Recent years have presented various challenges for the production and exportation of Mexican berries, including labor shortages, rising input costs, and volatility in exchange markets. Juan José Flores, director of the National Association of Berry Exporters (Aneberries), reported a reduction in market volumes by approximately 11%. It is estimated that berry exports, encompassing strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, will amount to around 529 thousand tons in 2024, a slight decrease from the 541 thousand tons exported in 2023. Flores, during the Second Press Tour of Agricultural Journalism, attributed the slowdown to macroeconomic issues, such as the strengthening of the peso against the dollar, increased costs of inputs, and climate change impacts.
Despite these challenges, Mexico has emerged as a big exporter of berries to the United States and Canada. However, the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 periods have seen a 17% decrease in exports. The sector remains a significant employment source in Mexico, with 63,000 hectares of crops generating between 500,000 and 600,000 jobs, where workers earn substantially above the minimum wage. The berry industry plays a crucial role in the economy of producing regions, with approximately 2.5 million pesos in wages distributed weekly.
In 2023, berry production in Mexico reached 540,980 tons, with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries contributing to the total volume. Projections for 2024 suggest a decrease in production to approximately 486,881 tons across all berry types. In response to these challenges, Aneberries is focusing on market diversification and expanding exports to new regions, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Currently, 95% of Mexican berry exports are destined for North America, with the remaining 5% distributed among Europe and Asia.
Aneberries is also advocating for increased domestic consumption of berries in Mexico. Collaborations with various government bodies aim to promote local consumption through strategic marketing campaigns. Emphasizing the importance of sustainability, Flores highlighted efforts by berry producers in Jalisco to reduce water consumption by 30% through innovative irrigation techniques and decreased reliance on fertilizers.
Source: Blueberries Consulting