Octubre

No. 06 October 2010

OPPORTUNITIES GETTING THERE GLOBAL WINDOW BERRIES PARADISEGUADALAJARA’S MARKET PLACE

PACKAGING IMPORT/EXPORT

SUSTAINABILITY A PIECE OF HEAVEN ON EARTH

Nature’s “good looks”

berries market

“Upgrade” is a term that is becoming more and more popu-lar by the second, not only regarding informatics and tech-nology, but in every process of our companies. As leaders of the agricultural import-export industry, it is essential that we adopt this concept and take the time to analyze thoroughly what business practices need to be “upgraded” in order to remain competitive and “fresh”.

When it comes to logistics, for example, simplicity is a com-mon trend. The advanced information tools within our reach make it possible for us to forecast our sales with more pre-cision, in order to have accurate stocks and avoid losses. Distribution centers are incorporating new methods, spaces and software, focused on supplying clients just in time and in the best possible conditions. Hiring consultants to asses us on what kind of systems or custom programs could help us upgrade our distribution processes is an idea worth in-vesting in.

Another way to maintain or grow our market share is by broadening our scopes through new commercial opportu-nities. Statistics show that Mexican producers and farmers are now more aware of the international demand that fruits —such as berries— have, and therefore have been adopting harvesting techniques to meet the global quality and flavor standards. Sure, there is always a learning process, but ope-ning up to a wider product offer, will much surely mean bu-siness growth.

Sustainability is a practice that also, most of the modern companies are embracing, since it reflects their care for our planet and environment. Reusable and renewable pack-aging materials are part of this new business culture that assures a better world for actual and future generations.

As a media source for the agro-industry, we are happy to provide you with all of the information you need regarding vanguard ways to improve your performance, revenues and have an outstanding position in this market!

ADRIANA ELIZONDO

Dear Reader,

EDITORIAL

4 AGROEXPANSION

EXPORT

General DirectorAlberto E. Peña Pedraza

Commercial Director Adriana Elizondo Villarreal

Translation Diana Margarita Morales V.

ContributorsIng. Eric Viramontes SerraldeMiguel Espitia RodríguezGonzalo LópezIng. Maria CastroRob NeenanPatrick DelaneyLic. Rafael Barrios Lic. Radko Tichavsky Dr. Cruz Alberto Uc Hernández Daniela Elizondo TreviñoKarla Ugalde Laura Elizondo Escobar

Print RunLuis Angel Elizondo

Copywriting and Style Martha Hernándezcreatividadescrita.com

Editorial DesignBMazul.com

Art DirectorBeba Mier

DesignCinthia Castañeda Manuel Robles Cathy Elizondo

Photography shutterstock.com sxc.hu

Subscriptions +1 (956) 537-9459. McAllen, TX, USA

+52 (81) 8850-3830. Monterrey, NL, MX

[email protected] www.agro-expansion.com

AgroExpansión Import Export. Quarterly jour-nal of international trade in fruits and vegeta-bles. Editor of the publication: Adriana Lucero Elizondo Villarreal. All Rights Reserved. Circu-lation 7.000 copies. Distribution Mexico: Nue-vo León, Jalisco, Distrito Federal, Michoacán, Veracruz, Sinaloa, Sonora, Baja California. Dis-tribution USA: Texas, California, Illinois, New York, Georgia and Florida. AgroExpansión con-siders its sources as reliable and verifies their content the best way possible, however, there may be errors in the accuracy of the data so it is up to the reader. Book Number by the Natio-nal Institute of Copyright in tramit. Address in Mexico: Hermosillo #3312-A Col. Mitras Cen-tro, Monterrey, NL CP 64460. Printed in Mexi-co on September 2010 Printed by Impresos Artegraf SA de CV. Privada Artemio Elizondo # 1034, Parque Industrial ELICAN, Apodaca, N.L. CP 66603. Distribution in Mexico by SE-POMEX, Ocampo # 500 Pte Col. Centro. Mon-terrey, N.L. CP 64000. Distribution in U.S. by USPS, 620 E. Pecan Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501.

staff iNDeXOpportunities

6. The reinvention of terminal markets

10. Enhace your blueberries, naturally!

Getting there

14. Packaging: keeping up with the latest

trends.

16. Optimizing your distribution center.

Face to face

22. Your berry kind!

Getting there

28. Get fresh when it comes to stock

management!

Global window

30. Protected agriculture: a tool for world

class produce.

34. Mexico has it!

38. The rewards of being sustainable

Agroevents

40. Events calendar October-December 2010.

Semillero

42. Directory

6 AGROEXPANSION

OPPORTUNITIES

The Reinvention of Terminal markeTs

According to Rafael Ríos, President of UCMA (Union de Comerciantes del Mer- cado de Abastos de Gua-dalajara), this can be done

by considering important issues as hy-giene (in products and facilities), safe-ty, logistics and technology that allows different payment forms, such as debit and credit cards.

It’s a fact: big commercial chains have gained territory over conventional trad-ing spaces. Thus, in order to survive, produce terminal markets have but one choice: to reinvent themselves.

By Martha Hernández

Guadalajara’s Terminal Market is the second most important in Mexico, due to its geographical position. This im-portant center was built in 1987 and is nowadays located on a 70 hectare-long territory. “Our products reach approximately 40 million people; the privileged loca-tion of our facilities, allows us to send fruits and vegetables throughout the

country, depending on the season. For example, when farmers from the North and Pacific regions pick their crops, such products concentrate here in Guadalajara to be sent to the Central and Southern regions, and vice versa”. A typical day on this market starts at approximately 4:00AM, when sellers arrive, make calls to other cities (such as Mexico and Monterrey) to check pri-

7AGROEXPANSION

Acting together based on quality, health, safety and the client’s needs, can be the key to regain the leader-ship in the fresh produce market!

ces, as well as the weather and harves-ting conditions with farmers, to settle prices and contact clients. Nowadays, a lot of sales are made by telephone. Producers should be able to accu-rately describe the conditions of their products and provide excellent service in order to build a solid cli-ent base. “Most of the sales-people in here have a close relationship with farmers: we provide them the seeds, the fertili-zers…and therefore, we coordinate the logistics when it comes to exporting. Of course, when products come from Sonora or Sinaloa, we transport them from that point to their destination, and not to our market here in Guadalajara”, he explains. Although Mexico doesn’t have a stan-dard regulation for all fruits and vegeta-bles, producers in Guadalajara’s Termi-nal Market are aware of the importance of health issues. “Hygiene starts in the field, so we ask our farmers to send us clean and organized products, prefera-bly in cardboard packages”, says Ríos, who thinks it would be extremely bene-ficial to have uniform norms for all of the products in the country, in order to improve their quality and play a bigger role when it comes to exporting. “Our most popular products –internationa-lly- are tomatoes, chili, and avocados”, he adds. “We send them to cities like McAllen, Nogales, Los Angeles…and they are redistributed from there”.

Regarding this topic, Ríos expresses his concern towards the decrease in the demand of Mexican products in the United States, due to the economic recession. “There has been a 30-40% decrease in the exportation of our pro-ducts to that country, due to the limi-ted budget of Latin and even American people”. He suggests that, in order to reactivate this activity, people must have money in their pockets, and Mexi-co has to search for other opportunities abroad. “We must act together, with the Government, to explore other markets, find out their needs, and specially, to analyze the logistic requirements to reach them. It is also important to have a fair regulation system that protects us from rumors created to demerit the quality of our products, as well as Com-mercial links that can promote their be-nefits and the various ways to use and cook them”, he ends. So, there it is: as in many other indus-tries, when it comes to selling fruits and vegetables, acting together based on quality, health, safety and the client’s needs, can be the key to regain the lea-dership in the fresh produce market!

yy Source: Interview with Lic. Rafael Barrios, President of UCMA.

