San Miguel, the largest lemon producer in Argentina, and the leader in Southern Hemisphere's citrus export, performed the first transactions in sending Argentine lemons to Mexico. A market that has recently opened up for this fruit. This new market within the continent represents new opportunities for the citrus industry in general, and for San Miguel in particular. Given that the opening of the market took place at the end of the Argentinian campaign, an inaugural shipment of approximately 23 tons was made as a pilot run. The shipment has great symbolism not only because of the relevance of this market, but mainly because it is the first export in history to be made to Mexico. A destination that so far had been closed to Argentine lemons.
Tucuman lemon for the world. Photo credits: San Miguel
Maximiliano D'Alessandro, San Miguel's Commercial Director, explained that "the business opportunities for Argentina in that country are enormous. Mexico is a market of great potential because of its large population. The objective of this first shipment is to initiate a link among Mexican customers and let them know about the excellent quality of the company's product."
Challenges and opportunities in the Mexican market:
· The country has very different consumer habits to those of Argentina.
· It has a large local volume of production in green and small caliber lemons.
· There is a good demand for Sicilian lemons (yellow), a variety that Mexico produces in very small volumes.
· Until now they imported Sicilian lemons from California.
· The country is evaluating a process of diversification of its main food suppliers.
Argentine lemons undergo last checks prior to shipment to Mexico. Photo credits: San Miguel
San Miguel has the possibility of joining the market by offering lemons during the counter-season window, which in turn corresponds to Argentina's natural season (April to June). In this way, we arrive at the time of import with better fruit and at a better price. "We are working to develop the relationship with customers and add more value in the region. We know that Argentina is the ideal trading partner to supply the northern hemisphere during the counter-season," says Maximiliano D'Alessandro.
The lemons, produced and packed in the province of Tucumán, left Buenos Aires on the vessel CONTI DARWIN last Saturday and will be arriving in Mexico in about 27 days. The sale of this first container was carried out through VIDIMPORT, a Mexican import group that has operations in several LATAM countries. Then, the products will be placed in Mexican supermarkets.
The Argentine lemons - last checks prior to shipment to Mexico. Photo credits: San Miguel
"In a world where many changes are envisaged, we have great challenges and opportunities to strengthen our business platform and continue to grow. The opening of the Mexican market for Argentine lemons continues to strengthen the country's agro-export potential in citrus, and demonstrates the excellent quality of our products, "said Romain Corneille, CEO of San Miguel.
Romain Corneille (CEO). Photo credits: San Miguel
More information: www.sanmiguelglobal.com