25,303
Short-term borrowings	45,150	35,900
Dividend payable		12,970
Current portion of long-term obligations	4,635	5,099
Total current liabilities	114,593	100,997
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term obligations, less current portion	1,168	2,791
Total long-term liabilities	1,168	2,791
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000 shares authorized; 17,383 (2015) and 17,295 (2014) shares issued and outstanding	17	17
Additional paid-in capital	145,906	144,496
Accumulated other comprehensive income	9,657	12,713
Retained earnings	35,951	22,180
Total shareholders' equity	191,531	179,406
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	307,562	283,464
Calavo Salsa Lisa [Member]
Long-term liabilities:
Noncontrolling interest	$270	$270

Consolidated_Condensed_Balance1

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowances of accounts receivable	$3,411	$3,248
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Common stock, shares issued	17,383	17,295
Common stock, shares outstanding	17,383	17,295

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$221,589	$194,894	$416,380	$363,059
Cost of sales	198,614	176,002	375,600	330,526
Gross margin	22,975	18,892	40,780	32,533
Selling, general and administrative	9,986	9,145	19,496	17,437
Contingent consideration related to RFG acquisition		7,036		16,254
Operating income (loss)	12,989	2,711	21,284	-1,158
Interest expense	-236	-292	-459	-548
Other income, net	309	270	426	405
Income (loss) before income taxes	13,062	2,689	21,251	-1,301
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	4,590	1,433	7,480	-643
Net income (loss)	8,472	1,256	13,771	-658
Add: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		298		446
Net income (loss) attributable to Calavo Growers, Inc	$8,472	$1,554	$13,771	($212)
Calavo Growers, Inc.'s net income (loss) per share:
Basic	$0.49	$0.10	$0.80	($0.01)
Diluted	$0.49	$0.09	$0.79	($0.01)
Number of shares used in per share computation:
Basic	17,300	15,755	17,298	15,755
Diluted	17,382	17,176	17,343	15,755

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, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$8,472	$1,256	$13,771	($658)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Unrealized holding income (loss) on available for sales investments arising during period	3,699	3,803	-4,702	-5,825
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,295	-1,483	1,646	2,272
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	2,404	2,320	-3,056	-3,553
Comprehensive income (loss)	10,876	3,576	10,715	-4,211
Add: Net loss - noncontrolling interest		298		446
Comprehensive income (loss) - Calavo Growers, Inc.	$10,876	$3,874	$10,715	($3,765)

Consolidated_Condensed_Stateme2

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$13,771	($658)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,965	3,378
Provision for losses on accounts receivable	30
Loss from unconsolidated entities	20	12
Interest on contingent consideration		18
Contingent consideration and non-cash compensation related to the acquisition of RFG		16,442
Stock-based compensation expense	719	303
Deferred income taxes		-6,518
Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-23,905	-9,033
Inventories, net	-70	-3,588
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	-1,381	-2,771
Advances to suppliers	3,182	3,174
Income taxes receivable	623	2,036
Other assets	25	78
Payable to growers	18,419	4,628
Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses	-638	5,762
Net cash provided by operating activities	14,760	13,263
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of property, plant, and equipment	-6,663	-5,464
Investment in unconsolidated entity		-125
Net cash used in investing activities	-6,663	-5,589
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Payment of dividend to shareholders	-12,970	-11,005
Proceeds on revolving credit facilities, net	9,250	7,040
Payments on long-term obligations	-2,087	-1,928
Exercise of stock options	235	114
Net cash used in financing activities	-5,572	-5,779
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	2,525	1,895
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	6,744	8,019
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	9,269	9,914
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Tax benefit related to stock based compensation	456	175
Unrealized investment holding losses	($4,702)	($5,825)

Description_of_the_business

Description of the business	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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 and Mexico. 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, 2014.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a new accounting standard requiring the presentation of certain unrecognized tax benefits as reductions to deferred tax assets rather than as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our financial statements.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The amendments are based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We are required to adopt the amendments in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. We do not expect the adoption of these amendments to have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance which changes the criteria for identifying a discontinued operation. The guidance limits the definition of a discontinued operation to the disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. We are required to adopt the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial statements

