MANGO:

Taste it, Love it!

No. 04 April 2010

OPPORTUNITIES GETTING THERE GLOBAL WINDOW OUTSOURCING

PRODUCE EFFICIENT MEXICO CITY REDUCING
PACKAGING LOGISTICS CENTRAL DE ABASTO COSTS
 EDITORIAL
Dear Reader,
In this issue we’ve focused on the importance of planning
and having an excellent logistic strategy. In our experience,
these two aspects are quite relevant when determining the
profitability of fruit and vegetables exporting companies, es-
pecially due to the nature of such products.
Logistic implies that your merchandise gets fresh and right
on time to your client’s hands; but this concept involves a
series of activities and standards that must be met in order
to fulfill your final goal. Thus, upgrading your processes to
have the best logistics possible, equals success.
Another interesting topic we explore on this edition is the
chance of broadening your commercial opportunities by ex-
porting globally demanded fruits, like mangoes. Although com-
Upgrading
your processes
equals success
mercializing this product may be challenging due to the phyto-
sanitary and quality requirements that must be met, mango
trading can be a very rewarding activity, financially speaking.
Mexico has ideal climate and soil conditions to produce man-
goes, as well as marketing platforms that are internationally
popular, such as the Central de Abasto of Mexico, City. Its enor-
mous facilities hold all kinds of quality produce vendors that
sell their products locally and throughout the world.
The fruit and vegetable trading industry seems to be more
attractive every day, and we are very proud to be part of it.
At AgroExpansión, we also work to meet the highest editorial
standards and we aim to continue being your most helpful
source of information regarding decision making, business
contacts, promotion, and market update.
Sincerely,
ADRIANA ELIZONDO VILLARREAL
staff
General Director
Alberto E. Peña Pedraza
Commercial Director
Adriana Elizondo Villarreal
Translation
Diana Margarita Morales V.
Contributors
Jorge Fonseca
Leonardo Ortega
Wendy McManus
Lic. Fernando Ruiz Huarte
Ing. Juan Nevero
Lic. Raymundo Collins Flores
Eva Enriqueta Vallejo
Radko Tishavsky
Daniela Elizondo Treviño
Laura Elizondo Escobar
Print run
Luis A. Elizondo
Redaction and Style
Martha Hernández
SPECIA. Creatividad Escrita
www.creatividadescrita.com
Editorial Design
BMazul
www.bmazul.com
Art Director
Beba Mier
Design
Cinthia Castañeda Fernández
Cover Photography
iStockPhoto
Photography
Shutterstock
sxc.hu
Subscriptions
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+52 (81) 8850-3830. Monterrey, NL,
México.
ventas@agro-expansion.com
www.agro-expansion.com
AgroExpansión Import Export. Quarterly journal of in-
ternational trade in fruits and vegetables. Editor of the
publication: Adriana Lucero Elizondo Villarreal. All Rights
Reserved.Circulation: 5,000 copies. Distribution Mexico:
Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico City, Michoacan, Vera-
cruz, Sinaloa and Baja California. Distribution USA: Texas,
California, Chicago, NY, Atlanta and Florida. AgroExpansión
considers its sources as reliable and verifies their content
the best way possible, however, there may be errors in the
accuracy of the data so it is up to the reader. Book Number
by the National Institute of Copyright in tramit. Address in
Mexico: Hermosillo# 3312-A Col. Mitras Centro, Monte-
rrey, N.L.CP 64460. Printed in Mexico on March 2010.
Printed by Impresos Artegraf S.A. de C.V. Privada Artemio
Elizondo 1034, Parque Industrial ELICAN, Apodaca, N.L. CP
66603. Distribution in Mexico by SEPOMEX,Ocampo # 500
Pte Col. Centro. Monterrey, N.L. CP 64000. Distribution in
U.S. by USPS, 620 E. Pecan Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501.
index
Opportunities
6. PACA: The Safe Way to Business
8. National Mango Board: The Place to Be!
12. Packaging: More than Just Appearance

Getting there
16. Total Control: How Logistics can Impact your
Success

Face to face
21. Mango: Taste it, love it!

Getting there
26. Mexico on its Way to International Success
30. High Quality Required

Global window
32. Food safety: Why Everybody Talks About It
34. Journal of a Successful Trade
37. The Great Business of Natural Harmony

Agroevents
40. Events Calendar, May-July

Semillero
42. Directory
 OPPORTUNITIES
PACA:
THE SAFE WAY TO BUSINESS
When it comes to importing fresh fruits and vegetables, United States may be
a strict market, but it also has effective regulations that protect the best
interests of all the commercial parties.
I
n order to promote fair trade, the
USDA created the Perishable
Agricultural Commodities Act
(PACA) License: a document
that certifies commercial agreements
between producers, wholesalers, re-
tailers, truckers, and food service firms
(including commission merchants or
brokers, in some cases) who buy or sell
more than 2 thousand pounds of pro-
duce in any given day.
The PACA encourages the participants
of the selling-buying process to act by
the law, meeting the contract clauses
according to the established quality
and ethical standards; PACA also works
as a regulator to solve any dispute that
may occur during the commercial inter-
national activities.
A PACA license gives buyers more
confidence on the seller, as it gua-
rantees that its owner is on the best
disposition to fulfill the contractual
obligations and has no intention
of committing fraudulent activities
during the trading process.
Currently, the PACA license fee is of
approximately $550 USD per year: a
worthy investment that can give you
peace of mind and open many doors
for your products.
One on the main purposes of the PACA
is to avoid commercial disputes; accor-
ding to their statements, the best
way to do this is by assuring that the
participants use and understand co-
mmon terms, such as the FOB (Free
On Board) Incoterm 2000®, since
this kind of sale is the only one that
provides a “warranty of suitable ship-
ping condition”; this assures the buy-
er that the produce will be received
without abnormal deterioration, even
if the merchandise exceeds the limit
of defects established in the US
Grade Standards when it reaches its
destination, understanding that some
damage may be caused during the
shipping process. But if, for example,
a load of mangoes over exceeds the
defect limit, it means that the mer-
chandise was highly defective from
the beginning and the normal dete-
rioration process of the shipping only
made it worse; in cases when ship-
ping conditions are not normal -for
example, when there’s not enough
ventilation or the temperature is very
hot- the warranty doesn’t apply, so the
buyer must pay the shipper and deal
the problem with the carrier.
The PACA uses other important con-
cepts such as “Good Delivery” to des-
cribe the arrival of the merchandise
at the contract destination in suitable