Mexican producers have a new ally when it comes to trespassing frontiers: the CONAFRE (National Strawberry Board/ Consejo Nacional de la Fresa A.C.). This organization’s efforts have been extremely successful, especially regarding the promotion of better field practices, as well as the use of new harvesting technologies in this country. Such actions have detonated a parti-cular interest in national growers, who want to obtain greater production per-

Reaching out to a Delicious market

formances, improve the fruits’ quality and comply with international phyto-sanitary standards. In other words: Mexico is ready to conquer the North American market.

According to official statistics, over the past 5 years, Mexico’s strawberry pro-duction has increased noticeably due to the application of advanced me-thods and practices, learned and adop-ted from other experienced countries.

Mexican producers are aware of the demand that national strawberries have around the globe and thus, are applying new harvesting and cleaning technologies to meet international standars.

Healthy and delicious Mexican straw-berries are now trespassing frontiers

due to their good quality and flavor.

INFOMERCIAL

For example, during 2008, 15 thousand acres were cultivated in Mexico and a pro-duction of 208,932 tons was obtained.

Mexican strawberry production is con-centrated in 5 states and leaded by Mi-choacán, Baja California and Guanajua-to. Michoacán exports a great amount of this fruit to the United States.

Healthy habits

Nowadays, strawberry producers from Mexico are using state of the art techno-logies as well as drop irrigation systems, wich allow producers to water the fruit with clean water, extracted from 300 m deep wells, thus guaranteeing absolute hygiene in the production process.

Strawberries are grown above padded plastic surfaces which prevent them from having direct contact with the earth and thus avoid contamination.

Innovative tools such as macro tunnels have helped Mexican strawberry pro-ducers gain more and more success;

such tunnels are have plastic top co-vers which reduce solar radiation by 35%, protecting the fruits against dust, freeze, hail and severe rain effects. This technology has allowed triplicating strawberry production by cycle, impro-ving the stock for national and global consumption.

Mexican producers are now aware of the importance of hygiene when it co-mes to fruits like strawberries, so they work under a strict system of norms and good field practices. The CONA-FRE gives support and assessment to all of the people who are interested in

The fruits are harvested over padded plastic sufaces and covered with macro tunnels that protect them from enviro-mental damage.

creating or expanding their strawberry-selling business, so everyone can enjoy this fruit’s flavor and revenues!

Source:C.yOctavianoyMagañayOrtiz,yPresidentyofyConsejoyNacionalydeylayFresa,yA.C.Webysite:ywww.conafre.comyyyyyyyyE-mail:[email protected]

CONAFREFrancisco J. Mújica #3, Fracc. Jardi-nes de Catedral, Zamora, Michoacán. CP59670Ph. (351) [email protected]

Mexico’s strawberry production has increased due to advanced methods and practices.

OPPORTUNITIES

eNhaNce your blueberries, Naturally!

In the search for alternative methods to improve blueberries’ di-sease control and reduce pest attacks, agro homeopathy reaches

out as an inexpensive and effective option.

Radko Tichavsky

AGROEXPANSION

AGROEXPANSION

Such concept works on the ba-sis of strengthening the vitality of the plant and soil; thus, it is compatible with organic and

biodynamic production systems.

Homeopathy in plants was tested and applied for the first time in the early twentieth century by Lili and Eugen Ko-lisko, under instructions of Rudolf Stei-ner; the results of their experiments were documented in the book “Agricul-ture of tomorrow”.

Growers in several countries such as Brazil, Mexico, India, and Great Britain are adopting agro homeopathy as a new and expanding tool in organic

and biodynamic agriculture.

Before implementing agro homeo-pathy, or some other alternative me-thod in blueberry crops, it is essential

to maintain an appropriate content of organic matter and a nutritional balance in the soil, as nutrient deficiencies can be facilitators of disease occurrence. The observance of adequate calcium and phosphorus levels is especially vital for the health of blueberry crops.

Cobalt deficiency –for example- can in-duce fungal disease anthracnose, Pho-mopsis Canker, Alternaria Fruit Rot, and viral diseases known as Shoestring and Stunt; Selenium deficiency may induce Red Ring Spot or Blueberry Leaf Mottle viral diseases.

Agro homeopathy can be used as a pre-ventive or corrective remedy in bluebe-rries, but it may also increase the sugar level of these fruits or change their re-sistance to climatic stress.

For example, a powdery mildew caused by the fungus Microsphaera vaccinii, or

Mummyberry, a well known disease of blueberry caused by the fungus Monilinia vacinii-corymbosi should be decreased by homeopathic remedy made of Larrea tridentata or by Silicea terra. To reduce plant susceptibility to fungal diseases, homeopathic Sulphur must be used. To strengthen the epidermis of the leaves and avoid insect attacks, homeopathic Calcarea carbonica can be applied.

Homeopathy must be used after sun-set, since its ingredients can be easily destroyed by UV rays; the treatment has to be dissolved in water and disper-sed through the irrigation system or as a foliar spray.

In order to guarantee that homeopathy is toxic free and does not contamina-te plants and soil, manufacturers use very high dilutions in hydro alcoholic solution, that typically range between 1: 10 12 to 1:10 60.

Growers in several countries such as Bra-zil, Mexico, India, and Great Britain are adopting agro ho-meopathy as a new and expanding tool in organic and biody-namic agriculture.

Chart of some fungal diseases in blueberries and their agro homeopathic remedies:

Disease Agro homeopathic remedy

Stem blight (Botryospheria spp.) Equisetum arvense, Silicea terraMummy berry (Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi) Phosphorus, SulphurTwig blight (Phomopsis vaccinii) Calcarea fluorica, Carbo vegetabilis, Sambucus nigraFruit rots (Colletotrichum, Alternaria) Carbo vegetabilisLeaf spots (Septoria, Gloeosporium) Calcarea fluorica, Ferrum phosphoricum, Natrum salicylicum, Nitri acidum, Phosphorus Root rots (Phytophthora spp., Armillaria mellea) Ferrum metallicum, Botrytis blight (Botrytis cinerea) Calcarea carbonica, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Magnesia carbonica

GETTING THERE

PackagiNg:

You might wonder what is it about this topic that keeps us on brin-ging it up… The fact is that packa-ging plays a key role in our industry and it is part of a growing mar-ket across the world.

Every year, fiscal authorities in Mexico publish several crite-ria in order to standardize the application of custom laws.

We find Norms 4.3.4 and 4.3.24, valid from July 1st. 2010 through April 30th, 2011, especially useful to companies who bring packaging materials from other countries, in order to export their goods. These rules apply for those bu-sinesses that are part of the IMMEX program and import temporal reusable pallets, plastic containers and baskets, trays, dollies, racks, among others.

It is understood that producers should return such materials, according to the following procedure; this applies for products made with imported goods as well as for national produce, such as fruits and vegetables harvested in Mexico.

a. ) Code “IN “ should be included in the custom’s order, assuming it has to do with importing packages and containers described by IMMEX (ar-ticle 4, fraction I, section c) and the Custom’s Law (article 108, fraction I, section c).

b. ) For exporting operations, the law applies depending on the case:

When it comes to products made with imported materials, code “RT” should be used (Return of Tempo-rary Import).

