It was a very hot and dry summer in Mexico, but there's optimism for the country's winter vegetable programs. "We are hoping for good rainfall from now on until December," says JC Myers with SunFed Perfect Produce. At a national level, the country continues to deal with a water shortage, affecting the availability of drinking water in the big cities as well as availability of irrigation water for fruit and vegetable growers.
Organic Roma tomatoes
SunFed's winter vegetable program this winter is rooted in measured growth. The company's expertise is in squash, eggplant, and slicing cucumbers. These core items are followed by green bell peppers, green beans and tomatoes. While SunFed doesn't consider itself a big tomato house, the company does offer Roma and Grape tomatoes and is expanding into organic Roma tomatoes. "It is a complementary item to our full line of organics," commented Myers. "Our customers prefer to limit the number of suppliers and have been asking us for organic Roma tomatoes. It is our goal to put solid programs together for them."
The company's crops are grown in multiple regions in Mexico. "We do our best to create overlap by growing in two or three different production regions. Having multiple growing points allows us to ensure we are able to fulfill our contractual obligations. The company has distribution centers in San Diego, CA, Nogales, AZ, McAllen, TX, and recently added Dallas, TX.
Left: SunFed eggplant. Right: JC Myers.
Limited labor availability
Apart from water availability, farm inputs like labor remain a challenge. Mexico's economy continues to strengthen, and the country's middle class is growing. With minimum wages increasing and more jobs becoming available outside agriculture, it becomes increasingly attractive for laborers to leave agriculture and work elsewhere. The automotive industry as well as the light industrial space have been growing at a rapid pace, taking away agricultural workers. "Growers know the importance of building communities for their employees and their families in order to create an inviting working environment; places that provide housing, schools, medical facilities as well as cafeterias."
Inflationary pressure
In addition to limited availability of labor and labor costs showing an increase, prices of input costs like materials have also gone up. "If we reflect on the increase in input costs over the past five years and compare it with the price increases for our products, we just haven't been able to keep up with inflation," Myers said. "The inflationary pressure is real, and we have to listen to our growers and communicate that through the supply chain. This winter we've been able to find common ground and secure higher contract pricing. Those customers who recognize the value of surety of Perfect Produce supply want to keep our growers in business – they are true long-term partners."
Courtney Hernandez.
Just like SunFed's winter program is growing, so is their sales team. Courtney Hernandez, a seasoned national sales account manager, recently joined. Meet her next week at IFPA's Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta. Visit the team in the GrubMarket booth, C1137.
For more information:
JC Myers
SunFed Produce
Tel: +1 (831)915-5323
[email protected]
www.sunfed.net