shipping conditions; “Delivered” is
used when produce has to be shipped
at the market specified in the contract, states that the failure to pay timely for
free of transportation charges; “Open”
refers to a sale in which the price has
not been settled. There are many other
interesting terms that help parties ne-
gotiate under common concepts. The
PACA also describes express and im-
plied responsibilities which simplify the
process and make the operation much
clearer for traders.
This act also pays special attention to who have problems getting their pay-
misbranding issues, describing them ment from buyers; they can also provide
as the misrepresentations (by word, act,
label, etc.) of any perishable agricultural
product received, shipped, sold, or of-
fered to be sold internationally. USDA is
deeply concerned about these matters
since they violate the law and constitute
a non-fair trading practice.
As we mentioned on early editions,
prompt payment is extremely important
for North Americans; the PACA clearly
the purchased fruits and vegetables
translates on unfair practices, and vio-
lates the agreements established in
this USDA act. For example, according
to PACA, a prompt pay is the one done
by produce buyers within 10 days from
the day the merchandise was accepted.
Among other services, the PACA repre-
sentatives offer total support to traders
them with assistance on interpreting
contract terms, performing or analy-
zing inspection results, or any other
guidance that may help them solve
commercial disputes.
It also protects suppliers from lack of
payments by customers who suddenly
go out of business or declare bank-
ruptcy; the PACA gives such parties
the opportunity to be eligible for a spe-
cial trust protection, which gives them
a much a better chance to recover
their money.
In general terms, PACA is a “universal
trading code” that helps the leading
players of international commerce
communicate, understand, and act
according to their own responsibili-
ties, improving business practices,
and leading your company towards
global success.
 OPPORTUNITIES

National Mango Board:

The place to be!
Aside from their natur al appeal, mangoes have an important commercial ally:
the National Mango Board (NMB). This association is dedicated to increase con-
sumption of mangoes in the United States, providing guidance and input as well
as creating str ategic promotion activities among retailers, foodservices, and
consumers; they also conduct research progr ams to support this industry.

© 2008 National Mango Board. Photos used by permission of

the National Mango Board. All rights reserved
A
ll of these tasks have to be
completed through funds,
since this commodity board
collects an assessment of ½
cent per pound of mangoes that are im-
ported into the U.S., or grown and sold
domestically. And even though their
budget is limited, they’ve accomplished
great projects. For example, on 2009,
the NMB sponsored a promotion with
Sodexo, a company that provides cafe-
teria services to schools, hospitals, and
corporations. As a result of this promo-
tion, six brand new mango items were
added to Sodexo’s menu, purchasing
over 1.1 million pounds of mangoes. It is important to “educate” the market in terms of ripeness, since most of the final
consumers relate color with flavor and in mangoes’ case, it doesn’t always apply.
Leonardo Ortega and Wendy McManus,
members of the NMB, suggest that the
best way for people of the mango su- “the Mango Crop Forecast is a valuable
pply chain to get involved is to check tool for helping them plan their busi-
out their web site at www.mango.org, ness and maximize their returns”, they
sign up for the Mango Connection email explain.
newsletter as well as for the Mango
Crop Forecast Alert e-mail. “This in- Another useful tool the NMB offers In terms of
formation is updated every 7 to 14
days, and it includes short-term vo-
is the Mango Supplier Database: a
searchable listing that anyone can
increasing the
lume projections for the main coun- use to find new sources for man- volume, the focus
tries that are shipping now or about go.  Retail and foodservice buyers use
to start.  The document also includes it to identify importers or brokers whom
must be on quality
recent volume data and comparisons they might want to buy from; importers
to the previous year, as well as the a- use the database to find new growers
verage high and low prices by port, va- to supply the mangoes. “Anyone who is
riety, and size of mango for the recent interested in being listed in the Mango
weeks.  Industry members tell us that Supplier Database can go to the data-

Mangoes must
have excellent
quality and
flavor to capture
consumers at first
taste
base page at mango.org and click on
the link to download the form.  Once
they fill out, sign, and return the form to
us, their information will be included”,
says Ortega.
When asked about their perspective
on Mexican mangoes, the members of
the NMB state that they’re clearly well
accepted, considering that this coun-
try provides about 60% of the mango
volume that comes into the U.S. “In
terms of increasing the volume, the
focus must be on quality. Consumers
may take a chance and buy a mango
for the first time, but if the mango is
not excellent quality, they will not buy
again”, McManus comments.
Regarding the Work Plan for Mexican
Mango Preclearance Program, the
NBM agrees that the Mexican Mango
industry has done a great job mee-
ting the APHIS requirements, which
has allowed them to become the main
mango exporting country to U.S. “The
import value of the Mango Mexican In-
dustry, from 1993 to 2008, has  grown
approximately 70%”, they inform.
“Mangoes are extremely versatile.  in contact with everyone that is
They are fabulous eaten as a snack or
side, but they also combine well in re-
cipes that are sweet, spicy, or savory”.
This year, the NMB will execute important marketing initiatives timed
to support the Mexican mango season, such as...
A year long program outreach to national magazines, top
The virtual
test kitchen
newspapers, and online editors across the country, designed
to provide in-depth education about mango and its different
levels of ripeness, for each of the top 6 commercial varieties.
Celebrate The host from Food Network’s Simply Delicioso will share
Summer
with Ingrid
some of her favorite mango recipes for a TV segment that will
appear throughout the summer, and she will teach viewers
Hoffman about selection, ripening, and cutting of mangoes.
Mangoes will be featured on a full-page, full-color newspaper
Full-Color article, which will be published in the food sections of major
Newspaper daily newspapers across the country during the Spring and
Feature Summer months; the article is expected to be seen by 8 mi-
llion readers.
The NMB will be working with retailers across the country to
Retail set up effective promotions for mangoes, which will impact
Promotions
the Mexican mango season. 
New materials will be available to educate shoppers about ye-
llow-skinned mangos and green-skinned mangos. These were
New POS
developed in response to retailers who commented that when
Materials
the mangos aren’t red, their sales drop off.
Since the NBM’s budget is too small to effectively buy con-
sumer advertising for a program that has to promote mangos
Consumer year-round and across the country, they will continue working
results from
with the consumer media, since in 2009, such messages
2009
reached consumers over 393 million times…something ex-
tremely cost-effective.
The National Mango Board is not
only a great source of decision-
making information, but the place
to be if you want to be updated and
part of this exquisite industry!
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 OPPORTUNITIES

