Berry People expands Mexico footprint, opening second office in Guadalajara

Hollister, Calif.-based Berry People is opening a second office in Guadalajara, Mexico, expanding the fruit grower-shipper’s operational ties in the Central Mexico and Baja, Calif., regions.

This second office also will foster closer contact with farmers and direct “boots on the ground” relationship-building in Mexico, according to a news release.

“With our increasing on the ground presence in Central Mexico and Baja, Calif., and in support of overall company growth projections, the business is establishing a strong cross-border team to handle various administrative, accounting, operational, and commercial functions,” Berry People CEO Jerald Downs said in the release.

Related news: Mexican grape output may dip in 2023, USDA report says

“The company has always been comprised of a diverse international group of employees with our corporate office including persons from the U.S., Columbia, Spain, Mexico and Australia,” Downs continued. “We are very excited to extend this corporate family to our new team members in Guadalajara!"

First strawberry season at Baja farm

Berry People’s understanding of the berry category and industry players has fostered the company's expansion. This season, in addition to breaking ground on the Mexico office, Berry People will be cultivating their own conventional and organic strawberries in a joint venture in Baja, Calif., according to the release.

“We are planted and ready for the ramp up the supply of Baja strawberries in January, with a diversified mix of grower partners from Pinos to Maneadero,” Downs said in the release. “We have good supply commencing in the January through March window, both organic and conventional, and are excited to get the season rolling.”