“A1” code (Definite Export) will be used for national products such as fruits and vegetables, if the com-pany is in the simplified ISR tax re-gime and has an authorized IMMEX program for the temporary import of packages and containers.

c. ) Information must specify, in the ID section, according to the Custom’s Declaration instructions (Appendix 8)…

i. Code “EB”, followed by any of the fo-llowing elements:1.Pallets2.Plastic Containers3.Trays4.Racks5.Dollies6.Plastic baskets7.Others8.Containers and packages mentioned in norm 4.3.4.

d. )The amount of imported (and af-terwards, returned) containers must be declared, valued at one dollar.

keeping up with the latest trends

A large number of Mexican fruit and vegetables growers are nowadays importing materials to store, transport and sell their products, which is why we find it especially relevant to keep you updated with the latest norms and regulations regarding packa-ging issues.

1.

2.

Every year, fiscal au-thorities in Mexico publish several crite-ria in order to stan-dardize the applica-tion of custom laws.

Sources:-GIA:yGlobalyIndustryyAnalysis-USDANormyinfo.yprovidedyby:MIGUELyESPITIAyRODRIGUEZBUFETEyINTERNACIONAL

It is also essential to mention that, when determining the value of the mer-chandise for its export or return, the cost of the containers and packages included in norms 4.3.4. and 4.3.24. must not be taken in account.

Sustainable packaging: a growing market

Of course, when importing to the United States, packaging norms of this country should also be reviewed, and it is highly recommended to adopt organic alter-natives in order to ensure your products promote social responsibility practices and sustainability.

According to Global Industry Analysis, the international market for sustainable packaging is forecast to reach $142.42 billion by the year 2015; the use of “bio packaging”, referring to biodegradable (that will break down or compost) and

sustainable (made from renewable re-sources) materials, has gained a lot of popularity lately, especially for fresh, short shelf-life produce like fruits and vegetables. This is especially true for organic products, since packaging does not only make them look more appealing through novel design, but

can also make them last longer and reflect a good corporate image. It is believed that consumers who buy orga-nic produce care about themselves and the planet, and are willing to pay a little bit more in the name of sustainability.

As part of this industry we play a major role in leaving a better world for future generations… and nowadays, being sus-tainable, can really make a difference!

AGROEXPANSION

GETTING THERE

As the supply chain moves to a leaner, demand driven model, the trend is towards having less inventory in the system,

in general. Thus, product assortment and the need to handle individual pro-ducts in the most efficient manner pos-sible are, nowadays, driving DC design. Therefore, the slotting requirement is now as important as inventory storage and -in many cases- drives the DC si-zing requirement.

When designing a warehouse facility towards efficiency, several factors need to be considered. The goal should always be to minimize costs: inclu-ding the ones used to construct the new facility or expand the existing location, as well as the ongoing operating costs associated with handling products and maintaining the physical structure.

Thus "Efficient DC Design" implies the design of a warehouse to minimize an-nual operating costs while maintaining desired service levels. Service levels are often affected by efficiency within a warehouse operation, and thereby im-pacted by the layout’s design.

Assuming a conventional, case pick operation, there are 3 main factors driving efficient design: Pick Slots, Net Working Capacity (Cubic Storage), and Dock Operations. Each is examined be-low in more detail.

Pick Slots / Rack Bay requi-rements:

How many rack bays are needed to satisfy the types of slots required to efficiently select pro-ducts for shipping?

This is an analytical process that invol-ves detailed data mining and evalua-tion. The correct application of slotting logic to the data results in an efficient DC design. This includes volume or sales history, physical product charac-teristics (packaging types and case & pallet dimensions), and inventory requi-rements.

Assigning an efficient slot type to each unique item in the distribution center should be based on weekly shipping vo-lumes and desired replenishment acti-vity. The trade off in productivity is pick line length versus replenishment or restocking activity. In many distribution centers, picking productivity accounts for up to 60% of all direct labor and thus commands the greatest attention.

Once the number and type of pick slots is determined, it is translated into the equivalent number of rack bays requi-red. The height of the rack bays will de-pend greatly on the inventory levels to be held in the distribution center.

Cubic Inventory Storage:

How many rack bays are needed to sa-tisfy the cubic inventory storage requi-rements, on average and at a peak? What height of building is required to efficiently store the inventory?

The necessary storage volume is of-ten expressed in terms of cube (ft3). The ability of a distribution center to efficiently store cube is defined as Net Working Capacity (NWC). Once pick slot requirements have been determined and converted into rack bays, the cubic inventory on hand will determine the re-quired height of the bays, and thus the entire building size. The NWC is then calculated at varying building heights to ensure that inventory will fit overhead of the pick slots. In some designs, where inventory levels are very high, special dense storage sections may be added to the DC layout in order to minimize stacking height requirements.

AGROEXPANSION

DC design. Given the changing landscape of supply chain ma-nagement, a flexible operation is a must. Therefore, thinking ahead in expansion planning and “what if” scenarios will enhance your DC plan. Flexibility in the chosen equipment, sizing of dock and storage areas, will allow easier transition to new opera-ting realities as required.

These elements address a conven-tional warehouse operations where orders are selected onto pallet jacks and put-away, and replenishment functions are performed by fork lift trucks. The principles however, are similar in non-conventional solutions. Obtaining and evaluating the right data will allow one to follow the basic steps above, and gain an understan-ding of the footprint required for an efficient DC design.

KOM International GlobalyLeadersyinySupplyyChainyConsultingwww.komintl.comContactyCanada:yyDeniseyBeamishy(Marketingy&ySalesyManager)[email protected](514)y8494000ContactyMexico:MariayCastroy(Partnery–yDirector)[email protected]ópezy(Marketingy&ySalesyManager)[email protected]+52y(55)y56711870

It is always vital to hold inventory for a given item as close as possible to its designated pick location(s). This minimizes the amount of put-away and replenishment labor required to stock the pick slot.

The travel aisle spacing between rack bays is dictated by the mobile equip-ment meant to operate within a given aisle. Generally, fork lift equipment outrigger dimensions will vary with the required lift height at which product is placed in overhead reserve location. The allowance for operators to pass easily in an aisle will determine the final aisle width. Passing is a requirement for efficiency as it prevents an operator being impeded by another from perfor-ming their function. A typical, convec-tional facility with a clear height range from 28´to 35´will have a minimum 10´6´´ aisle width for single-deep pa-llet racking.

Dock & Dock Requirements:

What size should my dock have? What is my optimal receiving dock depth and width? Should the facility have separa-ted receiving and shipping docks? How many dock doors? Not to be underes-timated is the amount of dock space required for efficient receiving, flow and shipping of product.

The dock is the heart of any opera-tion and ultimately creates needed efficiencies or, if inadequate, hazar-dous bottlenecks. Again, the trade off is in building size versus operating efficiency. The dock and dock door requirements are driven primarily by shipping or service levels, the hours of operation, and the number of days per week of operation. The more balanced the workload, the more efficient the de-sign will be. Dock sizes can range from 50´to 120´in depth, depending on the amount of cross-dock or product flow-through on a given operating shift or for

any required equipment such as pallet wrapping machines.

Once the number and type of pick slots is determined, it is translated into the equivalent number of rack bays requi-red. The height of the rack bays will de-pend greatly on the inventory levels to be held in the distribution center.

Other important factors:

Location of auxiliary features such as building columns, battery charging, re-turns handling, clerical offices, among others, do not drive the design, but should be considered so that they don't interfere with the main functions of the warehouse.