packaging:
More than just appearance
BY JORGE M. FONSECA

Perhaps pack aging engi-

neers are the least affec-
ted professionals by the
current global financial
crisis. A handful of privi-
leged Universities in the
US –like Clemson, and the
University of Michigan-
continue to produce
gr aduates that are re-
cruited almost immedia-
tely; the reason? Pack a-
ging can be, without a
doubt, the key difference
between great revenues
or big losses.
T
his lies on fundamental as-
pects such as material, and
protection against physical
damage. When it comes to
fruits and vegetables, packaging must
be able to protect the product, facilitate
transport, and increase sales through
its visual impact to the customer.
Losses caused by damage during
transport should not be taken lightly by
any industry of manufactured goods.
The big dilemma? Although the costs
of packaging materials are relatively lo-
wer now than several decades ago, they
are still relatively significant. Packaging
is a key in reducing costs; it protects
the product, and it’s an important part
of the product’s marketing process.
A package is suitable for fruits and
vegetables if it can resist the addi-
tional weight of a certain number of
boxes, and high humidity conditions,
which prevail in the storage of perish-
able fresh produce. An ideal scenario
should also allow airflow to provide
adequate and uniform cooling. Last but
not least, the perfect packaging must
keep the products from moving during
transport, avoiding damage caused by
vibration and/or collision.
Transparent packaging allows final
clients to “fall in love” with the product’s
appearance, and protect it from
damages.
The natural frequency of fruits and
vegetables varies between 12 and 18
hertz; this means that these kind of
fresh products often vibrate or even
bounce. Fortunately, a container truck
with a suspension system in good condi-
tion shows a frequency range between
4-5 hertz. However, when shock absor-
bers fail (by the road’s poor conditions
or other aggravations), the complete
structure of the container is impacted,
and therefore vibrates at a higher fre-
quency, approaching the one of the fruit
and vegetables.
Packaging
Vibration during transport causes fric-
tion between fruits: a problematic issue is a key in
that becomes even more dangerous reducing
when handling delicate produce. This
is the reason why many fruits and ve- costs
getables are transported in separate
compartments or wraps. Wrapping can
make a great difference on the final re-
sults. Some wrapping materials can
Damages during transport can be hard to
detect, since most of the physical impact
that products suffer is not noticed until
several days later.

Vibration during transport causes friction

between fruits: a problematic issue
that becomes even more dangerous when
handling delicate produce.

that the products suffer is not noticed

until several days later. A practical re-
commendation to all producers is to Some
have “samples” of the product, taken
at different handling spots –harvest, horticultural
pre- and post- transport to packaging
location, and at several stages of the
products are
packaging process- in order to deter- more sensible
mine the specific place where damage
is being caused. It would be ideal to than others
reduce this kind of damages more join efforts with the packaging manu-
efficiently than others. Different facturer to create designs that meet all
types of plastic lead to various fric- of the requirements mentioned above.
tion degrees.
It’s worth noticing that there are some
Losses by collision or vibration occur horticultural products that are more
most frequently at the place of produc- sensible than others. Fresh-cut produce
tion, especially when the roads from –for example, melons and pineapples-
the farm to the packing place are in are highly vulnerable to vibration and
poor conditions. The impact of roads subsequent friction. When submitted
and transport systems on the final to these conditions, watermelon cubes fruit, triggering premature aging. This
results can be impressive. Post-crop can produce a large amount of juice, is why -no matter how little impact or
researchers have used electronic sen- and leave the product with an unde- friction there might be during handling-
sor technology on devices shaped like sirable dark color. Ripe fruits and ve- fruits and vegetables can be damaged.
spherical fruits, to measure the physi- getables are more sensible to damage
cal impact the products suffer during caused by friction, which, coupled with It’s crucial to analyze the technical and
transport, and identify the spots where bad temperature management during economical efficiency of the packag-
this damage occurs. The real problem post-harvest can raise the respiration ing when it comes to improve the final
is that most of the physical impact rate and ethylene production of the quality of fruits and vegetables.
 En esta edición
del congreso haremos
un nuevo análisis, que será el punto de
partida de una cruzada en busca
de la productividad perdida
de la horticultura protegida,
así como un crecimiento
ordenado de la industria.

¡Forma parte de la gran

aventura de nuestra asociación!
El futuro sólo permite espacio para aquellos
agricultores que sean productivos.

“ESTA SERÁ LA DÉCADA DE LOS EMPRESARIOS”

 GETTING THERE

total control:
How logistics can impact your success
Logistics play a lead role on international tr ade, especially when it comes to
agricultur al products. It’s a concept that involves everything regarding tr ans-
portation or fleet, the delivery of the merchandise at the agreed place, credit
management, and final payment.
Some of the primary elements of international trade logistics and the
aspects that have a direct impact on them are:

Custom Transport Insurance International

requirements Mode Payment
forms

Logistics involve all of the activities and

procedures that assure the delivery
of the products to the client and their
Financial Trade and
Currency Inflation Support Payment subsequent payment.
Parity Programs Balance

Thus, to have an efficient logistic sys-
tem you also have to get involved on
global finances, or at least, acknow-
ledge and keep updated of the eco-
nomic highlights of the country you’re
exporting to.
Controlling your com-
pany’s logistic can…
●●Increase the quality of your pro-
ducts and the service you provide to
your buyers
●●Minimize shrinkages and stock
●●Reduce operation costs
●●Provide high recovery potential
●●Defer asset investments
Another recommended action for ex-
porters is to thoroughly analyze the dis-
tribution channel of their product: Have
you chosen the best way to get to your
customers? Can you afford investing
on a warehouse that is located abroad
and near big commercial chains in or-
der to reach those clients? Is your cus-
toms broker really helping you?
Fast forward the process
Other leading players in international
trade logistics are freight forwarders.
Since transportation is the most sig-
nificant expense of this process,
exporters should not only analyze
every alternative carefully, but also try
to keep a history that allows them to
anticipate shipping requirements and
combine new options: Can you hire a
slower mode of transportation in order
to reduce your costs?
A forwarding company can provide you
with an array of services that facilitate
supply chain management as well as
help you solve issues in a more eco-
nomic and efficient manner. But, be-
fore you hire one, look around, ask for
quotes and –if possible- recommenda-
tions of the diverse options; choose the
one with better costs and more exper-
tise on the handling of your products.
Foreign Affairs
Some of the ways of
having presence on your
client’s country are…
A) Through correspondents: this is a
friendly and convenient relationship
between two parties of different com-
panies and countries, in order to gather
important information that can facili-
tate decision-making in every way.

International trade is about establishing B) By connection: national exporters

convenient relationships with global or contact a buying central abroad or a
extra-local parties: most of the success- chamber of commerce, to embrace op- Profitable exporting
ful and consolidated exporters have
been on the market for years and have
portunities and obtain substantial eco-
nomic benefits.
has to do with
survived a recognition, selection, and buying where
elimination process of diverse brokers. c) By concession: exporters concede
the representation of their products there’s a lot... and
Another key element of the logistic
chain is the exporter’s financial sup-
and brand to an agent or agency abroad
(on commission), in order to promote
selling where there’s
port. Mexican banks and credit institu-
tions ask for too many guarantees in
and increase their sales in that country. not
order to provide credit, so most of the d) By contract: the exporter hires a
big companies have obtained it either physical or legal person to offer the
by an American bank endorsed by their product on certain market, in order
commercial partner/broker, or through to generate purchasing orders. In this
private resources. case, the exporter can establish condi-
tions and tasks to the representative,
Say you’ll be there… such as certain number of weekly visits Putting your product in the eyes of the
final client in an appealing way is also
An ideal exporting flow must be to clients, regular reports, etc. an essential logistic factor that can
planned, continuous, and profitable. determine the permanence and success
of your business.
Generally, the importer demands great
quantities of products, which leads the
producer to buy and store the product
for its shipping. Some of them even
have to invest more on technology, hu-
man resources and facilities. Merchan-
dise can be damaged when it gets to
the importer’s hands, which may lead
to non-payments or discounts that af-
fect the exporter, who has no way of
verifying the damage, unless he gets
there fast or has a representative
abroad. This is why having an office or
a trusted contact on your client’s city is
a good choice…it gives you control.

