International Produce Group (IPG) has expanded its reach across Latin America over the past 18 months with the addition of offices in Chile, Peru, and most recently Mexico.
In a media release, the US-based global fresh produce exporter, which is headquartered in Salinas, California, said the new offices will focus on sourcing high-quality produce for IPG’s growing customer base, as well as handling direct imports into these countries from other supply regions.
“In Chile, Peru and Mexico, IPG will focus on its continued development of relationships with high-quality, reliable growers with a commitment to the worldwide market,” the company said.
“IPG develops and facilitates symbiotic relationships between the grower and end receiver and maintains a fully integrated and renewable product chain.”
IPG Chile is headed up by Rodrigo Baquedano and sourcing from leading growers to supply grapes, cherries, berries, apples and citrus as well as stonefruit, mangoes, kiwifruit and avocados.
“Chile is producing over 85m cartons of grapes and 75m cartons of cherries,” said IPG. “With access to these crops, IPG Chile will give its exporters an edge in the world marketplace.
IPG Peru is led by Carlo Robles and will primarily focus on grapes, avocados, citrus and berries, but it will also handle pomegranates, mangoes and other items.
“Peru is one of the fastest-growing and highest quality produce regions in the world,” said IPG. “Peru is currently the world’s number one blueberry exporter, and one of the largest exporters of grapes and avocados, and it’s growing every year.'
IPG Peru said it will supply customers with “the most popular” grape varieties such as Autumn Crisp and Sweet Globe under its IPG Gold brand. The business expects to be able to supply close to 65m cartons of grapes, 75m cartons of avocados and 56m cartons of blueberries in 2022.
IPG Mexico is managed by Karla Gonzalez and Gabriela M Soto and will primarily focus on avocados, berries, grapes, asparagus and broccoli. It will also source bananas, limes, mangoes, papaya, watermelons and other items.
IPG said the expansion will allow the group to develop and ship “trusted brands” such as IPG Gold and King Leon, while establishing its footprint in three major growing regions.
The US-based group said it will continue to monitor other countries and opportunities for expansion. “This is a very exciting time for IPG, and we want to thank our loyal customers and suppliers for meeting the challenge with us,” said Dalton Dovolis of IPG. “This is just the beginning.”
IPG is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, having been established in 2002 when president Angelo Dovolis and a team of experienced international traders joined forces.
