After starting with organic raspberries last year, this season already organic blueberries and organic blackberries have been added to Berries Paradise's assortment. “We hope to have a division of 50% organic and 50% conventional of the total production in a few years”, says Hector Silva from Berries Paradise in Mexico.
Berries Paradise is a Mexican company that produces, packs and exports blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Most of the berries come from own fields while working with a 100% tunnel agriculture. Production is brought to warehouses nearby the fields in Jalisco, Colima and Michoacan.
At Berries Paradise, they noticed that there is an interesting market for organic berries. “Customers are more active is taking care of their health. This change results in a growing demand for more healthy products.” explains Hector. Growing organic is more difficult, but already 15-20% of the total production is organic. The intention is to increase this percentage every year.
“The organic berries are mainly exported to the United States”, continues Hector. “However, we would to expand our export to for example Europe. There are many countries in which the organic market is quite firmed already. This makes Europe an interesting export market.” Hector also experiences a higher price level for organic products. “It's a many countries that the price for organic products is higher than the conventional products. In our case blueberries and raspberries are the best in price. The prices for Blackberries are just above conventional prices.”
At this moment, Mexico is in the beginning of its season. Hector points out that in a few weeks the season of Chilean blueberries is coming to an end. “At the end of January the Mexican berries will still be in season until the end of the year.”
For more information:
Hector Hugo Silva Fabian
Grupo Berries Paradise
Torres Quintero 53, 60300 Los Reyes de Salgado, Michaocan, México
T: +52 354 542 7601