the supply chain: suppliers, warehouses,
e) By extension: The exporter’s com-
pany installs an office or a warehouse
on the commercial partner’s country,
but it doesn’t function as a new com-
pany, just as a subsidiary. Such action
demands a greater investment, but it
also gives the exporter total control of
trading logistics. This can mean hiring
extension workers from the product’s
destination country, who can assist
farmers and producers in improving
their activities through applied scien-
ce and enhanced productivity.
Have you
considered hiring
outsourcing
support?
Brokers can be really helpful when it
comes to positioning your product in
places like supermarkets, which have
really strict quality and freshness
standards.
Effective logistics include every step of
transport, distribution, retailers and
customers.
f) By association: A new company is
created in the importing country, with
the exporter’s support and local capital
in order to distribute the products.
Foreign extension on the importing coun-
try is a great asset that must be evaluated
by new or existing producers.
Whether you’re starting your busi-
ness or you’re a consolidated ex-
porter, we suggest you ask yourself:
●●AmI using the best transport
mode?
●●How much does it cost?
●●How do I know this is the most
appropriate vendor for me?
●●Who is helping me manage my
operations?
●●DoI need to lower costs? If so,
what are my options?
●●Should I hire an outsourcing
logistics company?
Key elements of international
trade logistics.
Excellent customer service
1 and relations
Effective offer vs.
2 demand management
Timely and complete
3
merchandise shipping
4 Accurate product stocking
5 Commercialization of products
Correct refund handling for
6
returned merchandise
Help from an outer-
source
You want your product to reach its
destination timely, at best quality, and
with minimal risk…have you conside-
red hiring outsourcing support? An
experienced company can advise you
on the best and most economic ways
to get your product from your loading
dock, (by truck, ocean, rail, parcel, air
or intermodal transportation) through
inspection, onto local transport, and to
your customer.
These companies usually have experts
who know how to get through unfore-
seen contingencies. Some of them pro-
vide integrated transportation manage-
ment and trade solutions that prevent
custom delays as well as fines and pe-
nalties. They can also “clear your view”
by helping you calculate accurate total
landed costs and lower other adminis-
trative and logistic expenses. Investing
on logistics, either by outsourcing com-
panies or internally, is a crucial step that
can give you peace of mind, but most
importantly, a win-win negotiation which
translates into commercial success.
 FACE TO FACE

mango:
taste it,
love it!
Fresh, sweet, and delicious: mangoes repre-
sent an irresistible commercial opportunity
for producers all over the world. This
tropical fruit offers exquisite options and
is very attr active to final consumers. A
mango’s weight can vary from 4 ounces to 3
pounds; they were first cultivated in India
which nowadays is their largest producer,
along with countries like China, Mexico,
Pakistan, Indonesia and Br azil.
 O
f the various forms in which
this exotic fruit can be eaten,
there’s one gaining extreme
popularity among North American
consumers: processed mango. The
imports of this product have been in-
creasing over the past years in the Uni-
ted States and seem to have a bright
future, especially due to loyal ethnic
markets like Asians and Hispanic Ame-
ricans. Imports to Europe, North Ame-
rica, the Middle East, and Japan have
grown enormously in the past years
due to popular demand. International
trade of mangoes is dominated by red
varieties, such as Tommy Atkins and
Kent, since their color and texture is
more appealing to final consumers and
they’re also more resistant to transport
and handling. However, global markets
have been gradually opening to yellow
and green varieties, which are smaller
but sweeter.

In Mexico, mango is the third most im-

portant agricultural product for expor-
tation after banana and orange. This
fruit is now widely harvested and dis-
tributed, mainly throughout the coast-
line in places like Veracruz, Sinaloa,
Oaxaca, Nayarit, Michoacan, Guerrero,
Chiapas, Jalisco, and Colima; these
Marketing specialists states concentrate 94% of the total
suggest retailers
production. In this country, mangoes
place most fragrant
are primarily exported on varieties such
ripe mangoes in
large, visible displays,
In Mexico, as Tommy (41%), Kent (20%), Haden
so that their aroma
can capture the
mango is the third (18%), Ataulfo (14%) and Keitt (9%).

consumer’s senses.
most important United States is the main mango im-
porter, with 285,000 tons per year,
agricultural product which represent 40.75% of the global
for exportation after purchases. Unfortunately, due to regu-
lations and restrictions, Mexico only
banana and orange exports –annually- 202 thousand of
its 1.7 million tons of mango to this
country. Producers must be certified
in order to export mangoes to the US,
United States is the Although United States
is the biggest mango
first mango importer, importer, this fruit is
gaining popularity all
with 255,000 tons over the world.

per year

and many of them still lack this permit.

Packing companies play a major role
Mexican Mango varieties distribution
in exporting these fruits; it’s them who
buy the mangoes and contact the buy- 9
ers in the US through brokers, who sell
Keitt
them to terminal markets. 14 Ataulfo

Other countries that import mangoes 18 Haden Most consumers

prefer red varieties
on a regular basis are the Arabic Emi-
rates (6.6%), China- Hong Kong (5.61%), because they think
France (5.3%), Malaysia (4.41%), Ger-
many (4.04%), United Kingdom (3.82%),
20 Kent color determines
sweetness.

41
Belgium (2.79%) and Singapore (2.62%).
Tommy
Good for you!
According to a USDA study, the varie-
ties of mangoes imported to the United countries that import mangoes
States offer consumers a new natural
source of beta carotene, vitamin C, and Unspecified
more vitamin A than most fruits.
24.04
2.62 Singapore
Strong roots… Although United States Belgium 2.79
3.82 United Kingdom
is the biggest mango Germany 4.04
Mangoes can be grown on a wide range importer, this fruit is 4.41 Malaysia
of soil types, from light sandy loams gaining popularity all
France 5.3
5.61 China-Hong Kong
to red clay soils. Deep, rich, and well over the world. Arabic 6.6
Emirates
drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5
provide the best fruit quality. Mangoes
40.75 United States
 Mangos Scientific Classification

Kingdom Plantae

Division Angiospermae

Class Magnoliopsida
Mangoes are native
to southern Asia
Order Sapindales but quickly spread
to eastern Asia
and eastern Africa.
Family Anacardiaceae Nowdays, they are
harvested on many
countries around the
Genus Mangifera
globe.

