"It is important for us to be part of initiatives focused on growing the industry"

GreenTech Americas is on! The Meixcan greenhouse exhibition features 230 exhibitors, the majority of which are technical suppliers. However, there are also several greenhouse growers exhibiting (check the full list here). But why is a greenhouse growing company participating? "The GreenTech Americas show is a great opportunity for our team to be part of the biggest tech event in the region. As a vertically integrated grower with operations in both Canada & Mexico, it is important for us to be part of initiatives that are focused on growing the industry", says Chris Veillon, Vice-President, Marketing, with Topline Farms. "Our grower partners in Mexico are an important part of our supply chain to deliver fresh greenhouse grown fruits & vegetables to our customers throughout North America. Attending & exhibiting the event, we are able to reconnect with our existing partners as well as network to meet new growers who are looking for marketers. At the same time, our packaging and seed partners are also at the event so it is a very good opportunity for us to continue conversations that we have had throughout the year."

Growth potential
There's a lot going on in the Mexican market and when asked around at the show, it's clear the market is seen as a market with further growth potential, but also challenges challenges. The market is characterised by plastic greenhouses, and an increasing level of automation and technique. For suppliers though, safety is an issue. Insurances increase their prices due to the cartells gaining power, and imply rules like to not drive after 4 PM. This all results in increased prices for transport.

One of the other big topics are the proposed tariffs, although many growers do not seem to worry that much as they hardly believe these will actually be imposed. The potential risk is price pressure, as the prices paid in the US will be higher due to the tariffs, but since the US is short on vegetables, it is expected the US itself will soak up this increase - but it's all insecure what will really happen.

Recently, the ACOM team told more about their climate controller: https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9716313/climate-controller-makes-growers-daily-tasks-easier/

Consistensy in csupply
"With significant acreage in both Canada and Mexico, we see increasing demand for our products and we are planning our acreage forward for that, to ensure consistency in supply", says Chris when asked about the developments in the market and the tariffs. "The tariff discussions are ongoing at the government level however our teams are working with our retail partners as best as possible to put plans in place, should this become a factor."

For now, there are much more exciting things to focus on, as the Canadian growing season has just started - although Topline is producing year round. "The Canadian growing season is off to a great start with Bell Peppers that have been available for the last 3 weeks; our Tomato & Cucumber programs are now available year-round thanks to significant investments in new constructions and the implementation of LED's into our greenhouses. Our lit culture programs are supporting a surety of supply that our retail partners are looking for. We have also kicked off a comprehensive R&D Program to develop our specialty variety programs."

And the rest of the year is looking promising as well. "We have kicked off a major rebrand for the company that will be unveiled at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in mid-October in Anaheim, CA. We recognized the need to revisit our brand position as it related to product assortment, packaging, logo & mission statement, messaging, digital & social media – you name it, everything is being reviewed to ensure our steps forward align with our growth strategy. Exciting times ahead!"

The Mexican team of Lubing

For more information:
Topline Farms®
www.toplinefarms.com