Mexico’s national berry exporter association Aneberries and the Chinese Association of Agricultural Wholesale Markets (CAWA) have signed a memorandum of understanding on promotion and certification to boost the presence of Mexican berries in China.
Mexico recently gained authorisation to ship fresh raspberries and blackberries to the Asian nation and hopes to soon gain access for blueberries. Mario Andrade, president of Aneberries, said the new agreement would strengthen promotional efforts for Mexican berries in China and reinforce their presence amongst Chinese consumers, and signalled the beginning of a long and prosperous commercial relationship between the two nations.
Raúl Urteaga, general coordinator of International Affairs of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA), explained that the commercial ties between Chinese buyers and Mexican producers had become closer in recent months. Prior to the signing of the agreement, CAWA visited a number of production sites and distribution centres in the state of Michoacán.
Commenting on the new deal, CAWA president Ma Zedong pointed out that the “excellent” quality of Mexican avocados meant they had gained widespread acceptance amongst Chinese consumers “paving the way for a wider range of Mexican produce to be sold in China”.
According to official figures, there are 24,000ha of berry production in Mexico and annual production stands at around 548,000 tonnes, with a value of US$642m. The industry generates 150,000 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs.