Species
Origin South and Southeast Asia
are best adapted to hot, dry areas (24
to 27 degrees Celsius) that receive less
than 60 inches of rainfall annually, in
order to prevent anthracnose disease,
although supplemental irrigation is de-
sirable for highest yields. During the
flowering period, dry weather works
best for the production of these fruits,
which mature three to five months af-
ter flowers start to blossom. The trees
should be protected from strong winds
that can damage the flowers, although
they must not be shaded.
Harvested and selected mangoes are
most commonly packed on 9 pound
cardboard boxes, either foldable or
telescopic; each box holds from 7 to 26
mangoes, organized on a single level,
and protected with wrappers or cross-
bars. They can also be covered with
a special wax coating. Mangoes’ best
ripe is achieved at room temperature,
especially if they’re placed near other
ethylene-producing fruits. Their shelf
life is from 7 to 14 days on a minimum
temperature of 12.7 degrees Celsius.
Indica
The flesh of a mango
is juicy and holds a
pleasant flavored
fruit; its fibers tend to
be more pronounced
when harvested
Flavor, all year round! with hard water and
chemical fertilizers.
Mangoes are available almost every sea-
son, but especially between February and
August. Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela are
major suppliers during winter, while Mexi-
co, India, and the Philippines produce
them during spring and summer.
Mexican Mango Season:
Haden: March-May
Kent: June-September
Keith: June- September
Tommy Atkins: March- July
Ataulfo: February-June
Marketing specialists suggest retailers
place most fragrant ripe mangoes in
large, visible displays, so that their aro-
ma can capture the consumer’s senses.
They can also be shown sliced with chili
for the clients to taste and include tips
on their labels or signs, such as “How to
tell if a mango is ripe?”…this can also
help them acknowledge that mangoes
can be ripe, even if they’re green.
Mango, raw
Nutritional value per 100g (3.5 oz)
Energy 272 kJ (65 kcal)

Carbohydrates 17.00 g

Sugars 14.8 g

Dietary fiber 1.8 g

Fat 0.27 g Nowadays, mangoes

represent a great com-
Protein .51 g
mercial opportunity for
Vitamin A. equiv. 38 µg (4%) exporters. A successful
Beta-carotene 445 µg (4%) tr ade will depend on
aspects such as lowering
Thiamine (Vit. B1) 0.058 mg (4%)
tr ansport costs, impro-
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.057 mg (4%) ving the product’s shelf
Niacin (Vit. B3) 0.584 mg (4%) life, and the combined
effort of all parties to
Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.160 mg (3%)
build an integr ated and
Vitamin B6 0.134 mg (10%) healthy image of this
Folate (Vit B9) 14 µg (4%) fruit to increase its de-
27.7 mg (46%)
mand.
Vitamin C
Calcium 10 mg (1%)
Percentages are relative to US recommendations for adults.
Source: USDA Nutrients Database
 GETTING THERE

mexico on its way to

international
success
Exporting can seem like a complex task, but the right attitude can lead you
wherever you want to go.
A
s for Mexican producers and
entrepreneurs, there are se-
veral organizations willing to
help when it comes to ex-
porting to the United States and all over
the world: the Consejo Empresarial
Mexicano de Comercio Exterior, In-
versión y Tecnología A.C. (COMCE) is
one of them, and a very important one,
considering the impact that their efforts
have on Mexican trading regulations.
Their main goal is to work together to
simplify this commercial activity, and to
promote national products abroad.
Mexico’s exports are expected to in-
crease 20% at the end of this year, and
even though this country is one of the
leading fruit and vegetable suppliers
for the United States, local exporters
still face important challenges, espe-
cially when it comes to financial sup-
port, technology, and fulfillment of phy-
tosanitary standards and certifications.
COMCE’s primary job is to incorporate
businesses to international trading;
in order to do so, they have two large
service areas: the first one is focused
on foreign trade and is divided by geo-
graphic regions; the second one is
a Mexican-North American business
men committee, created to establish
commercial liaisons between both
countries. COMCE also schedules spe-
cial visits to other countries, along with
Mexico’s President, Felipe Calderón.
They recently went on a mission to Ja-
Producers must be
there with farmers,
in order to pack
freshly harvested and
selected merchandise.
pan, where approximately 50 business
men traveled to promote Mexican pro-
ducts in that country.
According to COMCE’s Technical Direc-
tor, Fernando Ruiz Huarte, Mexican
farmers and producers must work as a
team from the beginning: the farmers’
work might be excellent, but if produ-
cers are not familiar with the specific
fruit requirements, merchandise will
be turned down at the border; on the
other hand, there’s no use on being an
expert on trading matters and having
state of the art technology and refri-
gerating systems, if the product wasn’t
harvested as it should, or if the orchard
isn’t certified by the USDA.
As it turns out, it all comes down to
logistics. Ruiz explains that producers
must be there with farmers, in order to
pack freshly harvested and selected
FAO, 2003. The complete document can be
found at www.bpi.da.gov.ph
merchandise, using products, treat-
ments, and refrigeration systems that
guarantee quality, as well as a larger
shelf life”. He also suggests hiring an
outsourcing logistics company, since
“It’s cheaper than creating your own in-
frastructure and their expertise can be
really helpful to deliver your product to
your clients right on time and accord-
ing to the quality, phytosanitary, labe-
ling, and packaging standards.” In or-
der to reduce logistic costs, COMCE
maintains permanent contact with
Mexican authorities, proposing new

Mexican
farmers and
producers
must work as a
team from the
beginning

ways to simplify trading regulations and Hiring an outsourcing logistics company,

border crossing. They also have pro- it’s cheaper than creating your own
infrastructure and their expertise can be
grams to help companies certify all of
really helpful.
their processes, so Mexican products
are easier to export.

Finally, Ruiz states that exporters must
have deep knowledge about every step
of the supply chain, especially about
the distribution of such merchandise.
He highlights the importance of having
a local representative on the United
States that can “move” your product
while it’s fresh, help you solve any issues
that may come, and provide your clients
good service and follow up.
Mexico is a rich country on natural re-
sources; its international economic
development depends on the govern-
ment’s support towards financial pro-
grams and technology, as well as on
the ability of people to work together in
order to provide this competed market
with the best quality products.
Source:
Interview with Lic. Fernando Ruiz Huarte,
Technical Director, COMCE (Consejo Em-
presarial Mexicano de Comercio Exterior,
Inversión y Tecnología A.C.) www.comce.
org.mx
 GETTING THERE

High Quality
required
The growth on Mexican man-
goes’ popularity can be a plus
when it comes to international
tr ade and br and positioning,
but exporting this fruit re-
quires a special effort.

Especially since the US government According to SAGARPA (Secretaría de

Meeting these strict hygiene
and quality standards gives
confidence to your clients
and can increase your
product’s demand.
created the “Work Plan for Mexican
Mango Preclearance Program”,
which states a series of requirements
producers must meet in order to co-
mmercialize mangoes in that country.
The fulfillment of these standards deter-
mines the certification of their orchards,
and therefore, their right to export.
Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Ru-
ral, Pesca y Alimentación), due to these
restrictions, only 11.6% of the Mexican
mango production reaches the North
American consumers; moreover, only
9 from a total of 23 states in Mexico
that produce this fruit are certified to
export it.

