Mexico plans to produce twice as many berries

27/10/2016

In the next four years, Mexico plans to double its berry production due to increased demand from China, the world's second largest economy. Mexican berry exports are valued at about $1.500 billion annually and increase 20% each year, according to Mario Alejandro Andrade Cárdenas, vice president of Foreign Trade of the National Agricultural Council of Mexico.

"Thanks to this enormous growth, to which China has contributed in part, it is likely that we will be able to double our berry production in less than four years," says Andrade.

"Our berry exports to China have increased greatly after signing protocols for raspberries and blackberries at the end of 2014, and we hope to complete the protocols for strawberries and blueberries as soon as possible".

There are about 5.000 berry producers in the states of Baja California, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato and Puebla, who cultivate 25.000 hectares and generate 120.000 permanent jobs. 85% of its production is exported to the United States, which imports almost all of its strawberries from Mexico.

In November 2014, the Chinese government signed an agreement to import raspberries and blackberries from Mexico, and the first batch arrived in Shanghai in January last year. However, competition from Chile and Peru continues to be an obstacle for Mexican berry exporters.

"We compete directly with Chile and Peru in the Chinese market, since they have free trade agreements with China and we do not, so we face 25% export taxes that hurt us quite a bit", says Andrade, and hopes that the Chinese Government cancels that tariff. He affirms that Mexican berries are more competitive than those from other countries because Mexico can offer them nine months a year.

In addition, Mexico's blueberry production is growing by 70% a year and will become one of the largest categories in the country's agricultural sector, he concludes.

Source: Freshplaza.es