On September 28, the second Regional Meeting of PMA “Beyond North America: Next Frontiers for Mexican Exports of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables” was held in the city of Culiacan, Sinaloa, where Growers, members of agricultural organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders in the Mexican fresh produce industry participates.
Renowned entrepreneurs attended the event such as: Juan Pablo Fuentes – Founder and Director of Mexico Connection, Pablo Olmedo – Director of Operations Frutas Chanitos, S.A. of C.V. and Xavier Ripoll – Director of Sales and Marketing, Able Freight Services, Inc.; who shared their experiences of exporting to other markets, mainly concerning the Asian continent.
Topics were discussed on the status of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the potential impact that certain changes might have for the agricultural industry.
Today approximately 95% of the fresh fruits and vegetables produced in Mexico are exported to the United States and Canada. As the United States administration seeks to renegotiate NAFTA, Mexico is working to identify new markets for its fruits and vegetables, with an emphasis on China, which was the subject discussed the participants’ papers.
Exhibitors talk about the various opportunities and challenges of exporting to China, from their own experience: What needs to be done to be prepared to ship, distribute, and sell their product in self-service and on-line chains.