The 2022-23 season has been more difficult than most because of weather variables, but Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Mas Melons & Grapes is leaning on strong relationships with its growers and a diversified customer base, says CEO Miguel A. Suarez.
Mas Melons handles honeydew melons, seedless watermelons, mini watermelons, grapes, asparagus and other commodities, he said.
Supplies have been secured from excellent growers to comply with the commitments from customers, Suarez said. Most of the company’s produce is conventionally grown, although the marketer does offer organic honeydew melons now and perhaps expanded organic options in the future, he said.
The weather has caused delays for some growers and shortened the season in other regions, and Suarez said this year has been more “difficult and unpredictable” than most seasons. Still, he said the marketer is meeting demand from its customer base in the U.S., Canada and many other countries around the world.
“We have the right products, and we have been doing it for many years,” he said.
This season Mas Melons & Grapes will be handling asparagus and perhaps avocados. The company has handled both commodities before, but not in a few years.
Long-term trends in Mexico include higher growing costs, which are keeping a lid on acreage. In addition, Suarez said labor availability in Mexico is a rising concern for growers, which could result in reduced acreage of some commodities going forward.
