Mexican produce well-leveraged to capitalize on changing marketplace

The volume of produce out of Mexico has continued to grow. More commodities are being grown in Mexico every year, because more California companies are getting into Mexico, said Lance Jungmeyer, president of Fresh Produce Association of America (FPAA).

Jungmeyer said Mexico can capitalize on the changing standards in the marketplace.

“Through COVID, consumers have adjusted their standards,” Jungmeyer said. “They’re ordering from home more. Growing produce in greenhouses gives consistent quality and precise grading standards for that emerging part of the market.”

While greenhouses can deliver consistent quality, shippers must remain knowledgeable about paperwork.

“We are continuing to educate members of the association to make sure they have access to the market. Paperwork at the border is the most important thing,” Jungmeyer said, adding that with changes in Mexican transport requirement, the FPAA will be educating its members about issues such as the forthcoming “carta porte” requirement. “There will be future changes in paperwork, also, with additional fines. Bills of lading must be 100% accurate.”