The program must be performed under
the supervision of the United States
department of Agriculture, Animal and
Plant Health Inspection International
Service officials (APHIS IS); as for Mexi-
can mango producers and packers,
their official representative for this pro-
cess is Empacadoras de Mango de Ex-
portación A.C. (EMEX).
USDA justifies these standards under
the premise that the damages that the
Mexican fruit fly and other of the Anas-
trepha complex cause on mangoes can
be really harmful for human health and
contaminate other fruits. This is why
any mango that may show the presence
of this insect must be placed on qua-
rantine and treated through hot water
immersion to kill pests. Such process
Only 11.6% of the
Mexican mango
production reaches
the North American
customers
must be performed in a special isola-
ted area within the producer’s facilities.
Some people argue that this kind of
immersion affects the fruits’ quality; in
order to preserve the mangoes’ fresh-
ness and avoid premature ripeness
after going through the hot water pro-
cess, experts from mango.org reco-
mmend applying effective cooling tech-
niques, such as immediate sanitized
hydro-cooling at 21-22 degrees Celsius
for approximately 30 minutes, depen-
ding on the size of the fruit; they also
suggest packaging the products imme-
diately after cooling, and keeping accu-
rate temperature control on the whole
handling and transport process.
The standards in Phytosanitary measure No. 5 assure that such fruits are not
only ripe and tasty, but free from any harmful germs, insects of bacteria.
As for logistic purposes, USDA’s docu-
ment pays special attention on the
treatment of wood-packing materials,
explaining they can be easily contami-
nated, and therefore must meet Inter-
national Standard for Phytosanitary
Measures No. 15 and be stamped with
certification seal.
What is International
Standard for Phytosani-
tary Measure No. 15?
A rule that describes the measures that
are approved and that may be applied
to wood packaging material by all coun-
tries to practically eliminate the risk for
most quarantine pests and significantly
reduce the risk from a number of other
pests that may be associated with that
material.
These measures include Heat Treatment
and Methyl bromide (MB) fumigation.
The fulfillment of the standards of this
document represent an important in-
vestment for mango exporters, since
their facilities must be equipped with
automatic sizers, two temperature sen-
sors –minimum- per tank in the batch
system, and at least ten sensors in the
continuous system. Besides, producers
must provide in advance, all of the ne-
cessary funding for the treatment and
preclearance activities.
The silver lining is that North American
consumers now have more confidence
on the fact that they’re buying the best
of the best when it comes to Mexican
mangoes. These standards assure that
such fruits are not only ripe and tasty,
but free from any harmful germs, in-
sects, or bacteria, which may result on
legal issues and losses. Meeting the
program requirements is a must and
will help exporting companies establish
themselves as high quality mango pro-
ducers.
FAO, 2003. The complete document can be
found at www.bpi.da.gov.ph
 GLOBAL WINDOW

Food safety:
why everyone talks about it
by Ing. Juan Nevero

If you have something to do with the
production and handling of fruits and
vegetables, you obviously know about
food safety. But, what is it really about?
First of all, this issue is a common concern; it’s our right as
consumers to demand safe and quality food and beverages.
The truth is that such demands aren’t always fulfilled. Food-
transmitted diseases represent a big public health problem
that carries consequences that impact the countries and
regions on different levels. Evidently, developed countries
carry a minor risk, but they are not exempt. Despite all the
efforts to create procedures that guarantee food’s safety, we
still have a long way to go.
It’s very common to hear the terms “food security” and
“food safety” indistinctively, which is why it’s important to
establish the difference between them. According to the
FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), “Food security
exists when all people, at all times, have physical and
economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food
that meets their dietary needs and food preferences
for an active and healthy life.” Food safety, on the other
hand, refers to the quality of the products, and the
assurance that they will cause no harm to the consu-
mers. It’s also worth noticing that safety is a component –
the most important one- of food quality. It’s now established
that “food security” and “food safety” have different denota-
tions, and that they are directly connected.
For practical reasons and in order to establish effective pro-
cedures to guarantee food safety, all damages are classified
in 3 types of hazards -biological, chemical, and physical-
which have been mostly listed and identified. In many cases,
critical experiences in which people have been harmed or
worse, due to the consumption of specific agents have been
detonators to such acknowledgements. On the other hand,
all cases of excessive or deficient food consumption, as
well as a poor balance of nutrients, and eating certain pro-
ducts against medical advice, are excluded. Allergens have
attracted exceptional attention to the field of food safety;
someone who is allergic to a specific aliment must be able to
identify all of the products that contain such ingredient. Fur-
thermore, there are other factors involved in the level of risk
in consumption. For example, raw food represents a higher
risk, given the biological hazards implicated (like microor-
ganisms.) It all adds up to a task no less than complicated. A
clever analysis becomes necessary, based on scientific facts
There is evidence that pollution and possible causes of
illness or death can occur at any stage, from the farm to
the table.
Each of the
actors in the
marketing chain
must follow
the right
procedures
to ensure and
mantain food
safety
and principles. “Risk analysis” is a term keyed by the Ha-
zard Analysis and Critical Control Points System (HACCP)
that requires the compliance of Good Manufacturing Prac-
tices (GMP), another important term in this context.
The law that governs the food safety guidelines is that of pre-
vention. That’s why each of the actors in the marketing chain
–from primary producers to consumers- must follow the right
procedures to ensure and maintain food safety. The popu-
lar complaint among producers and food handlers is “why
worrying so much about food safety, if ultimately the consu-
mers themselves do not wash their hands and get sick for
reasons that have nothing to do with it?” Regarding this as-
pect, there is evidence that pollution and possible causes
of illness or death can occur at any stage, from the farm to
the table.
Clearly, food safety comes with a monetary price, but not
having it could mean a more risky business. The estimated
economic loss of one of the most widespread cases of an
illness outbreak caused by food was of 100 million dollars,
shared by all agents along the supply chain, from producers
to consumers. What is worse, many families were seriously
affected. Food safety is an ethical principle that must be
highlighted in the mission, vision, and quality policy of
any company in this market.
 GLOBAL WINDOW

Journal of
A SUCCESSFUL TRADE
It’s the biggest terminal market –not only in Latin America- but in the whole
world: the Centr al de Abasto of Mexico City starts working at 2:00AM, when
trucks arrive unloading their fresh fruits and vegetables and setting their pri-
ces according to the supply-demand guidelines.
W
holesale starts at approximately 3:00AM
by containers, closed trucks, and harvests.
Those producers who have a warehouse
will continue selling throughout the day;
restaurant owners, small and medium merchants, super-
market workers…they all walk through the colorful aisles,
searching for the perfect food selection.

