Divine Flavor moving from strength to strength

Maintaining consistency across growing regions can be challenging. For Nogales, Ariz.-based Divine Flavor, the move from strength to strength in regional quality depends on consistent expectations. The company also leans on its social programs to maintain consistent quality.

“We’re past the halfway point for West Mexico. So far, it’s been good,” said Michael DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations coordinator at Divine Flavor. “Weather has been a little cooler. Our other farms are greenhouse, so we had more control of the environment.”

Even though the growing environment is less controlled, the company expects volume over the next months to be strong.

Dupuis said the plan is to finish West Mexico on a very strong note to have a smooth transition into Baja. The plan is to begin the Baja season strong, built on the strength of the West Mexico season.

To achieve these goals, the company chooses to work with strategic and consistent growers.

“Our growers must be very strategic in their planting schedules to make sure there are no dips in supply,” DuPuis said. “We choose to work with expert growers. We’ve seen some growers that were good but couldn’t take it to this other level we strive for.”

Striving for consistency carries over into other areas at the company. It strives to contribute to bigger causes and take good care of its workers.

“We believe in having good social programs. We’re big fair trade producers,” DuPuis said. “Divine Flavor has generated more than $6.5 million in fair trade premium since 2013. We also make sure when workers follow us with the seasons, they understand their hours and their rights. We want to be consistent across all growing regions.”

In addition, the company believes in continued education for workers. It started its own Foundation Alta, which generates scholarships. One student recently became an agronomist for the company’s vineyards where his mom still works. So, they get to work together.