Mexican fruit and vegetable exports have evolved in recent years, facing new obstacles related to competition, climate, and price volatility.
In this context, for 33 years, the Mexican company Agropecuarios San Carlos, located in Nayarit and Cancun, has successfully positioned Indian and Chinese bitter melons as its main products in the European market, exporting 40 to 60 tons weekly to destinations such as England, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
© San Carlos
"We've been told our melons look like plastic because of how perfect they are. Our business model is based on fast delivery times, from the field to Europe in less than a week, guaranteeing freshness and quality standards," stated Miguel Jr. Cambero, from Agropecuarios San Carlos.
The European market has changed over the last twelve years. "We were among the first to export bitter melon to Europe, but competition has increased," Miguel said. Countries like Honduras and the Dominican Republic have entered the market strongly, as have new players in Africa, such as Tanzania, Morocco, and Senegal. This has had an impact on prices, which in 2024 fell compared to the previous year.
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"Everything is volatile in this business. One day a melon can be at $30, the next at $12, and sometimes it doesn't even cover costs," he said. Seasonality also plays a significant role. The best time is winter when production in Africa and South America is reduced.
"The weather is our biggest challenge. We are in a tropical region, and hurricanes can destroy everything. Heavy rains not only affect production, they also force crops to be replanted, which leads to significant losses," he added.
In terms of costs, competition with other countries isn't just about production, but also about labor and logistics. "Mexico used to have the advantage of cheaper labor, but other countries are now overtaking us. Fortunately, our logistics are still more competitive," Miguel said.
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Another factor is international trade policy. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs in markets such as the United States worries Mexican exporters. "If implemented, the impact of the 25% tariffs that the US government has threatened to apply will be felt by the end consumer and could affect our exports," he warned.
"In 2024, we started a new operation in the Netherlands to get closer to retail and improve our presence in this sector. We want to increase our share by selling directly to consumers," Miguel said.
The growth of the European market, driven by immigration from Asian communities, has been a key factor in the company's consolidation. "Twelve years ago, demand for Indian melons was lower. Today, thanks to the growth of these communities, we have a solid market year-round," he stated.
© San Carlos For more information:Miguel Cambero
Agropecuarios San Carlos
Nayarit, Mexico
Tel: +1 (619) 259 3885
Email: mcmsancarlos@hotmail.com
Email: sales@agrosancarlos.mx
www.agrosancarlos.mx