Florida-based importer Ayco Farms has positioned itself for “exponential growth and expansion” after making strategic moves in Mexico and McAllen, Texas, according to a press release from the company.
As of 1 June, the US sourcing group has acquired procurement and farming operations in Mexico, which has subsequently been named Ayco Mexico.
Based in Irapuato, Jorge Del Toro has been appointed as the new general manager of Ayco Mexico, and will be responsible for building on the group’s existing grower base in Mexico as well as developing Ayco-run farming organisations in the country.
Parallel to the Mexican sourcing and growing operation Ayco has announced the staffing of an office in McAllen, Texas.
Operating since June, the office, headed by sales manager Thomas (Sparky) Northcross, employs executives with over 25 years of combined experience in the region.
The company said its recent acquisitions and partnering with new talent will enhance Ayco’s ability to provide a wide variety of top quality products to buyers year round.
“Our focus is to continue investing in direct farming,” explained Avi Nir, CEO of Ayco.
“The most effective way we can reliably serve our customers into the future is to continue building our own farming organizations.”
Nir added that the McAllen office also allows Ayco “full control of the logistics process”.
“Having our own coolers along with quality control, food safety, traceability and our sales team on-site gives us a significant advantage,” he said.