The Central de Abasto was founded in 1982 and its central

axis measures more than 2 kilometers; it works through a
trust fund, whose mission is to guarantee the supply –in the
best timeline and conditions- of products to consumers in
Mexico and abroad, as well as the modernization of the infras-
tructure and product flow regulation to benefit producers, se-
llers, and final clients.

But, what is the secret behind the success of the ven-

dors, who have been part of this commercial activity
for almost 30 years and that –currently- supply more
than 20 million of direct and indirect consumers?
Mr. Raymundo Collins Flores, Director and General Manager
of the Central de Abasto of Mexico City, states that quality
and hygiene are their most important values, since the
clients are guided by such assets to make their purchases.
As an example, he recalls that during the H1N1 sanitary cri-
sis, they didn’t have one single flu case in their facilities.

In his opinion, Mexico has ideal climate conditions for har-

vesting, which makes this country a perfect trading partner
of products such as tomatoes, onions, pepper, dried chilies,
watermelons, among others.

Quality and hygiene are two of the values that vendors

in the Central de Abasto have been practicing for over
27 years.

“Our merchants seek their own international clients

through logistic activities; however, we promote our
products and services on diverse forms. We are part of
the Unión Mundial de Mercados (World Union of WholeSale
Markets), who recognize us as the biggest produce market in
the world, followed by the ones established in Rungis, France
and Mercasa, Madrid”, he explains, adding that, throughout
2009, they appeared in important Mexican TV shows with
international diffusion, such as “Hoy” (Televisa) and through
Merchant’s are aware of the phytosanitary regulations
that must be met in order to commercialize such fruits
and vegetables to North America.

teasers on the News Program “Hechos” (TV Azteca). He ex-

presses his optimism on Mexican exports growth during this
year, stating that “A 10% increase is desirable, though cli-
mate unexpected phenomenon, as well as credit restrictions
caused by the global economic situation, make this difficult
to predict”.

Collins suggests that, in order to succeed, producers must

be upgrade their processes according to the ever chan-
ging needs of the final consumers, assuring quality and
freshness, having an efficient transport company, and
–specially- hiring an insurance policy to cover eventua-
lities, since this can carry big expenses for the company.
“Investing in technology can be really profitable, consider-
ing that this can help you reduce costs and make processes
even more efficient”, he adds.

Among the varieties exported to the United States from this

produce market, vendors report that papayas, bananas,
grapefruits, Italian pumpkins, eggplants, celeries, and arti-
chokes are the most popular products. Merchants are aware
of the phytosanitary regulations that must be met in order to
commercialize such fruits and vegetables to North America;
complying with the USDA standards makes their products
even more appealing for local clients.

Some of the challenges that Collins perceive for Mexican

producers include establishing successful liaisons with inter-
national buyers, meeting all of the quality standards, taking
advantage of custom tariffs, and being part of electronic
commerce to make the world aware of the country’s natural
richness.

“Being part of the Central de Abasto of Mexico City is a

plus when it comes to making business, since it implies
you are part of something big”, he ends, proudly.

Source:
Interview with Eng. Raymundo Collins Flores, Director and General
Manager of Central de Abasto of Mexico City
GLOBAL WINDOW

The great business of

natural
harmony
by R adko Tichavsky

Organic agriculture is a growing

industry; as time goes by, more and
more consumers show special con-
cern about their health and relate
chronic degener ative diseases with
the consumption of agricultur al
chemical products.
 Both plants and animals are living
beings that perceive the outside
world; they communicate with each
other and interact actively with the
environment… recognizing this fact
has important advantages. While tra-
ditional agricultural producers suffer
from the supply’s fluctuations, organic
producers present a somewhat cons-
tant demand surplus; their market is
more select, the final consumers have
better purchasing power, they rarely
change their preferences, and they are
willing to recognize quality in a clean,

W
hen choosing between spending their money ecological product.
Switching to
an organic on medical bills, or in a safe agricultural pro-
system requires duct, we’ll find that many consumers will pick The main concern among organic pro-
important the second option; this market is willing to pay a little ex- ducers is keeping the product’s quality,
changes tra in exchange of the guarantee of clean, nutritious, and even at the expense of quantity.
regarding
chemical-free food.
agricultural They are well aware that humans are
practices and
Here lays a very interesting business opportunity to all or- part of a living chain: diseased, unba-
demands
new thinking ganic-food producers and exporters: US organic market is lanced soil translates into diseased
schemes. the largest in the world in terms of consumption, but its plants; the consumption of these plants
production capacity is below this important demand. by animals and human beings repre-
sents potential risks to our health, cau-
Switching from a conventional production system to sing chronic, degenerative diseases.
an organic system requires important changes re-
garding agricultural practices, input, handling, dea-
ling with operators and workers: it demands new
thinking schemes.

A traditional producer eliminates pests with agrochemi-

cals; if the pest is annihilated right after the chemicals are An organic producer
applied, he will consider the results satisfactory. He thinks
of the pest as a potential danger. An organic producer, on
knows that the best
the other hand, understands that the best way to avoid way to avoid pests
pests and diseases is to keep plants and animals in an
adequate state of hygiene and nutrition; this implies ta- is to keep plants in
king care of the soil, performing crop rotation, and handling
animal’s stress by providing them enough space to move
an adequate state
around freely. of hygiene and
Pests occur when the organisms suffer from a nutritional nutrition
imbalance, and find themselves under stress.
 Their market is more
Soil rich in organic materials, full of life, generates ba-
lanced plants, healthy animals, and finally, health for us.
select, have better
While conventional producers consider soil as a simple
purchasing power and
substrate –a media to add more chemicals and fertilizers rarely change preferences.
to the plant-, organic producers consider soil as a living
organism, a dynamic system of smaller living organisms
that coexist with the very plant; the vitality of the rest of the
bio-system will depend on the energy of the soil.

Organic farms often use multiple crops, combining se-
veral different types of plants in a single plot; this way,
the smell of some scented plants repels insects and
prevents pests, avoiding the use of agrochemicals.
Traditional milk producers use antibiotics; organic produ-
cers resolve this problem using homeopathic solutions that
have proved to be quite satisfactory.
Those who decide to switch from a traditional production
system, to an organic one, should know that the transition
might take up to two or even three years. This will give time
to the soil and animals to re-establish their balance; pro-
duction might slow down during the first stages.
After you get certified as an official organic producer, you
will see a huge window of business opportunities, but per-
haps the most important one consists
on transforming your own life, to live in
harmony with nature.
Organic production and export is an ex-
cellent business advantage, because
it responds directly to the consumers’
demand… people who are willing to re-
ward the efforts of producing and mar-
keting healthy and chemical-free ve-
getables, meat, eggs, milk, and several
other products.
Harmonizing with nature is definitely
a great plus, and an excellent invest-
ment that will benefit your pocket,
and your quality of life.

www.agro-expansion.com

AgroExpansion provides experts of the fruits

and vegetables industry with accur ate
information regarding the sector, in order
to help them accomplish a major interna-
tional expansion.

