Mexican limes continue to enjoy their rise in popularity and so far demand is keeping up with supply. In the past, shipments into the US that exceeded 500 loads per week caused a decrease in price and glut.
That’s not so these days: the current market is able to withstand up to 600 loads of limes per week. “We see that the demand is up and even though the quantities are up, the prices are able to maintain the higher amount of loads that have been crossing (into US),” says Kenny Alford of Fresh Tex. He says the company has increased lime acreage by 50 percent. “We’re able to provide larger array of customers now.” FreshTex currently brings in 15 loads of limes per week.
Broccoli, also from Mexico, continues to have very good volume. Alford says they’re one of the few companies that use an ice slurry in shipments, which he feels is a better way to ice produce. “It has a longer shelf-life so customers are reaping the benefits of this technology.”
The company has introduced a Mexico carrot program in an effort to begin balancing their offerings of tropical fruit with vegetables. “We’ve been predominantly lime, papaya, mango house – more tropicals but we’re reinventing ourselves and becoming more diverse with more vegetables,” he says. Carrots are an item they were able to source from what Alford feels is a good grower and they’re happy with the quality. Carrots also pair well with the existing broccoli program.
FreshTex will be bringing its staple items to Viva Fresh this week: limes, broccoli, carrots, and mangoes. Visit the company at booth #11.
For more information:
Kenny Alford
FreshTex
Ph: 956-283-8014