Sponsored: Esscalo’s new products take off
Established in 2021, San-Antonio-based Esscalo America may be a newcomer among the ranks of U.S. produce suppliers, but the company, part of Grupo Esscalo, based in the Mexican state of Querétaro, offers a couple of products that have set it apart from the competition.
Esscalo America ships a selection of fruits and vegetables, including avocados, limes, mangoes, asparagus, squashes and zucchini, and several related products, such as frozen processed vegetables, mixed veggies and ready-to-eat products.
“We have the flexibility to ship them with our grower´s brand or our clients’ brands, as well as in a retail or foodservice presentation,” said Esscalo America’s Cesar Velasco.
Esscalo also has producers that can provide most citric and tropical fruits in Mexico and can supply any product fresh for retail or as raw material for any process food needs, he said.
But the offerings that have put the company on the map are its processed avocado pulp and guacamole.
The company learned from its experience exporting fresh avocados from Michoacan that there were certain markets and seasons where logistics wouldn't permit avocados to arrive with the quality standards clients and consumers demand, Velasco said.
Esscalo solved that dilemma by developing a high-quality process to make frozen pulp and guacamole that resolves the logistics concerns and preserves the avocados' exceptional taste and physical characteristics, he said.
“It is impossible to notice any flavor difference from fresh avocados,” Velasco said, and the products’ shelf life and stability are better than fresh fruit.
Esscalo's avocado pulp is 100% hass avocados grown on more than 6,000 acres and meeting all quality and food safety certifications required for exporting to the U.S., he said.
“Our pulp and guacamole are processed with leading-edge technology in the food industry, offering the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system and adding hyperbaric pasteurization via a high-pressure processing system and frozen, all under the strictest internationally certified quality standards,” he said.
The products save time, reduce labor costs and cut down on spoilage for foodservice operators, and they’re also available for retail and wholesale customers.
The company can develop customized guacamole recipes for its customers and offers private label branding.
The avocado pulp and guacamole come in 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-ounce containers for retail, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6- and 16-pound sizes for foodservice and 25-pound packages for wholesale.
Esscalo also offers freeze-dried guacamole made from its avocado pulp that can be instantly rehydrated to recover its fresh, creamy texture, volume and original appearance, Velasco said.
“It's all natural, healthful and tasty, with no added preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.”
Esscalo’s freeze-dried guacamole can be used as an ingredient, topping, spread or dip and is available in 2.2-pound bags and 1.8-ounce sachets.
Through a partnership with a producer of freeze-dried products, Esscalo has developed product solutions for retail as well and foodservice segments that include honey, ice cream, fruit yogurt bars and fruits with Tajin spice.
“We have the capability to develop any recipe for our clients, either as a final product for retail or as an ingredient,” Velasco said.
Esscalo’s business model is simple.
“At Esscalo, we look for ways to maximize business results of both our producers and our clients,” he said. “We seek to create a partnership with our producers, clients, the growing fields and the fruits that it offers us.”
The company designs production programs for the food industry by working with its growers in Mexico and tailoring solutions to satisfy the demand of its clients and their customers, he said.
Besides its San Antonio headquarters, Esscalo has offices in Austin, Texas, and Atlanta.
