Rising costs and climate change impact Mexico’s berry exports

The Mexican berry industry, known for its strong export performance, has recently faced significant challenges due to labor shortages, rising input costs, and exchange rate fluctuations. According to Juan José Flores, director of the National Association of Berry Exporters (Aneberries), these factors have contributed to an 11% reduction in export volumes.

Berry exports, including strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries, are projected to decline further in 2024. Aneberries estimates exports will reach 529,000 tons in 2024, compared to 541,000 tons in 2023. Production is also expected to drop, with total output estimated at 486,881 tons, down from 540,980 tons in 2023.

Flores attributed the slowdown to macroeconomic issues, including the strengthening of the peso against the dollar, rising input costs, and the effects of climate change. Despite these hurdles, Mexico remains the leading exporter of berries to the United States and Canada, though export volumes have dropped by 17% since the 2021-2022 harvest season.

In response to declining exports, Aneberries is working to diversify its markets. Efforts include strengthening exports to countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and pursuing entry into South Korea, India, and Thailand. Currently, 95% of Mexican berry exports go to North America, with the remaining 5% distributed across Europe and Asia, including markets like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

source: blueberriesconsulting.com

photo: producepay.com