The red gold of Mexico
When we talk about Mexico, surely most of us will think of tequila right away. Perhaps, someone from the agri-food sector points out that Mexico is the world's largest exporter of beer, followed by the Netherlands. How many people would think of the red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries)? Because, without a doubt, we should think about Mexico when talking about red fruits.
These fruits are gaining worldwide, partly because of their healthy properties, sometimes even called "superfruits". In the European market, this term has also been introduced and refers to foods with a high content of antioxidants and nutrients. It is increasingly common for supermarkets to include these superfoods in their assortment. In addition to being healthy, berries are also easy to consume because they do not have to be peeled, they are attractive to the eye and it is easy to take them anywhere.
Export is important for growth
The red fruits are the fifth most important agricultural product in Mexico, fourth country in cultivation of these fruits worldwide. The main types are raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Although the domestic market for quality and exclusive red fruits is growing, export is the main reason for the growth of this sector. Protected horticulture, in particular, is responsible for this growth and has significant advantages for the Mexican countryside.
Mexico is made up of 32 states, of which the main producers of red fruits are Michoacán (71,2% of total production), Baja California (14%), Jalisco (8.9%) and Guanajuato. The quantity and quality of the final product allow its fruits to be suitable for export. Currently, the Mexican red fruits are being exported to the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan and China.
In 2013, Mexico continued to occupy the third place in export of red fruits. In 2014, more than 132.000 tons of red fruits were exported, with a commercial value over 742 million dollars. In 2015, the total exports of Mexican red fruits to the Netherlands amounted to 5,5 million euros.
Future
The demand for red fruits is increasing worldwide, in part because of its health benefits. Its presence is increasing in European countries. Rabobank foresees that the volume of consumption of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries in the EU will increase at least an 7 percent in the next five years, and the sale of strawberries will grow, approximately, an 2 percent. However, the EU is not expected to follow in the footsteps of the United States, since red fruits are the main category in the fruit sections of supermarkets in this country.
Of course, Mexico is not the only origin on the world scene. However, it has at its disposal some geographical characteristics that are very suitable for the cultivation of red fruits and, in addition, it can harvest during periods when it is not possible in other parts of the world. These factors guarantee that it is estimated that the production of Mexican red fruits will double in the next five years. 20-30 percent growth is also expected in the sector over the next eight years. Thus, it is very likely that companies, in addition to the Koppert Berries Development Institute, will open their doors. Undoubtedly, this offers opportunities for suppliers and importers from the Netherlands.
Source: Cronicadechihuahua
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