To find out more about AgroExpansión in

print and online, contact Adriana Elizondo.
ventas@agro-expansion.com

Ph. USA *1 (956) 537-9459

Ph. MX (81) 8850-3830
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 Producer Packager
nuevo Leon
Distribuidora Mexicana de Cítricos
S. de R.L. de C.V.
Carretera Nacional km 221 s/n, Loma Prieta,
Montemorelos, N.L. 67610
Ph. 52 +(826) 110 4185 / 69 / 75 /96
Website: www.dimeci.com
Contact: Alfonso Javier Saldivar Salazar
E-mail: dimeci@hotmail.com
Products: Orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lemon.
Export destination: Worldwide (USA, Canada, Japan,
Argentina, Holland, etc.)
Pedraza Distribuidora
Av. Los Angeles Ote.#1000 Bod. 89, 43, 321. Col.
Garza Cantu, San Nicolas de los Garza, N.L. 66480
Ph. 52 +(81) 8351 0225 / 8351 2070
Website: www.pedrazadistribuidora.com.mx
Contact: Fidel Pedraza Obregón / Max Carbajal
Sepúlveda
Products: tomato, poblano pepper, morron pepper,
jalapeño pepper, serrano pepper, onion, green
tomato.
Export destination: USA
Promotora Mexicana Gaitán,
S.A de C.V.
Av. Los Angeles #1000, Bod. 156, Col. Garza Cantu,
San Nicolas de los Garza, NL. 66480
Ph. 52+ (81) 8331 1041 / 8331 3784
Website: www.promega.com.mx
Contact: Miguel Angel Gaitan Ramírez
E-mail: promegamty@promega.com.mx
Products: Strawberry, lemon, avocado, papaya,
blackberry, raspberry.
Export destination: USA
Proveedora de Frutas Cavi,
S.A de C.V.
Francisco Gonzalez Bocanegra #1020,
Col. Del Norte, Monterrey, N.L. 64500
Ph. 52+ (81) 5000 5353
Website: www.frutascavi.com
Contact: Ing.Tancredo Vidal García
E-mail: tancredovidal@frutascavi.com
Products: papaya, banana, mango, pineapple golden
Export destination: USA
texas
ACE Customs Broker, Inc
2201 N. 10th. St., Hidalgo, TX. 78557
Ph. +1 (956) 843-9601
Contact: Armando Flores
E-mail: aflores@acecustomsbroker.com
Website: www.acecustomsbroker.com
Services: U.S. Customs Services, Warehousing
Service, Transfer Service, Importations/Exportation
Central de Abastos de McAllen
McAllen, TX
Ph. +1 (956) 630-5255
Service: Lease Warehouse / Renta de Bodegas
Distributor
Dry Produce Division USA, LLC
5800 S. 42 St. Suite G, McAllen, Tx. 78503
Ph. (956) 522 0568
Website: www.diprodesa.com
E-mail: albertopp@diprodesa.com
Products: Dried chili pepper, tamarind, corn husk,
hibiscus flower, piloncillo, dried fruit, garlic
IFCO SYSTEMS
1919 Trophy Drive, McAllen, TX. 78504
Ph. (956) 631-3397
Website: www.ifcosystems.com
Contact: Genaro Elizondo
E-mail: genaro.elizondo@ifcosystems.com
Products: RPC Services and Pallets
Limex Sicar
1501 E Texano Dr. Hidalgo, TX. 78557
Ph. +1 (956) 843 6080
Website: www.limexsicar.com
www.sicar.com.mx
Contact: Luis Jorge Gudiño
E-mail: lgudino@limexsicar.com
Products: Mexican lime, Persian lime, avocado,
coconut, tamarind
Ruiz Sales
P.O. Box 3421, Edinburg, TX 78540
Ph. +1 (956) 381 1400
(877) 707-7300
Website: www. ruizsales.com
Contact: Richard Ruiz
E-mail: richard@RuizSales.com
Products: Tropical fruits, citrus, vegetables and
fruitsalisco
JALISCO
Conwed Plastics Mexico. S de RL de CV
Gabino Barreda 1005, Col. las Conchas,
Guadalajara, Jal. 44460
Ph. 52+ (33) 3003-8097
1042-9089
Contact: Eduardo Espinoza
E-mail: eduardo.espinoza@conwedplastics.com
Products: Packaging (Header Bag), label and Mesh rolls.
Export destination: USA and South America
Consultoría Integral Nexus SC
Centro Comercial y de Negocios Plaza Bonita: Av.
México 3370 Int. 3 A Prima, Col. Monraz, Guadalajara.
Ph. + 52 (33) 3813 5911
Website: www.nexusweb.com.mx
Contact: Customer Service
E-mail: contacto@nexusweb.com.mx
Products: avocado, pineapple, lemon, mangoes,
blueberries, blackberries, etc.
Services
MICHOACÁN
West Pak de Mexico
Carr. Uruapan-Carapan 5300 Col. La Basilia Urua-
pan, Michoacan 60015
Ph. 52+ (452) 519 8000
Fax. (452) 519 8009
Website: www.westpakmexico.com
Contact: Jose Luis Lara
E-mail: grupo@westpakmexico.com
Products: avocado, organic avocado
Export destination: Canadá, Korea, USA, Europe,
Hong Kong, Japan
Orofrut, S.A. de C.V.
Libramiento Periban-Buena Vista km 7, Col. Periban
de Ramon. Periban, Michoacán, 60440
Ph. +52 (354) 551 1698
Website: www.orofrut.com.mx
Contact: Diego Orozco Esparza
E-mail: diego.orozco@orofrut.com.mx
Products: avocado
Export destination: USA , Canada, Europe, Costa
Rica, Japan
ZACATECAS
AgroZacatecas
Av. Nueva Celaya 102 C Fracc. Las Haciendas,
Zacatecas, Zacatecas, 98000
Ph. +52 (492) 154 3066
Website: www.agrozacatecas.com
Contact: Adrian Campos
E-mail: agrozacatecas@yahoo.com
Products: Chili peppers, beans, fresh vegetables,
garlic, fruits and veggies.
Export destination: USA
ILLINOIS
La Garita de San Luis, Inc.
3612 W. Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL 60624
Ph. +1 (773) 722 7937 /722 7948
Contact: Amador Acosta
Products: Beef, pork meat, chicken, vegetables
chiapas
Integradora de Frutas Finas
Soconusco, S.A. de C.V.
Carretera a Puerto Madero Km 1.2 “Local A”, Col.
Centro Tapachula, Chiapas, 30700
Ph. +52 (962) 628 - 5399
Website: www.mangoataulfo.com.mx
Contact: Amberto Bautista Blanca
Products: Mangoes (Ataulfo, Tommy Atkins, Haden,
Keitt and Oro)
Export destination: USA, Canada