Greenhouse grower-shipper Village Farms International is extending an exclusive growing partnership with a Mexican company, boosting supplies of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.
Agroparque de Yecapixtla, whose parent company Grupo CIC is a shareholder in Village Farms International, has grown Village Farms specialty tomatoes. A new exclusive seven-year agreement comes as Agroparque de Yecapixtla is expanding from 50 acres to 125 acres, allowing it to add Village Farm-brand cucumbers and peppers, according to a news release.
The expansion will take place over the next three years, according to Village Farms.
The grower opened the original 50-acre greenhouse and packing facility two years ago in Morelos, the state south of Mexico City, where Agroparque de Yecapixtla and Grupo CIC is based.
“We are thrilled to build on this existing and flourishing relationship with Agroparque de Yecapixtla,” Michael DeGiglio, president and CEO of Village Farms, said in the release.
DeGiglio said the agreement further solidifies the company’s ability to deliver year-round consistent quality to customers.
Two Village Farms employees, who have been giving Agroparque de Yecapixtla technical expertise, will remain at the Mexican greenhouse facility as part of the new agreement, according to the release.
Alfredo Miguel, CEO of Agroparque de Yecapixtla, called the agreement a “great achievement” in the release, not only for the two companies, but also for Mexico as a reliable source of quality vegetables.
