GUADALAJARA, Mexico —This year marked the 15th anniversary of the Aneberries international trade fair and the first time the California Strawberry Commission participated in the global berry event.
Chris Christian, vice president market insights for the commission, says Aneberries is an important event because of the strawberry industries in California and Mexico are very much interconnected.
Christian also shares that California has seen a significant increase in its strawberry exports to Mexico in recent years. To learn the latest, The Packer connected with Christian at Aneberries 2025.
Describe the current trade relationship between California strawberries and Mexico.
Christian: There is trade in both fresh and frozen strawberries between the U.S and Mexico. Fresh is the largest portion of that.
What is the approximate dollar amount of California strawberries exported to Mexico annually and what can you tell us about Canada, your No. 1 trading partner?
In 2024 California fresh strawberry exports to Mexico were valued at over $100 million. Value and volume to Mexico has nearly doubled since 2022. Our other major export market is Canada. Nearly 90% of California strawberry exports are to Canada and Mexico. On average, 15% of California strawberry production is exported.
Why is Aneberries an important conference for the California Strawberry Commission?
The conference provides an opportunity to engage with the berry industry in Mexico and to strengthen our relationship with Aneberries and other national and international berry organizations.
Let’s talk about sustainability. How are California strawberry growers leaders in sustainable farming?
Our farmers have been leaders in sustainable farming practices for decades, including pioneering the use of drip irrigation in the 1970s, use of integrated pest management and organic practices on conventional farms, and innovative research to develop non-chemical means to control pests and diseases in the fields. (See more here.)
What is the California strawberry industry’s biggest challenge and where do you see its greatest opportunity?
Farmers in California are continually challenged by rising input costs, especially those driven by California’s regulatory environment, and returns from the marketplace to the farm are not keeping pace with costs. We see great opportunity in the continued high demand for berries, especially the demand from millennial and Generation Z consumers, as shown by ongoing growth in berry category sales.
How, if at all, has tariff volatility impacted the California strawberry industry?
Our members appreciate the administration’s commitment to prioritize the needs of American farmers. While there has been no real impact, the inconsistency in communications regarding tariffs makes it difficult for businesses to plan for the short and long term.
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