Last but not least, flexibility must be taken in account when it comes to

A correct layout design can improve your operation flow and help you provide a better and more dynamic customer service.

An efficient DC De-sign implies a dis-tribution that can minimize annual operating costs while maintaining desired service levels.

19AGROEXPANSION

AGROEXPANSION

FACE TO FACE

your berry kiND!

Although the common definition of “berry” describes any fleshy fruit or vege-table produced from a single ovary such as grapes and tomatoes, the term is now popularly used when referring to small edible, juicy, and sweet brambles, like blackberries and raspberries. Join us in exploring the most “exportable” berries and find out why they’re playing a leading role in the produce industry!

damage. However, better picking tech-niques are allowing strawberries to reach the market ready for their con-sumption.

These fruits are usually red or red-pink, and conically shaped. To extend their shelf life to a 5-7 day period and avoid water loss, shippers use forced air cooling, which allows to achieve temperatures of 32-34˚F, and main-tain humidity levels of 90% to 95%.

International fresh strawberry trade is leaded by Spain, the United States, and Poland. This berry variety ranks number five among most consumed fresh fruits in the United States af-ter bananas, apples, oranges, and grapes, especially since new health benefits such as antioxidant properties have been discovered, and advertised. In this country, the strawberry industry is mostly located in the southern and coastal areas of California, followed by Florida, and Oregon.

Although Mexico seems to play a minor

Judging them by their color

Firm, with a perfect ripeness, free from mold, decay, scars, as well as from any damage caused by dirt, in-sects, diseases or bad handling… berries are a combination of “good looks” and exquisite taste. US grade standards state that berries should be commercialized with their cap (calyx) attached in order to preserve their freshness.

Why we love strawbe-rries!

Attractive and delicious, this fruit has become a dessert-fan favorite all around the globe. Moderate climates with warm days and low humidity are their ideal production scenario.

Although strawberries reach their highest sugar content and flavor when fully ripened, they are harvested with a bit of anticipation to make shipping and handling easier, and avoid fruit

role when it comes to exporting berries, the SIAP (Servicio de Información Es-tadística Agroalimentaria y Pesquera) has reported major increases in straw-berry production during recent years. Mi-choacán, Baja California and Guanajua-to are some of the Mexican states that seem to have a promising future when it comes to exporting this fruit to the North American market, especially during the winter season. Other countries that de-mand Mexican strawberries are Germany, Canada, and Italy.

Mexico grows diverse strawberry varie-ties, including Driscoll, Duran, Pacífico, Parker, Aroma, Chandler, Seascape, Pájaro, Solana, Selva, Oso Grande, and the disease-resistant Camarrosa. Varie-ties from Michoacán and Baja Califor-nia get the best prices in the market, since they are harvested during winter. It is estimated that some 20 to 30% of Michoacán’s strawberries go to the fresh domestic, and export market. Guanajuato produces during summer time, which results in lower prices.

Statistics show that in 2009, the Uni-ted States imported 84,890 MT (me-tric tons) of fresh strawberries valued at nearly $153 million dollars in 2009, most of them originated from Mexico, followed by Chile, and Argentina. Ge-nerally, fresh market prices follow a

AGROEXPANSION

seasonal trend, with the lowest ones from April to June, and peak prices in January and February, when domestic supplies are lowest.

When importing strawberries to the United States, such fruits must com-ply with several standards according to the grades described below.

Raspberries, Blackbe-rries, Cranberries, Blue-berries…

They are colorful and appealing, but there’s more to these fruits than just looks. They are high in Vitamin C, good sources of folate, fiber…and fat free! Also, studies have shown that raspbe-rries and blackberries may slow down the aging process, boost immunity, and protect against chronic diseases. These are just some of the reasons why berries’ demand is and will con-tinue growing all around the world as essential ingredients of a healthy diet. Among the principal varieties of berries, we can mention the Fragaria, Rubus, Ribes, and Vaccinium.

Ranked by their popularity in the Uni-ted States, strawberries come first, followed by blueberries, and raspbe-rries. Raspberries belong to the Rubus variety and come in red, black, purple, and yellow colors. They are extremely perishable and demand strict han-dling and cooling processes, and even though the North American country is the world’s third-largest producer of raspberries, the fruit is scarce during winter, and consumers (especially chefs) are willing to pay high prices for it in that season. From November through May, most of the raspberry US imports come from Mexico, while during July and August most of them come from Canada. According to the AgMRC (Agricultural Marketing Re-source Center) in 2009, the United States imported 12,407 metric tons (MT) of fresh Mexican raspberries va-

In volume, strawberries lead the import market in the United States, followed by blueberries and raspberries.

gated, they can produce crops for 10 years or even more. Their flavor goes from sweet to tart and they are classi-fied based on growth habit.

As for producers, berries represent an attractive opportunity, due to factors like:

1. High profitability,

2. Fast ROI (Return on Investment), from the second year,

3. Versatility, and

4. Great trading options.

There is an open window for Mexican producers in the berry-trading market. Although Chile is a powerful exporter of this kind of fruit, key factors such as freshness, longer shelf-life, and signifi-cantly lower shipping costs could help Mexican berries take the lead in this commercial race.

Aware of the demand that other coun-tries may have of their fruits, Mexican growers are learning how to produce raspberries and blueberries, increasing the planted acreage in their country. In the United States, fresh blueberries pri-ces peak in mid-April and even though

lued at $69.2 million dollars.

Cranberries are native from North America and commercially grown in the United States as a fruit that repre-sents several nutritious benefits. They are harvested from mid-September through October and most of them are sold to be processed, especially as jui-ce, while only 5% of their total crop is commercialized as fresh fruit. Canada and Chile are the primary cranberry US importers.

Blueberries are divided in 2 categories: low-bush -which is a wild crop-, and high-bush which requires milder growing conditions and is usually irrigated.

According to the USDA, fresh blueberry consumption per person in 2008 was of 0.8 pounds, while frozen blueberry consumption was of 0.4 pounds. It is reported that in 2009, the United Sta-tes imported 56,001 MT of fresh culti-vated blueberries valued at $233 mi-llion dollars, most of them, from Chile.

Blackberries are popular for being easy to grow. Properly maintained and irri-

84,890 METRIC TONS

$153 MD

56,001 METRIC TONS

$233 MD

12,047 METRIC TONS

$69.2 MD

0

50

100

150

200

250

Berries imports to the U.S. in 2009

AGROEXPANSION

domestic suppliers from places like Ca-lifornia and San Joaquin Valley seem to lead the market, more and more Mexican producers are reaching out to North-American consumers.

In order to develop competitive advan-tages towards berries, producers could adopt the following strategies:

●To offer better quality products;

●To produce berries all year long;

●To increase their production volume;

●To offer the whole variety of berries and;

●To add complimentary products or merchandising articles (recipes and other cooking accessories)

So choose your kind or produce them all… These exquisite fruits promise to be a berry successful business!

USDA Standards for Grades of strawberries*

Grade/Category Characteristics Tolerances

US. No. 1 Applies for strawberries of one variety or similar variety characteristics with their cap attached.

Firm,yinyperfectyripeness,yfreeyfromymold,ydecayyandydam-agesyofyanyykind.yNotylessythany¾yofyeachyfruit’sysurfaceymustyshowyaypinkyoryredycolor.yUnlessyotherwiseyspeci-fied,ytheyminimumydiameteryofyeachystrawberryymustynotybeylessythany3/4yinch.

