Mexico’s berry production and exports are forecast to grow around 10 per cent in volume this year, according to the country’s producer-exporter association Aneberries.
The industry, which has an estimated value of US$500m, expects blueberry production to take off in particular, following years of efforts to establish plantings in the country, Aneberries told Americafruit.
Indeed mass blueberry production is expected to drive a four-fold rise in total volume in the coming years.
According to figures from Mexico’s department of agriculture (Sagarpa), berry production in the country rose by 94.5 per cent between 2000 and 2010, reaching 310,000 tonnes, while the total planted area increased by 91 per cent to 16,357ha.
Many Mexican berry producers are investing in new varieties and production systems in a bid to further drive sales growth.
Aneberries said the principal aim of the association currently is to improve food safety within Mexico’s berry sector as well as providing a responsible pest management programme.
