Major Mexican pepper and tomato producer Agricola El Rosal has reportedly bought a substantial stake in Canadian greenhouse grower and distributor Jem-D, giving the Michoacán-based firm improved access to the US and Canadian markets.
Jim DiMenna, owner and president of the Ontario-based cucumber, tomato and pepper grower, told The Packer that the Mexican company has purchased a large but undisclosed share in the company.
Jem-D has had a business relationship with El Rosal since 2004 and imports produce from the firm, which markets peppers under its Golden Sun brand and tomatoes on the vine using its Red Sun label.
Mr DiMenna told the publication that the deal should mean Jem-D’s overall annual output would increase from 7m cases to 10m cases.
Jem-D operates distribution centres in Ontario, Montreal, Texas and Michigan and has grower relationships with companies in Mexico, the US, Spain, Israel, Belgium and the Netherlands.