For defects: Notymoreythany10%yforystrawberriesyinyanyylotywhichy faily toymeety they requirementsyofy thisygrade,ybutynotymoreythany1/2yofythisytolerance,yory5%,yshallybeyallowedyforydefectsy causingy seriousy damage,y includingy noty morey thany2/5y ofy thisy lattery amount,y ory 2%y fory strawberriesy affectedybyydecay.

For off-size:yNotymoreythany5%yforystrawberriesyinyanyylotywhichyareybelowytheyspecifiedyminimumysize.

US No. 2

Strawberriesyfreeyfromydecayyandyseriousydamageycausedybyydirt,ydisease,yinsects,ymechanicalyoryotherymeans.yEachystrawberryymustynotyhaveylessythany½yofyitsysurfaceyshow-ingyaypinkyoryredycolor.

For defects:yNotymoreythany10%yforystrawberriesyinyanyylotywhichyareyseriouslyydamaged,yincludingynotymoreythany3/10yofythisytolerance,yory3%,yforyStrawberriesyaffectedybyydecay.

For off-size:yNotymoreythany5%yforystrawberriesyinyanyylotywhichyareybelowytheyspecifiedyminimumysize.

Combination

It’syaycombinationyofyUSyNo.y1yandyUSyNo.y2ystrawberries,yexceptyforysize,yprovidedythatyatyleasty80%,ybyyvolume,yofythemymeetytheyrequirementsyofyUSyNo.y1ygrade.

Unlessy otherwisey specified,y they minimumy diametery ofyeachystrawberryymustynotybeylessythany¾yinch.

For defects:yNotymoreythany10%yforystrawberriesyinyanyylotywhichyarey seriouslyydamaged,y includingynotymorey thany1/5yyofythisytolerance,yory2%,yforythoseyaffectedybyydecay.yNoypartyofyanyytoleranceyshallybeyallowedytoyreduceyforytheylotyasyaywhole;ytheypercentageyofyUSyNo.y1ystrawberriesyrequiredyinytheycombination,yandyindividualycontainersymayyhaveynotylessythany65%yUSyNo.y1ystrawberries.yyProvided,ythatytheyentireylotyaveragesywithinytheyrequiredypercentage.

For off-size:yNotymoreythany5%yofytheystrawberriesyinyanyylotymayybeybelowytheyspecifiedyminimumysize.

Mexican growers are learning how to produce raspberries and blueberries, increa-sing the planted acreage in their country.

25AGROEXPANSION

INFOMERCIAL

A piece of heaven aims at the whole Earth

This company is working hard to commercialize the widest variety with the most appealing flavor, quality and color.

Berries ParaDise

Berries Paradise produces, exports and sells berries in a way nobody has done it before. Their main strength lies in the creation of a production model and a set of values based upon the best technical and environmental condi-tions and state of the art infrastructure. Tunneling, technified irrigation, deep well, clean irrigation water, fruit that is free from toxic residue, are present at their facilities. Berries Paradise is keen about the way it cares for the environ-ment and believes in social responsibi-lity and fair trade.

Such excellence in the company’s pro-cesses has been attributed to the fact that most of their fields are owned by them, as well as supported by a group of regional producers that share com-mon quality standards. Due to intense work in the field, Berries Paradise com-plies with the more exacting standards and certifications, both national and international, such as GLOBAL GAP, SE-NASICA and TESCO.

Based in Los Reyes, Michoacan, and Tuxpan, Jalisco, in Mexico, BP has mar-keted in a few months over 500,000 fruit cases, or 16,666 per week to the US (Mc Allen, Miami), the United King-dom and Holland. 2011 will be the year to reinforce its presence in the national market, include a new group of produ-

cers in the BP model and values, and lead with the best quality in the mar-ket. The company aims for a production equivalent to more than one million fruit cases in the second season, and so on.

Their business is a clear response to a demand for fresh and nutritive food by consumers all over the world. Berries Paradise enforces agricultural practi-ces that guarantee only the best fruit from a physical and chemical point of view, preserving naturally occurring an-tioxidants and vitamins in all of its pro-ducts.

Aware of the consumption increase that these fruits have been reporting globally over recent years, this com-pany is working hard to commercialize the widest variety with the most appea-ling flavor, quality and color.

Blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, any-berry... the best is called a bite of heaven and is marketed by Berries Paradise to all of the world. Thank God for that.

BERRIES PARADISE

Torres Quintero No. 53, Col. Centro, Los Reyes, Michoacán. CP.60330Ph. (354) 5427-601, (371) [email protected] www.berriesparadise.com.mx

It’s a young company. But it is also a revolutionary venture between partners from Mexico and Chile. By setting new standards in the quality of berries around the globe, Berries Paradise has been growing fast and getting the whole world to palate more intensely their top notch varieties.

27AGROEXPANSION

AGROEXPANSION

Get Fresh when it comes to Stock Management!

Selling perishable products can be a real challenge. Keeping an accurate inventory depends on having a warehouse with well designed layouts and an effi-cient system that allows you to optimize every process.

GLOBAL WINDOW

Stock Management is especially impor-tant when it comes to our industry. Due to the short shelf life of our products and the delicate handling that fruits and ve-getables demand, experts recommend that such merchandise doesn’t stay at the distribution center for more than 12 hours, with the ideal scenario being their delivery on that same day, before dawn. In order to speed up the process of receiving, repackaging and loading the trucks, an analysis must be done…one that allows us to standardize the orders that will be supplied towards the points of purchase.Engineer Cony Castro, Director and As-sociate of KOM International, explains that having a continuous distribution flow isn’t always possible. “Sometimes, products must be kept at warehouses for even 7 or 8 days”. Thus, she sug-gests choosing between two of the tra-ditional stock management practices:

the Pull Method, which consists in su-pplying stock through orders, based on the total requirements of clients; and the Push Method, which assigns its supplies according to forecasts in each storing point along the supply chain. Castro emphasizes the importance of having a good demand-forecasting me-thod, divided by region or by client type, in order to have the precise amount of products in the right place and time. “It is vital to define the ‘storage-life’ of the product; this is, the maximum amount of time that it can last in good selling conditions”, she adds.

Total coordination is also a must when it comes to successful stock manage-ment. It is highly recommended to make an analysis which can led us to integrate and align the selling, purchasing, storage and distribution processes based on the product’s seasonality and promotions.

Can your Warehouse handle it?

When it comes to an efficient ware-house, you have to think about the products that will be kept inside: What are the humidity, temperature and hy-giene conditions that your fruits and vegetables require? What are your needs regarding odor absorption, contamination risks, product combi-nation?

It is also essential to define the pro-cesses that will take place in your facilities, such as pre-weighting, weighting, packaging, conditioning, or-der supplying, product arrangement, labeling, palletizing, etc.

According to this information, a layout must be designed: one with suffi-cient weighting, selecting, storing, distribution and shipping areas that don’t interfere with each other. Cas-tro comments that when it comes to Cross Dock, it is very important to have the exact number of receipt and shipping docks, as well as an area with work stations to serve every

client or purchase order. “If storage is needed, there must be a material ma-nagement system that can support growth, flow, storage and different positions, handling different tempe-ratures in order to maintain fruits and vegetables in excellent conditions; the facilities must also have pallet-wash- ing and sanitizing areas, that don’t in-terfere with the rest of the operations”, she expresses.

Taking control!

