Mexico maintains its position as one of the global powers in the berry industry. It has consolidated its position as the world leader in berry exports, with more than 715 tons shipped abroad in 2026, representing an annual growth of 2%.

However, behind the growth of this industry lies a financial challenge: the gap between export lead times and collection cycles. In a market where various buyers may be willing to wait, having timely access to working capital becomes a key factor for producers and exporters to maintain their competitiveness.

According to MUNDI, a company specializing in financing for international trade, Mexican berry production reaches around 1.3 million tons, driven by greater agricultural technology, expansion of planted areas and improvements in production processes.

The value of exports reaches approximately $340 million per month, reflecting the importance of this industry to Mexican agri-food trade.

Mexico, a world power in berries

Mexico's leadership in berries is not recent. The country is currently the world's leading producer of blackberries and reaches more than 61 international markets.

The industry generates more than 380 direct jobs and concentrates its production mainly in five states:

• Michoacán: 29% of national production.
• Jalisco: 20%.
• Baja California: 16%.
• Guanajuato: 11%.
• Puebla: 6%.

Fruits represent the largest segment, accounting for 55% of total production volume. Meanwhile, vegetables have become one of the fastest-growing categories, driven by investments in new varieties, agricultural technology, and strategies to extend the export season to premium markets.

The United States accounts for the majority of international demand.

The US market continues to be the main destination for Mexican berries: around 80% of exported production goes to the United States, strengthening Mexico's role as a strategic supplier under the USMCA framework.

The competitiveness of the sector is not sustained by three main factors:

1. Genetic innovation, with varieties that offer longer shelf life, better size and consistent quality.
2. International certifications, which allow access to more demanding markets in North America, Europe and Asia.
3. Specialized financing, necessary to maintain operations and take advantage of business opportunities.

Paulina Aguilar, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) of MUNDI, highlighted that the sector's growth has been the result of years of investment in genetics, logistics infrastructure, certifications, and business relationships.

“Regulatory demands, international competition, and price volatility are putting producers, marketers, exporters, and the entire value chain to the test,” he noted.

The challenge: export quickly, get paid later

Unlike other agricultural products, berries face a particularly demanding commercial dynamic. Their short shelf life means that the process between harvesting, transport, and arrival at the consumer must occur in a matter of days.

However, payments from international buyers can take weeks or even months, creating a financial gap that forces companies to have sufficient liquidity to continue operating.

In this context, specialized financing makes it possible to cover working capital needs, maintain production, respond to new orders, or invest in technological improvements without stopping operations.

The industry faces pressure from international prices

Although Mexico maintains its export leadership, the sector faces challenges related to profitability.

The value of exports decreased during the last period mainly due to increased international competition and price pressure in the blueberry market, particularly against supply from Peru.

Given this scenario, Mexican producers have adjusted their commercial strategies and have sought to shift part of their supply towards seasons with less presence of international competitors, such as the period between February and May, when there are better market conditions in the United States.

This adaptation requires agricultural varieties capable of modifying production cycles, as well as financial resources to sustain the operation during periods of lower flow.

Financing, key to the next stage of growth

For MUNDI, the future of the Mexican berry industry will depend not only on the quality of the product, but also on the ability of companies to access capital in an agile and flexible manner.

“Anticipating financing for Mexican berries requires more than just good raw materials. The technology applied responds to the demand without the collection cycle slowing down operations,” Aguilar stated.

In an industry where business opportunities can last for weeks and payments arrive months later, companies with access to timely financing have a greater chance of expanding markets, committing more volume, and continuing to invest in quality and innovation.

Read also:

• Mexican berry exporters ask that certifications not become a bureaucratic burden
• Water and agricultural efficiency: the challenge that also affects Mexican blueberries
• Blueberries Mexico 2026 concluded with a roadmap for the next stage of Mexican blueberries
• Blueberry varieties in Mexico: choosing well will be key to competing better
• Mexico is betting on varietal replacement and hydroponics in its blueberry crops