Latest News From West Mexico Spring Produce

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros. is shipping bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, some hot pepper varieties and tomatoes from the West Mexico growing region, said Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer.

The Oppenheimer Group offers retailers a well-rounded organic program in the Divemex brand, with both conventional and organic crops Fair Trade Certified.

The Oppenheimer Group offers retailers a well-rounded organic program in the Divemex brand, with both conventional and organic crops Fair Trade Certified.

April figures to be a big month for Nogales, Ariz.-based Divine Flavor LLC

For 2021, MAS Melons & Grapes, Rio Rico, Ariz., will continue with core items that include several varieties of table grapes, honeydew melons, seedless watermelons and mini watermelons.

Fresh Farms, Rio Rico, Ariz., will bring its one-source shopping experience to the industry with a wide array of dry vegetables, with increased volumes in varietal corn, green beans and watermelon.

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros. is shipping bell peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, some hot pepper varieties and tomatoes from the West Mexico growing region, said Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer.

Crossings of Mexican fresh produce through Nogales, Ariz., represent a huge economic effect on the city, the state of Arizona, and arguably the entire U.S.

The U.S.-Mexican border is a living organism and that keeps life interesting for West Mexico distributors.

Along with the flashing yellow caution light of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 also is bringing green lights for Mexican produce moving through Nogales, Ariz., distributors report.

Along with the flashing yellow caution light of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 also is bringing green lights for Mexican produce moving through Nogales, Ariz., distributors report.

IPR Fresh, Rio Rico, Ariz., has sweet corn and chili peppers for the first time this season, said president Jose Luis Obregon.

Conventional and organic squash is becoming a more consistent program at Divine Flavor LLC, Nogales, Ariz., said Michael DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations coordinator.

Champagne brand mangoes from Chiapas, Mexico, the signature item for Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros., should peak during the second week of March, said partner Chris Ciruli.

Santa Paula, Calif.-based Calavo Growers Inc. has planted tomatoes in Jalisco, Mexico, and they will be available starting April 1, said Brian Bernauer, director of operations and sales.

Distributors of produce from West Mexico were hoping for a fruitful spring after a fall/winter season affected by rainstorms and cold weather.

Fresh Farms, Rio Rico, Ariz., has launched a new value-added program for one of its retail customers.

Groups such as the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and the Border Trade Alliance continue to make misleading statements about the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement in an apparent attempt to muddy the waters and stoke fear among other agricultural sectors in the U.S.

Growers and distributors of Mexican tomatoes are not pleased with plans for the U.S. to withdraw from the 2013 Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico.

Many of the produce items shipped from West Mexico during the spring are similar to those that arrive in winter. However, fruit items, like melons and mangoes, tend to have a greater presence as the weather warms up.

Citrus is a growing category for companies importing produce from Mexico.

Importers talk about the spring season for West Mexico produce and the latest developments in that deal.

The FPAA Spring Policy Summit will include presentations on possible U.S. infrastructure changes, inspections at the U.S.-Mexico border, and food safety standards across Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

Warm weather this winter has prompted a bit earlier start than usual to the West Mexico spring produce deal.

Catch the latest from companies featured in The Packer's West Mexico Spring Produce shipping profile.