Information_regarding_our_oper

Information regarding our operations in different segments	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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. 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, 2015												Three months ended April 30, 2014
			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
			products			Foods									products			Foods
	Third-party sales:
	Avocados		$	125,744		$	—		$	—		$	125,744		$	106,713		$	—		$	—		$	106,713
	Tomatoes			9,606			—			—			9,606			12,590			—			—			12,590
	Papayas			1,898			—			—			1,898			3,139			—			—			3,139
	Pineapples			635			—			—			635			1,858			—			—			1,858
	Other fresh products			107			—			—			107			80			—			—			80
	Food service			—			12,126			—			12,126			—			12,674			—			12,674
	Retail and club			—			5,458			69,468			74,926			—			5,533			56,339			61,872
	Total gross sales			137,990			17,584			69,468			225,042			124,380			18,207			56,339			198,926
	Less sales incentives			(137	)		(2,691	)		(625	)		(3,453	)		(428	)		(3,090	)		(514	)		(4,032	)
	Net sales		$	137,853		$	14,893		$	68,843		$	221,589		$	123,952		$	15,117		$	55,825		$	194,894
			Six months ended April 30, 2015												Six months ended April 30, 2014
			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
			products			Foods									products			Foods
	Third-party sales:
	Avocados		$	228,169		$	—		$	—		$	228,169		$	196,077		$	—		$	—		$	196,077
	Tomatoes			15,659			—			—			15,659			19,096			—			—			19,096
	Papayas			4,418			—			—			4,418			6,424			—			—			6,424
	Pineapples			1,630			—			—			1,630			2,755			—			—			2,755
	Other fresh products			334			—			—			334			144			—			—			144
	Food service			—			23,648			—			23,648			—			22,645			—			22,645
	Retail and club			—			11,120			138,620			149,740			—			11,055			112,872			123,927
	Total gross sales			250,210			34,768			138,620			423,598			224,496			33,700			112,872			371,068
	Less sales incentives			(708	)		(5,252	)		(1,258	)		(7,218	)		(822	)		(5,727	)		(1,460	)		(8,009	)
	Net sales		$	249,502		$	29,516		$	137,362		$	416,380		$	223,674		$	27,973		$	111,412		$	363,059
			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
			products			Foods
	Three months ended April 30, 2015
	Net sales		$	137,853		$	14,893		$	68,843		$	221,589
	Cost of sales			126,954			9,280			62,380			198,614
	Gross margin		$	10,899		$	5,613		$	6,463		$	22,975
	Three months ended April 30, 2014
	Net sales		$	123,952		$	15,117		$	55,825		$	194,894
	Cost of sales			114,269			11,294			50,439			176,002
	Gross margin		$	9,683		$	3,823		$	5,386		$	18,892
	For the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Fresh products totaling $9.3 million and $8.6 million were eliminated. For the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Calavo Foods totaling $3.8 million and $3.9 million were eliminated.
			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
			products			Foods
	Six months ended April 30, 2015
	Net sales		$	249,502		$	29,516		$	137,362		$	416,380
	Cost of sales			229,886			20,310			125,404			375,600
	Gross margin		$	19,616		$	9,206		$	11,958		$	40,780
	Six months ended April 30, 2014
	Net sales		$	223,674		$	27,973		$	111,412		$	363,059
	Cost of sales			207,783			21,558			101,185			330,526
	Gross margin		$	15,891		$	6,415		$	10,227		$	32,533
	For the six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Fresh products totaling $19.1 million and $17.6 million were eliminated. For the six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, inter-segment sales and cost of sales for Calavo Foods totaling $7.5 million and $7.6 million were eliminated.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	3	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
			April 30,		October 31,
			2015		2014
	Fresh fruit		$	17,087	$	15,640
	Packing supplies and ingredients			6,570		6,324
	Finished prepared foods			7,388		9,011
			$	31,045	$	30,975
	During the three and six-month periods ended April 30, 2015, we were not required to and did not record any provisions to reduce our inventories to the lower of cost or market. 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.

