Former president of the National Association of Berry Exporters of Mexico (Aneberries), José Luis Bustamante, now serves as the executive responsible for Naturberry SA de CV, (subsidiary company of Naturipe Berry Growers) dedicated to the marketing of fresh strawberries. The fruit is destined both for the US and Canada and it also serves the Mexican market. The company has 132 associated farmers, from producers with 1 hectare to some with more than 45 hectares, which correspond to 10% of the export market in Central Mexico.
Bustamante stated that the markets, especially the North American market, currently demand berries 52 weeks a year, with the best flavor, consistency, safety and recently, sustainability. Therefore, Mexico's participation in the world market is essential to achieve that objective. "In our case, Mexico exports strawberries to the United States from the end of October to March, months in which the supply of fruit decreases considerably," he explains.
“Strawberries in Mexico are experiencing great growth in higher altitude areas in Central Mexico, mainly in Michoacán and Jalisco. This allows us to have good quality fruit in the ‘shoulders’ of the season, that is, March – April and October, which expands the export window,” he adds.
Source: blueberriesconsulting.com