Short transit times between the Netherlands and Mexico have always been United Producers of Mexico's (UPM) priority. UPM is an organization that wants to improve trade relations between Europe and Mexico. They want to do so by bringing interested parties together.
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Ana Cecilia Haro (Aktion Trade), Lia Bijnsdorp (UPM), and Opal Morales (OBM Legal Consulting). These ladies are trying to set up a direct line between Mexico and the Netherlands.
The UPM was still exclusively focused on avocado importers in the Netherlands. They have since expanded their package. "Avocados are not the only important Mexican product. There are also things like mangos, blueberries, and limes,” says Lia Bijnsdorp, UPM's Director.
“We are, therefore, organizing a mango forum in Mexico. This forum is in following the avocado forum's example. It will be for importers and exporters. We started with avocados because this product has the highest export value."
Otto de Groot (Otflow/HDG), Rogier Rook (Nature's Pride), Claudia Glaser (Seatrade), Michiel Minnaar (Otflow), and Pieter Baggen (Phoenix Food Group).
The present transit time across the Atlantic Ocean is still 22 to 24 days. UPM wants to shorten this to 12 to 14 days. "This would be a vast improvement for us, as importers," says one of the traders present. "A container that spends two to three weeks at sea is a considerable investment for Mexican mid-sized packing plants. Shorter transit times can change this."
Presentations were held in the Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce's 'Wonder Room'.
This direct line is being set up by Seatrade. This chartering company specialized reefer fleet will sail a weekly direct line service between Mexican and Dutch ports. These ports are still to be determined.
Most of the cargo can be placed in the ships' hull. These will include products like bananas and limes. Avocados and blueberries can be put in reefer containers on the decks of the vessels. The choice of harbors that will be used has, however, not been fixed yet. Seatrade has, for example, not ruled out that Vlissingen may be used instead of Rotterdam.
The line's maiden voyage's date has also not yet been determined. UPM, as well as Seatrade, still need to gather more market intelligence from the importers. What volumes will they import from Mexico every week? Seatrade and UPM will use this data to organize the service.
Desirée Colomé from the Mexican Embassy also said a few words at the presentations. Here she is with Guillermo Orta of Global Network Mexico.
UPM is not only organizing a direct line between the Mexican and European markets. They are also helping to set up quality controls at Mexican growers and packing stations. In this way, they are ensuring that Mexican products meet European standards.
On the Mexican side, UPM is working with the Mexican company, Aktion Trade, for logistics. UPM has roped in OBM Legal Consulting there too. This is to get a handle on the legal procedures. The organization is also focusing on the social aspect of this type of trade. For example, they support the Mexican Food Bank.
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For more information
Lia Bijnsdorp
United Producers of Mexico
92-3 Westblaak
3012 KM Rotterdam, NL
Mob: +31 (0) 645 480 345
Tel: +31 (0) 103 041 001
Email: lia.bijnsdorp@upmeurope.nl
Website: www.upmeurope.nl