Related_party_transactions

Related party transactions	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $5.7 million and $0.8 million. During the six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, the aggregate amount of avocados procured from entities owned or controlled by members of our Board of Directors was $6.3 million and $1.2 million. Amounts payable to these board members were $3.2 million and $0.6 million as of April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014.
	During the three and six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, we received $0.1 million as dividend income from Limoneira Company (Limoneira). In addition, we lease office space from Limoneira and paid rental expenses of $0.1 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014. Harold Edwards, who is a member of our Board of Directors, is the Chief Executive Officer of Limoneira.
	In the third quarter of 2015, we expect to finalize a joint venture agreement with Agricola Belher (Belher). Such joint venture will operate under the name of Agricola Don Memo. As of April 30, 2015, we have advanced $5.8 million for construction of greenhouses (bridge loan). In fiscal 2015, the bridge loan will be replaced with a loan from an institutional lender and the bridge loan will be immediately repaid. The advance of $5.8 million has been recorded as a receivable in prepaid and other current assets. During the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, we had tomato sales of $9.6 million and $12.6 million. During the six ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, we had tomato sales of $15.7 million and $19.1 million. Amounts payable to Belher was $2.1 million as of April 30, 2015. We had grower advances due from Belher of $3.0 million as of October 31, 2014. We had infrastructure advances due from Belher of $1.7 million and $2.5 million as of April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014. Of these infrastructure advances $0.8 million was recorded as receivable in prepaid and other current assets. The remaining portion of these infrastructure advances are recorded in other assets.
	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, 2015 and 2014, total rent paid to LIG was $0.1 million. For the six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015 and 2014, total rent paid to THNC was $0.1 million. For the six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, 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, 2015 and 2014, total sales made to Third Coast were $0.1 million and $0.3 million. For the six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, total sales made to Third Coast were $0.2 million and $0.5 million. For the three months April 30, 2015 and 2014, total purchases made from Third Coast were less than $0.1 million. For the six months April 30, 2015 and 2014, total purchases made from Third Coast were $0.1 million. Amounts due from Third Coast were $0.3 million and $0.4 million at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014. Amounts due to Third Coast were less than $0.1 million at April 30, 2015 and October 31, 2014.

Other_assets

Other assets	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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,
			2015		2014
	Intangibles, net		$	5,270	$	5,925
	Grower advances			494		642
	Loan to Agricola Belher			845		845
	Loan to FreshRealm members			301		296
	Notes receivable from San Rafael			1,273		1,343
	Other			771		733
			$	8,954	$	9,784
	Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
					April 30, 2015							October 31, 2014
			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	$	(3,802	)	$	3,838	$	7,640	$	(3,323	)	$	4,317
	Trade names			8.4 years		2,760		(2,032	)		728		2,760		(1,900	)		860
	Trade secrets/recipes			13.0 years		630		(245	)		385		630		(220	)		410
	Brand name intangibles			indefinite		275		—			275		275		—			275
	Non-competition agreements			5.0 years		267		(223	)		44		267		(204	)		63
	Intangibles, net				$	11,572	$	(6,302	)	$	5,270	$	11,572	$	(5,647	)	$	5,925
	We have recorded $0.3 million of amortization expense for the second quarter of 2015. We have recorded $0.7 million of amortization expense for the six months ended of fiscal 2015. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $0.7 million for the remainder of fiscal 2015, with $1.2 million of amortization expense for fiscal year 2016. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $1.1 million for each of fiscal years 2017 through 2018. We anticipate recording amortization expense of approximately $0.7 million for fiscal year 2019. We anticipate recording the total remaining amortization expense of approximately $0.2 million for fiscal year 2020 through 2023.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based 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 February 6, 2015, our executive officers were granted a total of 55,394 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 $40.17. These shares vest in one-third increments, on an annual basis, beginning January 8, 2016. These shares were granted pursuant to our 2011 Management Incentive Plan. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for these grants was $0.2 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2015.
	On January 20, 2015, 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 $40.39. On January 1, 2016, 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. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense for these grants was $0.3 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 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 of Shares			Weighted-Average		Aggregate
						Exercise Price		Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014			17		$	17.22
	Exercised			(6	)	$	16
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015			11		$	17.94	$	559
	Exercisable at April 30, 2015			9		$	19.28	$	457
	At April 30, 2015, outstanding stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 3.5 years. At April 30, 2015, exercisable stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 3.1 years. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense was insignificant for the three months ended April 30, 2015.
	A summary of stock option activity, related to our 2011 Management Incentive Plan, is as follows (in thousands, except for per share amounts):
			Number of Shares			Weighted-Average		Aggregate
						Exercise Price		Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014			20		$	22.64
	Exercised			(6	)	$	21.8
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015			14		$	23	$	389
	Exercisable at April 30, 2015			4		$	23.48	$	109
	At April 30, 2015, outstanding stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 5.8 years. At April 30, 2015, exercisable stock options had a weighted-average remaining contractual term of 4.2 years. The total recognized stock-based compensation expense was $0.1 million for the three and six months ended April 30, 2015.

