Aneberries President Miguel Ángel Curiel: The Mexican berry industry has solid foundations for growth
Written and reported by Macarena Bravo, in Guadalajara, Mexico | Lea esta noticia en español
The XVI edition of the Aneberries International Congress took place last week in Guadalajara, Mexico, and brought together producers, exporters, marketers, researchers, suppliers, investors, and retail representatives from all over the American continent.
Over time, the event has become a crucial opportunity to analyze the challenges and growth opportunities facing the sector.
During his participation in the panel Government Vision, Business Perspective, and Financing for Productive Development in Mexico, Aneberries President Miguel Ángel Curiel emphasized that the success of the sector is not by chance, but the result of the work carried out for more than three decades by producers who committed to the technification of the Mexican countryside.
He recalled that starting in the late 1970s, technologies such as drip irrigation made their way to the fields, followed by innovations from countries like the Netherlands, Israel, the United States, Spain, Italy, and Brazil.
"The Mexican farmer is modern, is technically proficient, and always looks for ways to improve. That capacity for adaptation has been one of the pillars of the industry's growth," he noted.
The Mexican berry global footprint
Curiel stressed that Mexico's geographical location has been decisive for the sector's development.
North America became a natural market for Aztec berries, a highly advantageous position given the product's highly perishable nature. Today, practically all of Mexico's strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries stay within the region.
However, the executive said the market is considering opportunities for market diversification, especially in Europe, the Middle East, Japan, and other regions of Asia.
In this regard, Aneberries is working directly with the Mexican government and phytosanitary authorities to unlock market access to new export destinations, with South Korea as the industry’s current priority.
With consumers no longer buying solely based on origin, but on the experience the fruit offers, Curiel says the industry must keep a permanent focus on quality, safety, and sustainability. For this, genetic innovation and the development of new varieties that meet market demands is crucial.
"We have to understand the role we play in the consumer's mind and offer a quality product every week of the year," he pointed out.
The Aneberries President emphasized the importance of coordination among producers, industry organizations, financial institutions, and health authorities to consolidate the industry's growth.
Uncertainty ahead
Looking ahead, Curiel said the industry faces an environment marked by trade tensions, especially with the United States. However, he considers these challenges temporary, and said the sector has solid fundamentals to maintain its leadership.
Through genetic improvement, technological innovation, and talent, Mexican producers can continue to strengthen the country's competitiveness against other major international producers.
"I am optimistic about the future. When we see the talent, the youth, the capacity of our producers, and the existing genetic innovation, there is not much to fear. The important thing is to stay the course and continue doing the right thing," he concluded.
*All photos are referential via Shutterstock.
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