Vegetable production in Mexico is in transition. “We’re finishing up in Sinaloa and Sonora and are moving to new production from Central Mexico and the Baja,” says JC Myers with SunFed. Where many Nogales distributors go quiet for the summer after Western Mexico has finished, SunFed has partnerships in Central Mexico and the Baja to bring SunFed Perfect Produce to the marketplace 52 weeks/year. SunFed has been active in Central Mexico and the Baja for over a decade. “Our growers invest in protected agriculture to limit the impact from heat, wind, rain, and bugs” which allows them to produce the highest quality all summer long. We are very excited about our summer programs as they allow us to stay engaged with our customers,” shared Myers. These programs start now and will continue through October. In summer, the company’s core items include squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggplant. “We also have a large organic program, complementing our conventional lineup and to help us differentiate from other producers.”

Summer production facility.

Modified atmosphere packaging
Another way to differentiate is through bagging technology. Instead of the common practice of field packing, SunFed produce is transported to a packaging facility where it is cooled, then bagged to slow down the respiration rate. “This really gives us an advantage in the marketplace,” Myers commented. A longer shelf life allows for nationwide distribution with produce arriving at store level in optimal condition. From both Central Mexico and the Baja, produce is harvested, packed, and shipped within 24 hours.

Outlook for the summer and fall
The outlook for the upcoming summer and fall is optimistic. Temperatures have been relatively stable. “We were fortunate not to have big swings in temperatures as those have the potential to impact the beginning of a season in a negative way,” commented Myers. Earlier growing regions Sinaloa and Sonora also experienced mild weather finishes to their seasons, extending their production windows. A combination of Sinaloa and Sonora staying in the market longer, Central Mexico and the Baja starting up, and regional U.S. producers getting rolling, has resulted in ample supply, causing the market to drop a little bit. “Thanks to good distribution plans, we’ve been able to avoid too much price volatility,” shared Myers. “About 55 tot 65 percent of our business is tied up in programs and therefore not exposed to market fluctuations. Of course, we’d like all growing regions to benefit from good markets, and typically post Memorial Day prices firm up.”

Summer production facility.

For more information:
JC Myers
SunFed Produce
Tel: +1 (831)915-5323
[email protected]
www.sunfed.net