Other_events

Other events	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Other events	7	Other events
	Dividend payment
	On December 8, 2014, we paid a $0.75 per share dividend in the aggregate amount of $13.0 million to shareholders of record on November 17, 2014.
	Contingencies
	In January 2015, various class action lawsuits, which have been consolidated into a single lawsuit during our second fiscal quarter, were initiated against the company related to the restatement of previously-issued Financial Statements.

Fair_value_measurements

Fair value measurements	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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, 2015 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)		$	39,653	$	—	$	—	$	39,653
	Total assets at fair value		$	39,653	$	—	$	—	$	39,653
	-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, 2015 and October 31, 2014 equaled $22.94 per share and $25.66 per share. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized through other comprehensive income. Unrealized investment holding income arising during the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 was $3.7 million and $3.8 million. Unrealized investment holding losses arising during the six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 was $4.7 million and $5.8 million.
	The following table sets forth our financial assets as of April 30, 2015 that are measured on a non-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 FreshRealm(2)		$	—	$	—	$	16,962	$	16,962
	Total assets at fair value		$	—	$	—	$	16,962	$	16,962
	-2	We estimated the fair value of our noncontrolling interest in FreshRealm by performing a forecast projection analysis when FreshRealm was deconsolidated in fiscal 2014. This analysis was conducted with the consultation from a third party consulting firm. Increases or decreases in the fair value calculation 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. Our investment in FreshRealm has been recorded as investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries on our balance sheet.
	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the contingent consideration for RFG:
			Balance at		Interest		Revalue		Balance
			October 31,				Adjustment		April 30,
			2013						2014
			(All amounts are presented in thousands)
	RFG contingent consideration		$	15,602	$	—	$	16,442	$	32,044
	Total		$	15,602	$	—	$	16,442	$	32,044
	There was no contingent consideration expense for the first six months ended of fiscal 2015. In fiscal 2014, RFG’s former owners received the maximum earn-out payment permitted pursuant to the acquisition agreement, as amended, and there will be no future expenses related to this acquisition.

Noncontrolling_interest

Noncontrolling interest	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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, 2015		April 30, 2014
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning		$	270	$	(69	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—		(35	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending		$	270	$	(104	)
			Six months		Six months
			ended		ended
			April 30, 2015		April 30, 2014
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning		$	270	$	(57	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			—		(47	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending		$	270	$	(104	)
	FreshRealm noncontrolling interest
			Three months		Three months
			ended		ended
			April 30, 2015		April 30, 2014
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning		$	—	$	(316	)
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of FreshRealm			—		(263	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending		$	—	$	(579	)
			Six months		Six months
			ended		ended
			April 30, 2015		April 30, 2014
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning		$	—	$	(180	)
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of FreshRealm			—		(399	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending		$	—	$	(579	)

Subsequent_events

Subsequent events	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent events	10	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, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [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 and Mexico. 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, 2014.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a new accounting standard requiring the presentation of certain unrecognized tax benefits as reductions to deferred tax assets rather than as liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward exists. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our financial statements.
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) amended the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition. The amendments are based on the principle that revenue should be recognized to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. We are required to adopt the amendments in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. Early adoption is not permitted. The amendments may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application. We do not expect the adoption of these amendments to have a material impact on our financial statements.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance which changes the criteria for identifying a discontinued operation. The guidance limits the definition of a discontinued operation to the disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. We are required to adopt the guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2016, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our financial statements
Business Segment Reporting	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. 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.
Fair Value Measurement	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).

