"We managed to introduce SunGold kiwis in McDonald's"

Mangoes are another product that is currently in season. The producer explains that the beginning of the campaign has been somewhat difficult. "Normally, at this time, the supply is very high, but this year has been complicated in that sense." He doesn't believe this to be due to El Niño and, in fact, he thinks that it has rained less than what was expected. "Many people blame the rain, but I think it has a lot to do with the fact that the returns have been very low in recent years and many producers have not had the money to reinvest in their plots, so there is less production."

He explains that the harvest normally kicks off in February in Chiapas, in the south of the country, but that from February up until now, demand has been much greater than supply and prices have boosted as a result. "This is very good for producers, yes, although consumers obviously want their mangoes a little cheaper." Therefore, he believes that, after this year, the situation will improve. "This year, there is no doubting that the producers who had fruit will have received a lot more money, so this will likely result in more investments in the orchards," he adds.

Apples are also in season. "Normally, Washington apples arrive to Mexico every month of the year, but sometimes they are a little more expensive. For example, the Royal Gala normally runs out in June, and that's when the variety starts being imported from Chile and New Zealand, in the period between June and September." He expects a somewhat complicated year because of the exchange rate of the peso, which has depreciated by up to 40% compared to last year, according to the trader. A year ago, I think the rate stood at between 12 and 13 pesos for one dollar, and now it stands between 17 and 18 pesos for a dollar. Therefore, in pesos, apples are far more expensive than last year and Washington also has a smaller volume," he explains, although he clarifies that the situation is actually beneficial for Mexican apple producers, who have been able to sell their production quite easily.

Most Mexican apples are grown in the state of Chihuahua. The producer claims that Mexico produces about 30 million cases and nearly 100% of these are sold on the domestic market.