Mexico has established itself as one of the world’s major players in the berry industry. In fact, last year there was a more than curious fact: during the first two months of 2023, berries were the Mexican product with the highest export volume, ahead of even more classic references such as beer, tequila or avocado, according to figures from the Bank of Mexico.
Last year, Mexico achieved an export value of almost 4 billion dollars (+4% compared to the previous year) with blackberries and strawberries leading the world market. This is down to the more than 1.15 million tonnes grown in 2023 on almost 43,000 hectares.
These and other figures were highlighted at the Aneberries Congress, one of the most important international events for the berry sector, organised by the Mexican National Association of Berry Exporters and held on 24 and 25 July in Guadalajara, Jalisco. This state, along with Michoacán, Guanajuato, Baja California and Sinaloa, concentrates much of the production and plays a leading role in berry cultivation.
“Mexico has the potential to become a world leader in berry production. There are important challenges that our industry has to face in terms of climate, productive varieties or adapting to the calendar of other producing countries, but the progress that has been made in recent years, both in terms of cultivated area and in terms of knowledge and applied experience, indicates that we are facing a leading crop that will concentrate a large part of the resources and investments in Mexico,” says Carlos Castro, Seipasa’s commercial director in Mexico.
Aneberries: an international rendezvous
The Spanish company, together with Natural Grow, was one of more than 175 companies and exhibitors present at an event that also included more than 20 conferences with specialised speakers and a business framework largely focused on foreign markets.
“The United States is still the main destination for most of the berries grown in Mexico, but we have also seen the opening or consolidation of other markets in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. At Aneberries we have seen that growers are very aware of issues related to the treatment safety, sustainability of production and integrated pest management. The market is fruit free of chemical residue in the face of consumers who are increasingly aware of the need to take care of their health and respect the environment,” says Enrique Trelles, Seipasa’s business development manager in Mexico.
Seipasa’s Natural Technology model was a protagonist at Aneberries, precisely because it is in line with the needs, trends and direction of the market. “For 26 years, Seipasa has been dedicated to the research, formulation and development of agricultural treatments based on botanical and microbiological active ingredients. We are a company that believes in innovation and natural technology as drivers of change in agriculture,” says Enrique Trelles.
Bioprotection and biostimulation for berries
“Seipasa has accumulated a wealth of experience and knowledge in integrated pest and disease management, but also in the development of biostimulant solutions to bring crops to a higher level of quality. All this experience, this whole journey, has a lot of value in the marketplace, and this is what we saw at the International Aneberries Congress”, concludes Seipasa’s head of business development in Mexico.
The catalogue of solutions presented by Seipasa at Aneberries includes bioprotection references with phytosanitary registration for the control of pests and diseases in berries, such as Pirecris, Fungisei and Seipa System. In biostimulation, the portfolio has made products such as Kynetic4 and Superbrotal the stars of the show. These references carry the OMRI seal and have a long track record in international markets.