Information_regarding_our_oper1

Information regarding our operations in different segments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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, 2015												Three months ended April 30, 2014
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods									products			Foods
	Third-party sales:
	Avocados	$	125,744		$	—		$	—		$	125,744		$	106,713		$	—		$	—		$	106,713
	Tomatoes		9,606			—			—			9,606			12,590			—			—			12,590
	Papayas		1,898			—			—			1,898			3,139			—			—			3,139
	Pineapples		635			—			—			635			1,858			—			—			1,858
	Other fresh products		107			—			—			107			80			—			—			80
	Food service		—			12,126			—			12,126			—			12,674			—			12,674
	Retail and club		—			5,458			69,468			74,926			—			5,533			56,339			61,872
	Total gross sales		137,990			17,584			69,468			225,042			124,380			18,207			56,339			198,926
	Less sales incentives		(137	)		(2,691	)		(625	)		(3,453	)		(428	)		(3,090	)		(514	)		(4,032	)
	Net sales	$	137,853		$	14,893		$	68,843		$	221,589		$	123,952		$	15,117		$	55,825		$	194,894
		Six months ended April 30, 2015												Six months ended April 30, 2014
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total			Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods									products			Foods
	Third-party sales:
	Avocados	$	228,169		$	—		$	—		$	228,169		$	196,077		$	—		$	—		$	196,077
	Tomatoes		15,659			—			—			15,659			19,096			—			—			19,096
	Papayas		4,418			—			—			4,418			6,424			—			—			6,424
	Pineapples		1,630			—			—			1,630			2,755			—			—			2,755
	Other fresh products		334			—			—			334			144			—			—			144
	Food service		—			23,648			—			23,648			—			22,645			—			22,645
	Retail and club		—			11,120			138,620			149,740			—			11,055			112,872			123,927
	Total gross sales		250,210			34,768			138,620			423,598			224,496			33,700			112,872			371,068
	Less sales incentives		(708	)		(5,252	)		(1,258	)		(7,218	)		(822	)		(5,727	)		(1,460	)		(8,009	)
	Net sales	$	249,502		$	29,516		$	137,362		$	416,380		$	223,674		$	27,973		$	111,412		$	363,059
Gross Margin
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods
	Three months ended April 30, 2015
	Net sales	$	137,853		$	14,893		$	68,843		$	221,589
	Cost of sales		126,954			9,280			62,380			198,614
	Gross margin	$	10,899		$	5,613		$	6,463		$	22,975
	Three months ended April 30, 2014
	Net sales	$	123,952		$	15,117		$	55,825		$	194,894
	Cost of sales		114,269			11,294			50,439			176,002
	Gross margin	$	9,683		$	3,823		$	5,386		$	18,892
		Fresh			Calavo			RFG			Total
		products			Foods
	Six months ended April 30, 2015
	Net sales	$	249,502		$	29,516		$	137,362		$	416,380
	Cost of sales		229,886			20,310			125,404			375,600
	Gross margin	$	19,616		$	9,206		$	11,958		$	40,780
	Six months ended April 30, 2014
	Net sales	$	223,674		$	27,973		$	111,412		$	363,059
	Cost of sales		207,783			21,558			101,185			330,526
	Gross margin	$	15,891		$	6,415		$	10,227		$	32,533

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventories	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		April 30,		October 31,
		2015		2014
	Fresh fruit	$	17,087	$	15,640
	Packing supplies and ingredients		6,570		6,324
	Finished prepared foods		7,388		9,011
		$	31,045	$	30,975

Other_assets_Tables

Other assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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,
		2015		2014
	Intangibles, net	$	5,270	$	5,925
	Grower advances		494		642
	Loan to Agricola Belher		845		845
	Loan to FreshRealm members		301		296
	Notes receivable from San Rafael		1,273		1,343
	Other		771		733
		$	8,954	$	9,784
Schedule of Intangible Assets	Intangible assets consist of the following (in thousands):
				April 30, 2015							October 31, 2014
		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	$	(3,802	)	$	3,838	$	7,640	$	(3,323	)	$	4,317
	Trade names		8.4 years		2,760		(2,032	)		728		2,760		(1,900	)		860
	Trade secrets/recipes		13.0 years		630		(245	)		385		630		(220	)		410
	Brand name intangibles		indefinite		275		—			275		275		—			275
	Non-competition agreements		5.0 years		267		(223	)		44		267		(204	)		63
	Intangibles, net			$	11,572	$	(6,302	)	$	5,270	$	11,572	$	(5,647	)	$	5,925

