The supply of greenhouse tomatoes from Mexico continues to be steady. “Our volume and quality of greenhouse tomatoes are both really good right now. We’re a bit ahead of last year, about four truckloads per week over last year just due to additional plantings,” says Anthony Otto of Globalmex International Inc. The company markets under the brand name Magic Sun Farms.
Otto says the volume and quality of greenhouse tomatoes are both good right now.
In all, Globalmex does tomatoes on the vine (TOVs), beefsteak tomatoes, grape tomatoes, cocktail tomatoes, and some greenhouse romas, along with organic TOVs, organic beefsteak, and organic grape tomatoes. “The greenhouse romas are new for us,” says Otto. “Traditionally, there’s been a bit of resistance to growing romas in a greenhouse instead of a field, but there is demand from our clients for them, so we’re starting out with these. If there are good results for us this year, we can expand that program.”
That’s not the only area of growth for the company. The grower-shipper also operates CEICKOR University, a 19-acre campus and greenhouse located in Querétaro, which continues to grow in both size and scope. “This last year, we started the V Lab, which is our trial learning environment for vertical growing. Vertical growing is an increasing method of growing that’s going to be a big part of the future,” says Otto.
Supply and demand
As for greenhouse tomato demand, it’s as expected at this time of year, though some strengthening demand is being seen just ahead of the Labor Day holiday. However, generally, supply is matching demand. “The only major tomato item where there’s a mismatch right now is grape tomatoes; the demand for grape tomatoes is higher than the overall supply,” adds Otto. Supply right now of cocktail tomatoes is also high for both the grower-shipper and across the industry, and that is leading to promotional pricing and volumes being offered.
CEICKOR University is a 19-acre campus and greenhouse located in Querétaro, which continues to grow in both size and scope.
Meanwhile, pricing has been fairly stable. Otto notes that over the course of last year, prices were higher than in previous years on both greenhouse tomatoes and bell peppers, the other item Globalmex grows. “We’re hoping to continue to have another year with good prices. It’s important because we’ve seen costs over the past few years go up. Between that and unfavorable exchange rates, it’s important to keep the prices higher.”
For more information:
Anthony Otto
Magic Sun
Tel.: +1 (715) 764-3034
anthony@magicsunfarms.com
www.magicsunfarms.com