Latest News From Tex-Mex Winter Produce

Texas ports have seen an increasing volume of Mexican fresh produce over the past 15 years, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Texas growing regions saw plenty of rain this past summer, and that should be a good foundation for upcoming produce harvests, said Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO for the Texas International Produce Association. 

Beets, cabbage, greens, herbs, parsley, potatoes, radishes and spinach are some of the produce crops Texas produce suppliers will be shipping in December.

The Texas cities of Pharr and Laredo represent the top two ports of entry for Mexican avocados, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics.

Donna-based Grow Farms Texas has hired Maxine Olivarez as a buyer this year.

Beating both Pharr, Texas, and Nogales, Ariz., the port of Laredo, Texas, was the top entry point for Mexican tomatoes from October 2019 to September.

Beets, cabbage, greens, herbs, parsley, potatoes, radishes and spinach are some of the produce crops Texas produce suppliers will be shipping in December.

Going into mid-November and beyond, the outlook is very good for Texas produce, industry sources say.

A drought in northern Mexico could limit some produce output and crossings into Texas this winter.

McAllen, Texas-based Val Verde Vegetable Co. Inc. is growing its Mexico onion program, said Kurt Schuster, vice president of Mexico and finance.

Donna, Texas-based Grow Farms Texas LLC is working on expanding its green bell peppers and cucumbers to year-round availability, said Tommy Wilkins, director of sales and business development.

Edinburg, Texas-based Frontera Produce Ltd., is offering calabaza/gray squash for the first time, said Trevor Stuart, account manager.

Weather issues have blown through production areas of Texas and Mexico, but suppliers for the 2018-19 Tex-Mex winter deal say they anticipate full volumes, once the deal starts to peak for most items in December.

Mexican produce imports through south Texas continue to increase every year, and they now account for a significant portion of many grower-shippers’ business.

Check out business updates from companies featured in The Packer's Tex-Mex Winter Produce shipping profile.