Your stock management method must be defined by the characteristics of your product’s demand as well as your clients and their location. Other key as-pects to consider are:

●Client base knowledge in order to determine their product needs;

●Sales forecasting based on history and trends;

●Familiarity with shipping and deli-very points.

It is also essential to define the processes that will take place in your facilities, such as pre-weighting.

Total coordination is a must when it comes to successful stock manage-ment.

Product demand information must be updated weekly and planned 4 weeks in advance. This allows you to prevent any eventuality such as lack of inven-tory, transport problems, product loss or any other. But most important, ha-ving a good stock management can make your company successful…and your clients extremely satisfied!

KOM International GlobalyLeadersyinySupplyyChainyConsultingwww.komintl.comContactyCanada:yyDeniseyBeamishy(Marketingy&ySalesyManager)[email protected](514)y8494000ContactyMexico:MariayCastroy(Partnery–yDirector)[email protected]ópezy(Marketingy&ySalesyManager)[email protected]+52y(55)y56711870

AGROEXPANSION

GLOBAL WINDOW

ProtecteD agriculture:

The word is spreading all over the country: yes, we can turn agriculture into a profitable industry, with highly trained and well paid employees, ex-port quality products, leaded by strongly motivated entrepreneurs, that

make an important contribution to their communities.

In fact, this is happening in Mexico and the driving factor is AMHPAC (Mexican Association for Protected Horticulture). Nowadays, just over

1000 farmers, that amount to 15,000 hectare, joined efforts in this organization to share knowledge and search for a new perspective in something that is every time more important: food production. They are tearing down old paradigms and finding a new, superior way of doing

things in something that is more impor-tant every time: food production.

A wider and faster road. But it is a toll road.

Protected agriculture is more profitable. It is a tool that allows farmers to reach levels of productivity and quality that are unthinkable of in the open land. This practice enables the tracking of all

of the variables involved in the produc-tion process, resulting in an integrated and efficient business.

However, the required infrastructure means considerable investments. The precise technical handling of the green-house also means a new breed of per-sonnel. No day laborers are implied, but technicians, agronomists and admi-nistrators. We can say the farmer tras-

a tool for world class produce

AGROEXPANSION

Protected agriculture is more profitable. It is a tool that allows farmers to reach le-vels of productivity and quality that are unthinkable of in the open land.

cends this title to become an entrepre-neur. Eric Viramontes Serralde, General Director of AMHPAC, exemplifies this for us: a protected agriculture enterprise, that uses a medium level tech, would have to invest about 2 million pesos (150,000 USD) per hectare, that could amortize over a time frame of 5 years. But he is keen to stress that it is worth every cent.

Top 5 for greenhouses

Almost everything can be grown in green- houses; even fodder has been suc-cessfully cultivated in an enhanced way there. However, one must favor highly profitable crops to make up for the substantial investment required. Top 5 crops, according to Mr. Viramontes, are peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, berries, and hot peppers. Those can be grown carefully and then even selected by si-zes and color to meet particular mar-ket needs. Protected agriculture also means specialty packaging and delive-ring through a closely monitored cold-chain that can be broken only by the final consumer.

The superior quality of the production is also a result of growing under strict con-trol. What does growing under control mean? A lot. Weather, for once. Rain, winds, and solar radiation are not a matter of chance anymore. Plagues and virus are more easily kept at bay in this environment. CO2 and aeration are also carefully monitored.

All of this results in high quality, inno-cuous products that comply with the most demanding national market but, of course, also means high export values.

Who’s working there?

One of the reasons why protected agri-culture is better, relies on the training level of the personnel involved in the enterprise. And it is not all about over-coming the level of the jornalero or day

laborer. It means having agronomists that are able to handle the seedling, capable on nutrition, health, and in-nocuousness of the plants; harvesters that can manage a much higher plant density and a superior technical level; personnel that masters the cold-chain needed to deliver the product to the consumer with the freshness that is demanded.

This highly specialized team must be supported by accountants and admi-nistrators. But not just any administra-tor: everybody in the company should be knowledgeable about protected agriculture. The sad paradox is that in a country where jobs are needed, such qualities can be hard to find. According to Mr. Viramontes, 5 to 8 specialists are needed to handle 5 hectare.

Yes, we can. And we must!

Viramontes stresses out that Mexico must enforce public policies that ac-knowledge the importance of protec-ted agriculture. It is an activity that is boosting job creation, it is a source of foreign currency, and it is adding value to our economy. It is a way of exiting the traditional idea of agriculture as a subsidy-thirsty monster and turn it into one of the driving factors of our society.

Top 5 crops, according to Mr. Viramontes, are peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, berries, and hot peppers.

Source:y Interviewywithy Ing.y Ericy Viramontes,yGeneralyDirectoryofyAMHPAC

33AGROEXPANSION

34 AGROEXPANSION

meXico has it!

GLOBAL WINDOW

Good climate, excellent soil and growing conditions: when it comes to the ideal geographic scenario to produce fruits and vegetables,

Mexico has a privileged position.

Agriculture is one of the most impor-tant economic activities in this coun-try; nearly 200 products are harves-ted throughout its territory, some of them for national consumption, and a growing percentage, for exporting

purposes. As commercial boundaries seem to be opening, Mexican farmers and producers are investing more time and money in the development of new techniques that can help them compe-te in the international market.

The following charts show some of Mexico’s most popular fruits and vege-tables, their primary producers, as well as their contribution to the national economy in recent years.

AGROEXPANSION

AGROEXPANSION

PRIMARY GREEN CHILI PRODUCERS (volume and value) Production(t) Value(Thousandsofpesos)

YEAR: 2007 2008 2007 2008

TOTAL 2 259 562 2 052 431 12 021 126 11 286 108

1.Sinaloa 694634 611490 3824424 2756424

2.Chihuahua 564256 413122 1779594 1481529

3.Zacatecas 209331 213129 1799352 1636664

4.SanLuisPotosí 133402 135824 852276 1091971

5.Tamaulipas 125482 114766 723330 761394

6.Michoacán 94384 67835 338597 293211

PRIMARY TOMATO PRODUCERS (volume and value) Production(t) Value(Thousandsofpesos)

YEAR: 2007 2008 2007 2008

TOTAL: 2 425 403 2 263 202 11 527 680 12 699 613

1.Sinaloa 827011 782910 3127841 4099622

2.Michoacán 224898 175703 695526 564045

3.BajaCalifornia 196388 206257 1145874 1090450

4.SanLuisPotosí 120289 139653 565826 834143

5.Zacatecas 112980 76199 586091 364609

This spicy vegetable is produced almost all along the coun-try in two periods. Eighty percent of chili’s production is des-tined to national consumption, while the rest gives flavor to the globe. Mexico is known for having the widest variety of chili, with the state of Sinaloa being its greatest producer. In the United States, Mexican chili has great demand; Los An-geles’ terminal market is one of the most important buyers of this product, due to the large number of Latinos that live in that popular city.

Mexico is well known for exporting great quality toma-toes; most of their production is gathered in the Nor-thern region, with Sinaloa being its largest contributor. This vegetable can be found in terminal markets, as well as big chains all year round, and it can be consu-med fresh or processed.

