The Mexican berry market continues to grow, driven by sustained growth and diversification strategies that seek to expand its presence beyond North America.
Mexico exports approximately 500,000 tons of berries per year. 90% of them are destined for the United States and Canada, 5% for Europe, and the remaining for Asia, South America, and Oceania. "What we harvest today can be found in a California supermarket the next day," stated Mario Ramirez, AneBerries' communication coordinator, highlighting that their geographical vicinity to the US is an advantage that facilitates the quick arrival of the product in North America.
AneBerries (National Association of Berry Exporters) is an organization that represents and groups together the main players in Mexico's berry sector. Its main objective is to promote the production and export of Mexican berries, facilitating the opening and consolidation of markets in North America, Europe, Asia, and other emerging destinations.
In Europe, Mexico has managed to position itself in strategic markets such as the Netherlands, Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In Asia, its presence is growing steadily. "The European market is still challenging. However, our participation in trade fairs has been key to gaining ground," he said.
One of the sector's main challenges is manpower. "Berry production is labor-intensive and ensuring adequate working conditions is a priority for the association. Taking care of natural resources and sustainability are also key issues. We are looking to expand, generate employment, and take care of the environment where we operate," Ramírez stressed.
In terms of logistics, competition for air and maritime spaces is a challenge. "Not only do we export berries, but we also share space with products such as avocados and lemons, which increases costs and requires meticulous planning," he said.
The industry remains optimistic, despite the reduction in blueberry production due to weather factors and adjustments in supply. "The sector's modernization allows us to maintain a strong position. However, we have measured our expectations. We expect a similar volume to 2024, with a slight decrease," he stated.
Berry consumption continues to boom, driven by the trend to eat healthy natural products. "The rise of fitness, organic, and healthy products has favored berries, which are positioned as a nutritious and versatile option," Ramírez stated.
In line with the sector's strengthening strategy, AneBerries will hold its annual congress, which focuses on exchanging knowledge, networking, and adopting new technologies, in Guadalajara on July 23 and 24.
For more information:
Mario Ramírez
AneBerries
Mexico
Tel: +52 3313517892
Email: comunicacion@aneberries.mx
www.aneberries.mx