Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Crespo Organic specializes in growing, packing and shipping Mexican mangos and citrus.
“We are a Mexican family business. El Grupo Crespo is our entire operation between Mexico and USA. RCF Distributors is our US-based distribution and marketing company. We have one specialty mango brand, The Mango King,” said Jose Crespo, operations manager at Crespo Organic. “We also own 100% of our supply chain.”
More so these days, retailers are often marketing farmers and Crespo’s direct line from its orchards to these farmers really drives home that ownership of “100% of our supply chain” promise, Crespo said.
Volume is expected to be about 25% above last year. Crespo Organic has been increasing its total orchard hectares in line with the growth of its mango programs.
“We are not just about selling more boxes, but aiming to make strong, durable, long-lasting programs for our customers and our business,” Crespo said. “That is why taking ownership and responsibility of our own supply chain is so important. We know that, in order to succeed, we need to constantly stay in front of new regulations, market nuances, food safety protocols and consumer wants.”
The company’s organic mango program consists of over eight varietals in several different packaging styles, including retail-ready bags and organic dried mangoes, according to Crespo.
As far as packaging goes, Crespo Organic tries to reach consumers through educational content.
“We are focused on commodity education. Our main marketing campaigns encircle teaching consumers how to choose, store, cut and use mangoes,” Crespo said. “We offer recipes and demos virtually and in-store. Our two main marketing campaigns are for Cinco De Mayo and our Summer mango mania.”
The company is also rolling out “A Case for Consumers” this summer during its Summer mango mania promotion. This is a 6-lb consumer-marketed case of mangoes, sold in all varietals, packed eight to a master case.
“Another new item seriously delayed due to the pandemic to our Crespo Organic line is organic retail-ready dried mangoes,” Crespo said. “We will offer dried Ataulfo and dried Kent mangoes in 4-ounce slices zip bags and 1-pound zipper bags.”