PRIMARY STRAWBERRY PRODUCERS (volume and value) Production(t) Value(Thousandsofpesos)

YEAR: 2007 2008 2007 2008

TOTAL: 176 396 208 932 1 449 827 1 482 824

1.Michoacán 89095 106906 549660 637267

2.BajaCalifornia 49344 70411 514818 580681

3.Guanajuato 20877 18066 172860 137448

4.BajaCaliforniaSur 6746 4237 85378 51653

5.México 5356 5068 31831 36243

PRIMARY LEMON PRODUCERS (volume and value) Production(t) Value(Thousandsofpesos)

YEAR: 2007 2008 2007 2008

TOTAL: 1 922 592 2 228 886 4 085 625 4 830 301

1.Colima 586211 657990 1290330 1860746

2.Michoacán 405768 421999 890360 860358

3.Veracruz 355292 545395 521435 979393

4.Oaxaca 188967 186154 549139 344048

5.Guerrero 81646 82514 119120 121856

Mexican strawberry production has been strongly influen-ced by companies and international quality demand, which has forced producers to adopt new harvesting technologies in order to gain popularity across the market. Historically, three regions have “raised their hands” when it comes to producing strawberries: Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Baja California, although Mexico has being saying “present” in re-cent years. One of the major advantages of Michoacán is its closeness with the terminal market of Distrito Federal, one of the primary commercial centers when it comes to agro in-dustry. Most of the producers are strawberry exporters and this determines the fruit’s offer in the national market.

Colima and Michoacán have been Mexico’s leading lemon producers for the past years, especially in the “Persa” and “Mexican” varieties. Most of this country’s fresh lemons are destined for national consumption, although exports have been growing recently in the frontiers, mostly as distilled es-sential oil. Lemon production reaches its highest point during June and July, which causes prices to lower.

Oranges, mangoes and many other fruits and vegetables are produced all along this country, rich in natural resources; train- ing, credit support, and technology adoption, are key factors which can help Mexico become one of the world’s largest food suppliers!

Agriculture is one of the most important economic activities in this country; nearly 200 products are harvested throughout its territory, some of them for national consumption, and a growing percentage, for ex-porting purposes.

PRIMARY AVOCADO PRODUCERS (volume and value) Production(t) Value(Thousandsofpesos)

YEAR: 2007 2008 2007 2008

TOTAL 1 142 892 1 162 429 12 019 378 12 459 371

1.Michoacán 1006059 1024582 11025767 11439176

2.Morelos 25390 25372 277282 258446

3.Puebla 13291 7808 79156 54996

4.Yucatán 10726 11472 27788 29092

5.Veracruz 3238 3015 25819 16953

Mexico is the world’s largest avocado producer and consu-mer country in the world. As the chart shows, Michoacán takes the lead in the avocado-producing race. “Hass” avoca-do is the most popular, although the “Fuerte” and “Creole” varieties have been expanding along the market.

AGROEXPANSION

GLOBAL WINDOW

The Rewards of Being

sustaiNable Fresh fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. But what lies behind an exquisite and immaculate box of apples, waiting to be sold in the super market? Yes, there is a whole production chain and process, but high quality produce, very often reflects a company that cares about the consumer and the environment.

Nowadays, “sustainabili-ty” is a popular concept among members of the agro industry, since far-

mers and producers usually have direct contact with our natural resources and thus, are aware of the importance of handling them with care.

Rob Neenan, from the United Fresh Pro-duce Association, agrees that sustaina-bility programs add value to business operations, and provide an effective platform for growers to reduce costs, become more efficient, innovate, and communicate with their stakeholders about the positive contributions that their business makes to the local envi-ronment and economy. “Growers know that they must provide safe products to consumers and that they would be foolish to damage their land, or their reputation, by the misuse of crop pro-tection materials”, he adds.

The Vice President of the UF Environmen-tal Affairs and Sustainability department shares that sustainability practices have seen an amazing progress among farmer generations, who strive more and more to become “environmental stewards” through advanced technology and sys-tems. As for the use of pesticides and che-micals that may be harmful to our planet, he expresses that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a very rigo-rous process for reviewing and approving the use of crop protection materials. “The agency does not approve a product for use, unless they are sure that it can be used safely”.

The Executive also states that his asso-ciation is confident that produce growers will continue their strong commitment to feeding millions of people, creating jobs, supporting their local communities, and caring for the land.

Time to react!

Although there may be hundreds of sustainability proposals, what people

are looking for are resources to make those practices a reality. In response to this demand, United Fresh has created a new Center for Global Produce Sustai-nability, which will include workshops and ways to make these opportunities available for growers.

An undivided issue

Companies throughout the entire pro-duce supply chain can develop sustai-nability programs. For example, our in-dustry uses a lot of plastic, cardboard, and paper. Ron comments that some producers are starting to work along with packaging companies, in order to use materials that can be recycled, and returnable packaging. He suggests that growers evaluate how they can adjust their requirements in this area, so they can reduce costs, waste and improve the quality of the product delivered to the consumer.

When it comes to the transportation sector, he thinks that, since it is critical to deliver quality products in good con-ditions, forwarders and truckers may discover new practices or technologies that can help them achieve that goal.

Ron points out the fact that some pro-duce buyers are developing their own sustainability programs. “However, UF is concerned that a proliferation of new and different standards will add costs and complicate, rather than faci-litate, the advancement of sustainabili-ty in the produce supply chain”, he says.

So, as we have learned, “sustainability” is now an important part of the corpora-te identity of every business and adop-ting environmental practices is a must; however, taking simple steps altogether, can make a big difference in preserving our beloved planet!

Source:yInterviewywithyRobyNeenan,yViceyPresi-dentyofyEnvironmentalyAffairsyandySustainabili-ty,yfromytheyUnitedyFreshyProduceyAssociation.

New farmer gene-rations, strive more and more to beco-me “environmental stewards” through advanced technolo-gy and systems.

The Rewards of Being

sustaiNable

December

Trade shows and expositions are a must when it comes to agro-industrial businesses. Attending can gain you expo-

sure, contacts and interesting partner-ships. At the end of this year, there are lots of exciting events in Mexico and in the United States.

Berries, Irrigation, Cucurbitaceae, and Fresh Produce are just some of the to-pics that will be covered at the shows and congresses of the months to come.

Be sure to add them to your schedule and take with you all of your company’s information to share with prospects and colleagues!

10th Global G.A.P. Conference Summit 2010.

Hilton Metropole; London, UK

7 & 8 October

www.summit2010.org

BioFach USA

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

13-16 October

www.biofach-america.com

Fresh Summit Intl Convention & Exposition (PMA)

Orlando, FL, USA

15-18 October

www.pma.com/FRESHSUMMIT

Congreso Internacional de Cucurbitáceas

Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX

20 -22 October

www.congresodecucurbitaceas.com

october

AGROEXPANSION

Irrigation Show

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

5 -7 December

www.irrigationshow.org

Convención AMSAC 2010

Cancún, Quintana Roo, MX

27-30 October

www.amsac.org.mx

Congreso Nacional de Berries

Zamora, Michoacán, MX

4 - 6 November

www.congresodeberries.com.mx

Expo Agroalimentaria (PDA)