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
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 of Shares			Weighted-Average		Aggregate
					Exercise Price		Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014		17		$	17.22
	Exercised		(6	)	$	16
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015		11		$	17.94	$	559
	Exercisable at April 30, 2015		9		$	19.28	$	457
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 of Shares			Weighted-Average		Aggregate
					Exercise Price		Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014		20		$	22.64
	Exercised		(6	)	$	21.8
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015		14		$	23	$	389
	Exercisable at April 30, 2015		4		$	23.48	$	109

Fair_value_measurements_Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis	The following table sets forth our financial assets and liabilities as of April 30, 2015 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)		$	39,653	$	—	$	—	$	39,653
	Total assets at fair value		$	39,653	$	—	$	—	$	39,653
	-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, 2015 and October 31, 2014 equaled $22.94 per share and $25.66 per share. Unrealized gains and losses are recognized through other comprehensive income. Unrealized investment holding income arising during the three months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 was $3.7 million and $3.8 million. Unrealized investment holding losses arising during the six months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 was $4.7 million and $5.8 million.
	The following table sets forth our financial assets as of April 30, 2015 that are measured on a non-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 FreshRealm(2)		$	—	$	—	$	16,962	$	16,962
	Total assets at fair value		$	—	$	—	$	16,962	$	16,962
	-2	We estimated the fair value of our noncontrolling interest in FreshRealm by performing a forecast projection analysis when FreshRealm was deconsolidated in fiscal 2014. This analysis was conducted with the consultation from a third party consulting firm. Increases or decreases in the fair value calculation 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. Our investment in FreshRealm has been recorded as investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries on our balance sheet.
Reconciliation of Contingent Consideration	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the contingent consideration for RFG:
			Balance at		Interest		Revalue		Balance
			October 31,				Adjustment		April 30,
			2013						2014
			(All amounts are presented in thousands)
	RFG contingent consideration		$	15,602	$	—	$	16,442	$	32,044
	Total		$	15,602	$	—	$	16,442	$	32,044

Noncontrolling_interest_Tables

Noncontrolling interest (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Reconciles 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, 2015		April 30, 2014
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	270	$	(69	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		(35	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	270	$	(104	)
		Six months		Six months
		ended		ended
		April 30, 2015		April 30, 2014
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	270	$	(57	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		(47	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	270	$	(104	)
	FreshRealm noncontrolling interest
		Three months		Three months
		ended		ended
		April 30, 2015		April 30, 2014
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	—	$	(316	)
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of FreshRealm		—		(263	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	—	$	(579	)
		Six months		Six months
		ended		ended
		April 30, 2015		April 30, 2014
	Noncontrolling interest, beginning	$	—	$	(180	)
	Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest of FreshRealm		—		(399	)
	Noncontrolling interest, ending	$	—	$	(579	)

Recovered_Sheet1

Information Regarding Our Operations in Different Segments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	3
Fresh products [Member] | Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment sales and cost of sales eliminated		$9.30	$8.60	$19.10	$17.60
Calavo Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inter-segment sales and cost of sales eliminated		$3.80	$3.90	$7.50	$7.60

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, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	$225,042	$198,926	$423,598	$371,068
Less sales incentives	-3,453	-4,032	-7,218	-8,009
Net sales	221,589	194,894	416,380	363,059
Avocados [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	125,744	106,713	228,169	196,077
Tomatoes [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	9,606	12,590	15,659	19,096
Papayas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	1,898	3,139	4,418	6,424
Pineapples [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	635	1,858	1,630	2,755
Other fresh products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	107	80	334	144
Food service [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	12,126	12,674	23,648	22,645
Retail and club [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	74,926	61,872	149,740	123,927
Fresh products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	137,990	124,380	250,210	224,496
Less sales incentives	-137	-428	-708	-822
Net sales	137,853	123,952	249,502	223,674
Fresh products [Member] | Avocados [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	125,744	106,713	228,169	196,077
Fresh products [Member] | Tomatoes [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	9,606	12,590	15,659	19,096
Fresh products [Member] | Papayas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	1,898	3,139	4,418	6,424
Fresh products [Member] | Pineapples [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	635	1,858	1,630	2,755
Fresh products [Member] | Other fresh products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	107	80	334	144
Calavo Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	17,584	18,207	34,768	33,700
Less sales incentives	-2,691	-3,090	-5,252	-5,727
Net sales	14,893	15,117	29,516	27,973
Calavo Foods [Member] | Food service [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	12,126	12,674	23,648	22,645
Calavo Foods [Member] | Retail and club [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	5,458	5,533	11,120	11,055
RFG [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	69,468	56,339	138,620	112,872
Less sales incentives	-625	-514	-1,258	-1,460
Net sales	68,843	55,825	137,362	111,412
RFG [Member] | Retail and club [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total gross sales	$69,468	$56,339	$138,620	$112,872

