Mexico: Large investments in high-tech greenhouses

Mexico is becoming an increasingly solid alternative to investors and the agro-industrial sector is no exception to this. Investments made over the past five years in Agropark, a conglomeration of high-tech greenhouses located in the State of Querétano, and unique in Latin America, amount to more than 100 million dollars.

Agropark's main objective is to attract entrepreneurs interested in setting up greenhouses for the growing of export products for the US and Canadian markets, which are countries with high demands in terms of quality and food safety. "We work in line with that strategy and aim to obtain certifications such as Global GAP, Greenhouse Certified, SQF and follow the guidelines from the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)," explains Eli Chaver, of the company Veggie Prime.

Veggie Prime, owned by the brothers Eli and Jacky Chaver, founders of other greenhouses in Agropark which started operations on 1 September, has placed all its efforts in this industry, pursuing to make the most out of the quality of Mexican labourers, the opportunities provided by current technology and the State of Querétaro's weather and geographic conditions, as well as of a market which is constantly expanding, but also becoming more demanding in terms of quality and food safety.

Veggie Prime's production will be shipped to the United States and Canada; however, while in the past the Chaver brothers owned only two hectares of high-tech greenhouses and exported via intermediaries, with Veggie Prime the acreage will increase to seven and exports will be carried out directly by the firm itself.

The company currently produces Beefsteak tomato for US distributors and direct customers, such as Costco, Sam's Club or Trader Joe's; production which is already 100% sold. In the past it also grew sweet peppers, vine tomatoes and Cherry tomatoes.

Veggie Prime seeks alternatives to the North American market. The firm is currently developing distribution channels that should open the Asian market, which currently demands large volumes of fresh produce. Japan is one of the markets the company is most interested in, although they are open to offers from clients in any country.

For more information:
Veggie Prime SAPI de CV
Eli Chaver
Mexico DF
Tel: + 52 55 52 92 94 21
elichaver@veggieprime.com