Irapuato, Guanajuato, MX

10 - 13 November

www.expoagrogto.com

eveNtscalendar

November

AGROEVENTS

AGROEXPANSION

nUevo LeónPedraza DistribuidoraAv. Los Angeles Ote. #1000, Bod. 89, 43, 321. San Nicolás de los Garza, NL. 66480Phone +[52] (81) 8351-0225, 8351-2070E-mail. [email protected]. www.pedrazadistribuidora.com.mxContact. Fidel Pedraza Obregón / Max Carbajal SepúlvedaProducts. Tomato, poblano pepper, morrón pepper, jalapeño pepper, serrano pepper, onion, green tomato.Export Destination. USAProveedora de Frutas Cavi, S.A de C.V.Francisco Gonzalez Bocanegra #1020, Col. Del Norte, Monterrey, NL CP 64500 Phone +[52] (81) 5000-5353E-mail. [email protected]. www.frutascavi.com Contact. Ing.Tancredo Vidal GarcíaProducts. Papaya, banana, mango, pineapple golden.Export Destination. USAVegxpress Tijerina & Sons Fresh Mexican ProduceJose Lopez Hickman #603, Col. Caracol, Monterrey, NL CP 64810 Phone +[52] (81) 8190-0531E-mail. [email protected]. www.vegxpress-tijerina.comContact. Gerardo de la RosaProducts. Poblano pepper, jalapeño pepper, ser-rano pepper, green tomato.Export Destination. USA

texASACE Customs Broker, Inc2201 N. 10th. St., Hidalgo, TX 78557Phone +1 (956) 843-9601E-mail. [email protected]. www.acecustomsbroker.comContact. Armando FloresServicios. U.S. Customs Services, Warehousing Ser-vice, Transfer Service, Importations/Exportation.Agromod ProducePO Box 8068, McAllen, TX 78557Phone +1 (956) 618-2139E-mail. [email protected]. www.agromodproduce.comProducts. Papaya.Contact. Flavio GarduñoDry Produce Division USA, LLC5800 S. 42 St. Suite G, McAllen, TX 78503Phone +1 (956) 522-0568E-mail. [email protected]. www.diprodesa.comProducts. Dried Chili pepper, tamarind, corn husk, hibiscus flower, pilocillo, dried fruit, garlic.Gonzalez Mexican Produce2501 W. Military Hwy. Suite A-23, McAllen, TX 78503Phone +1 (956) 682-67-80E-mail. [email protected] Contact. Gerardo GonzalezProducts. Jalapeño Pepper, green tomato, tomato, roma tomato, serrano pepper, cucumber, zucchini, lettuce, morrón pepper.IFCO SYSTEMS1919 Trophy Drive, McAllen, TX 78504, USAPh. +1 (956) 631-3397E-mail. [email protected]. www.ifcosystems.com

Contact. Genaro ElizondoProducts. RPC Services and Pallets.Limex Sicar1501 E Texano Dr, Hidalgo, TX 78557Phone +1 (956) 843-6080E-mail. [email protected]. www.limexsicar.com / www.sicar.com.mxContact. Luis Jorge GudiñoProducts. Mexican lime, Persian lime, aguacate, coconut, tamarind.MexFlores Produce Co., Inc3224 North Hwy. 281, Edinburg, TX 78540Phone +1 (956) 316-39-13E-mail. [email protected]. www.mexfloresproduce.netContact. Martin FloresProducts. All kinds of peppers, avocado, beans, lemon, mango, squash, tomatillos, roma tomatoes, among other Mexican products. Felipe Garcia U.S. Customs Broker700 S. Bridge St. Hidalgo, TX 78557Phone +1 (956) 843-7050E-mail. [email protected]. www.phillipgarcia.comContact. Felipe Garcia/Oziel TreviñoServices. Custom Broker Imports & Export.Ruiz SalesP.O. Box 3421, Edinburg, TX 78540Phone +1 (956) 381-1400, (877) 707-7300 E-mail. [email protected]. www.ruizsales.comContact. Richard RuizProducts. Tropical fruits, citrus, vegetables and fruits. SAN-REY Produce, Inc2501 W. Military Hwy. Suite B38, McAllen, TX 78503Phone +1 (956) 928-1891E-mail. [email protected]. Domingo SánchezProducts. Mexican Fruits and Vegetables: Jalapeño Pepper, poblano, serrano, roma tomato, tomatillo, cilantro, squash. Grocery.

JALISCoCMF GroupeAv. Vallarta 1940, San Juan de Ocotan, Zapopan, Jalisco, 49019Phone +[52] (33) 3832 4042 E-mail. [email protected] Website. www.cmf-groupe.comContact. Nicolas HernalsteenProducts. Greenhouse manufacturers.Export Destination. North America, Europe & AsiaConsultoría Integral Nexus SCCentro Comercial y de Negocios Plaza Bonita: Av. México 3370 Int. 3 A Prima, Col. Monraz, Guadala-jara, Jal. 44670Phone +[52] (33) 3813-5911E-mail. [email protected] Website. www.nexusweb.com.mxContact. Customer SeviceProducts. Avocado, pineapple, lemon, mangoes, blueberries, blackberries, etc.Export Destination. North America, Europe and AsiaQuímica AMVAC de México, SA de CVAv. Vallarta 6503 - Plaza Concentro Local G21, Cd. Granja, Zapopan, Jal. 45010 Phone +[52] (33) 3110-1976, 01 800-0026-822 Fax. +[52] (33) 3110-1936E-mail. [email protected]. www.quimicaamvac.com

Contact. Aline Zayan GuillenProducts. Agrochemicals.

MICHoACÁnBerries Paradise, SAPI de CVAddress. Torres Quintero # 53, Col. Centro, Los Reyes, Mich. CP 60330Phone. +[52] (354) 542-7601, (371) 417-2046E-mail. [email protected]. www.berriesparadise.com.mxContact. Raul Fernandez Campos Products. Blackberries, blueberries and raspberries.Export Destination. USA, Holland and EnglandConsejo Nacional de la Fresa A. C. (CONAFRE, A. C.)Francisco J. Mújica # 3, Frac. Jardines de Catedral, Zamora, Mich. CP 59670Phone. +[52] (351) 512-1504E-mail. [email protected]. www.conafresa.comContact. Cecilio Zamora / Octaviano MagañaProducts. Strawberry.Export Destination. USAOrofrut, SA de CVLibramiento Periban-Buena Vista Km7, Col. Periban de Ramos. Periban, Michoacán, 60440Phone +[52] (354) 551-16 98 E-mail. [email protected]. www.orofrut.com.mxContact. Diego Orozco EsparzaProducts. Avocado.Export Destination. USA, Canada, Europe, Costa Rica, Japan

GUAnAJUAtoTextiles Agrícolas, SA de CV103 Octavio Paz, Celaya, Gto. 38114Phone +[52] (461) 617-7297 E-mail. [email protected]. www.textilesagricolas.com.mxContact. Lic. Teresa García VillegasProducts. Fabricante de mallas agrícolas: Anti-aphid mesh, anti-insect, shade mesh, anti-hail.Export Destination. Sudamerica

ZACAteCASAgroZacatecasAv. Nueva Celaya 102 C Fracc. Las Haciendas, Zacatecas, Zacatecas 98000Phone +[52] (492) 154-3066 E-mail. [email protected]. www.agrozacatecas.comContact. Adrian Campos Products. All kinds of peppers, beans, fresh veg-etables, garlic, fruits and vegetables. Export Destination. USA

DIStRIto FeDeRALNafta Gulf BridgeAv. Alvaro Obregón 124. Col. Roma Norte. CP. 06700, México D.F.Juan Enriquez No.128 Col. Flores Magón. CP. 91900, Veracruz Ver.One Saint Louis Center-Suite Mobile, AL, 36602, Mobil Alabama.Phone 01800 465 3333E-mail. [email protected]. Ferry de carga entre Veracruz y Mobil. Alabama, utilizando modernos buques Ro-Ro para transporte de carga rodante. Export Destination: Veracruz a Mobil Alabama. Mobil Alabama a Veracruz.

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