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, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$221,589	$194,894	$416,380	$363,059
Cost of sales	198,614	176,002	375,600	330,526
Gross margin	22,975	18,892	40,780	32,533
Fresh products [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	137,853	123,952	249,502	223,674
Cost of sales	126,954	114,269	229,886	207,783
Gross margin	10,899	9,683	19,616	15,891
Calavo Foods [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	14,893	15,117	29,516	27,973
Cost of sales	9,280	11,294	20,310	21,558
Gross margin	5,613	3,823	9,206	6,415
RFG [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	68,843	55,825	137,362	111,412
Cost of sales	62,380	50,439	125,404	101,185
Gross margin	$6,463	$5,386	$11,958	$10,227

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories - Schedule of Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Fresh fruit	$17,087	$15,640
Packing supplies and ingredients	6,570	6,324
Finished prepared foods	7,388	9,011
Total, Inventories	$31,045	$30,975

Inventories_Additional_Informa

Inventories - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Provisions to reduce inventories	$0	$300,000

RelatedParty_Transactions_Addi

Related-Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable to related parties	$2.10		$2.10
Sales	9.6	12.6	15.7	19.1
Bridge Loan [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Advances to related party	5.8		5.8
Director [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Accounts payable to related parties	3.2		3.2		0.6
Limoneira [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dividend income from Limoneira	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
Rent paid	0.1	0.1	0.1	0.1
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	0.1
Sales	0.1	0.3	0.2	0.5
Amounts due from Third Coast	0.3		0.3		0.4
Third Coast [Member] | Maximum [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	0.1
Accounts payable to related parties	0.1		0.1		0.1
Agricola Belher [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Advances to related party					3
Agricola Belher [Member] | Infrastructure [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Advances to related party	1.7		1.7		2.5
Agricola Belher [Member] | Infrastructure [Member] | Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Advances to related party	0.8		0.8
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	$5.70	$0.80	$6.30	$1.20

Other_Assets_Schedule_of_Other

Other Assets - Schedule of Other Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Other Assets [Line Items]
Intangibles, net	$5,270	$5,925
Grower advances	494	642
Notes receivable from San Rafael	1,273	1,343
Other	771	733
Other assets	8,954	9,784
Agricola Belher [Member]
Schedule Of Other Assets [Line Items]
Loan to related parties	845	845
FreshRealm [Member]
Schedule Of Other Assets [Line Items]
Loan to related parties	$301	$296

Other_Assets_Schedule_of_Intan

Other Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite and indefinite lived intangible assets gross	$11,572	$11,572
Accum. Amortization	-6,302	-5,647
Intangibles, net	5,270	5,925
Brand name intangibles [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying value and net book value	275	275
Customer list/relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	8 years
Gross Carrying Value	7,640	7,640
Accum. Amortization	-3,802	-3,323
Net Book Value	3,838	4,317
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
Accum. Amortization	-2,032	-1,900
Net Book Value	728	860
Trade secrets/recipes [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	13 years
Gross Carrying Value	630	630
Accum. Amortization	-245	-220
Net Book Value	385	410
Non-competition agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Useful Life	5 years
Gross Carrying Value	267	267
Accum. Amortization	-223	-204
Net Book Value	$44	$63

Other_Assets_Additional_Inform

Other Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$0.30	$0.70
Amortization expense for remainder of fiscal 2015	0.7	0.7
Amortization expense for the year 2016	1.2	1.2
Amortization expense for the year 2017	1.1	1.1
Amortization expense for the year 2018	1.1	1.1
Amortization expense for the year 2019	0.7	0.7
Total remaining amortization expense for the year 2020-2023	$0.20	$0.20

