Just as Mexican table grapes are coming into full swing

Grape grower-shipper opens new warehouse in Nogales, AZ

Table grapes will not only be seeing higher volumes over the coming weeks but will also be moved through a more efficient, expanded warehouse facility in Arizona.

Divine Flavor yesterday celebrated the opening of its new 70,000 square foot warehouse and head office location. The state-of-the-art refrigerated facility houses seven brand new cold rooms, USDA-approved inspection area, and sophisticated repackaging machinery and equipment. “We are ready to go!” says General Manager & COO, José Antonio Martinez Haro. The project was originally forecast for a nine-month completion but was finished in under eight months – and just in time for peak grape volume. “It was good news: the three weeks of the highest volume of table grapes is starting this week,” he says. All of Divine Flavor’s commodities will be facilitated through the new warehouse.

Alan Aguirre, Co-Founder & CEO, Divine Flavor, Alan Aguirre Camou, Head of Marketing, Divine Flavor, Pedro Batiz, VP Sales, Divine Flavor

Table grapes will be at front and center for the time being; Martínez Haro says vegetables (bell and mini peppers, cucumbers and squash) have a few weeks left of harvest but at a lower volume. Tomatoes will run through the month of June. “That means timing works very well for the majority of work to focus on the grapes, as the season is starting.” Volume will continue to increase until June 15, and then wind down again.

Increased efficiency

One of the main reasons for the expansion was of course, for extra space but also for more efficiency. In the past, they have had to rent up to six warehouse facilities according to Martínez Haro and was too complicated logistically speaking. “Having everything in a single warehouse gives us more control over how we handle our operations and the idea is to give the best service possible.” The expansion also brings more jobs to the area. “We’re excited on offering new jobs for our community,” he says.

Family focus

The company also unveiled its new logo during the ceremony. "It communicates our philosophy and ideals. The logo says we are a family-oriented company and the happy child in the logo conveys the importance of family,” Martínez Haro says. “With that in mind Divine Flavor is here to give families the best value on the produce they’re buying, focusing on delivering quality and flavor and taking care of the planet at the same time.”