Cucumbers, green bell peppers and Roma tomatoes coming from central Mexico’s San Luis Potosí are available 12 months a year. “Supply is meeting demand for all three year-round products,” says Leonardo Tarriba, general manager for Farmer’s Best. This is the first year they’ve brought a year-round program to the forefront. “The demand of reliable, sustainable products, primarily our cucumbers, green bell peppers and Roma tomatoes, influenced our decision.”
The company is excited about the program so far. “This is the first year we have ever provided these three products year-round and we are pleased with the quality of the products we’ve been delivering.”
500-acre expansion
The program required an expansion of 500 acres in San Luis Potosí. It’s all dedicated to growing these three commodities. Net houses cover 72 percent and the rest is open field. “This expansion allowed us to provide the same fresh, quality produce we grow in Sinaloa and Sonora year-round,” he notes.
Overall Tarriba sees increases in consumption across many commodities as people choose to eat healthier. “Our (retail) customers tell us this is something they’re observing from a wide range of generations. Both older and younger generations are becoming more conscious of what they're consuming and what their diets consist of.”
Bell pepper sorting machine
In addition to increasing its field sizes, Farmer’s Best has also updated its technology. A state-of-the-art bell pepper sorting machine is now in use and has increased sorting efficiency by 28 per cent. “This improvement ensures that an even better quality product is being carefully packaged.” Although Mother Nature could step in at any time to modify things any time, Tarriba says they’re not currently experiencing any challenges.
For more information:
Leonardo Tarriba
Farmer’s Best
Tel: (520) 281-1411