StockBased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 20, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Feb. 06, 2015	Apr. 30, 2011
			Directors
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	$719	$303
2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock shares authorized under ESPP						1,500,000
Stock-based compensation expense	100			100
Number of non-employee directors			12
Weighted-average remaining life of stock options	5 years 9 months 18 days
Exercisable stock options, weighted-average remaining contractual term	4 years 2 months 12 days
2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member] | Non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock closing price awarded			40.39
2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member] | Executive officers [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock closing price awarded					$40.17
2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted shares issued per non-employee director			1,750
2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total restricted shares issued to non-employee directors			21,000
2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-employee directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense	300			300
2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Executive officers [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total restricted shares issued to executive officers					55,394
Shares vesting schedule	Shares vest in one-third increments, on an annual basis
Shares vesting schedule beginning date	8-Jan-16
Stock-based compensation expense	$200			$200
2005 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average remaining life of stock options	3 years 6 months
Exercisable stock options, weighted-average remaining contractual term	3 years 1 month 6 days
2005 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Board of Director Members for October Two Thousand Eleven Option Grants [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Term of vested stock options	5 years
2005 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Board of Director Members for April Two Thousand Eleven Option Grants [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Term of vested stock options	2 years
2005 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Board of Director Members for October Two Thousand Eleven Option Grants [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options vesting period	5 years
2005 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member] | Board of Director Members for April Two Thousand Eleven Option Grants [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options vesting period	1 year

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, 2015
2005 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding, Number of Shares, beginning balance	17
Exercised, Number of Shares	-6
Outstanding, Number of Shares, ending balance	11
Exercisable, Number of Shares	9
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, beginning balance	$17.22
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$16
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, ending balance	$17.94
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$19.28
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$559
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	457
2011 Management Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Outstanding, Number of Shares, beginning balance	20
Exercised, Number of Shares	-6
Outstanding, Number of Shares, ending balance	14
Exercisable, Number of Shares	4
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, beginning balance	$22.64
Exercised, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$21.80
Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, ending balance	$23
Exercisable, Weighted-Average Exercise Price	$23.48
Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	389
Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$109

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. 08, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Other Events [Abstract]
Dividend payment	$0.75
Dividend aggregate amount to shareholders	$13,000	$12,970	$11,005
Dividend record date		17-Nov-14
Loss contingency, period of occurrence		In January 2015, various class action lawsuits, which have been consolidated into a single lawsuit during our second fiscal quarter, were initiated against the company related to the restatement of previously-issued Financial Statements.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets at Fair Value:
Total assets at fair value	$39,653
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Limoneira [Member]
Assets at Fair Value:
Total assets at fair value	39,653
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets at Fair Value:
Total assets at fair value	39,653
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Limoneira [Member]
Assets at Fair Value:
Total assets at fair value	39,653
Fair Value, Measurements, Non-recurring [Member]
Assets at Fair Value:
Total assets at fair value	16,962
Fair Value, Measurements, Non-recurring [Member] | FreshRealm [Member]
Assets at Fair Value:
Total assets at fair value	16,962
Fair Value, Measurements, Non-recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets at Fair Value:
Total assets at fair value	16,962
Fair Value, Measurements, Non-recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | FreshRealm [Member]
Assets at Fair Value:
Total assets at fair value	$16,962

Fair_Value_Measurements_Financ1

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Non-Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Unrealized investment holding income (losses)			($4,702)	($5,825)
Limoneira [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	$22.94		$22.94		$25.66
Unrealized investment holding income (losses)	$3,700	$3,800	($4,700)	($5,800)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Reconc

Fair Value Measurements - Reconciliation of Contingent Consideration (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$15,602
Interest	0
Revalue Adjustment	16,442
Ending Balance	32,044
RFG [Member]
Business Acquisition, Contingent Consideration [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	15,602
Interest	0
Revalue Adjustment	16,442
Ending Balance	$32,044

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument Fair Value Carrying Value [Abstract]
Business acquisition contingent consideration expense	$0
Business acquisition contingent consideration expense in future period	$0

Noncontrolling_Interest_Reconc

Noncontrolling Interest - Reconciles Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	($298)	($446)
Salsa Lisa noncontrolling interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, beginning	-69	-57	270	270	270
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-35	-47
Noncontrolling interest, ending	-104	-104	270	270	270
FreshRealm noncontrolling interest [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interest, beginning	-316	-180
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	-263	-399
Noncontrolling interest, ending	($579)	($579)