Mexico is one of the largest exporters of fresh produce in the world. The most important market for the country is the North American market, but the Mexicans, like many other Latin American countries, are looking at the European market. Before export is possible to this new market, Mexican products must meet the European standard.
Lately, the Dutch Control Union has been helping Mexican growers and exporters to achieve the right standards for the European market. "We thereby focus on the control of avocados, mangoes, limes and berries," says Yemil Zarzar Kourniatis of Control Union. “Over a month ago we started with quality controls on avocados for the European market. We carry out these checks on the field, in the packing facilities, warehouses, storage and upon arrival in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands we mainly do this to help the exporters in Mexico, since they do not have the option to subject their products to quality control in Europee - and not only for The Netherlands, we’re active in more than 70 countries on 5 continents.”
In addition to quality control, Control Union can certify companies. “SMETA, GlobalGAP, BRC, HACCP, organic certificates, etc. These are important certificates if you want to sell products in Europe. If you do not have the certificates that show your sustainability or social compliance, you find yourself at the end of the list of retailers in Europe, certainly because the requirements of the companies are often stricter than the legal norm. At Control Union we can ensure that Mexican mangoes, avocados and other products can be traced back to the field. That ensures optimum traceability in the European supermarkets."
"The purpose of Control Union is primarily to check the quality of Mexican products for the European market," says Yemil. “That is not only important to ensure more standard quality in the containers heading to Europe, but also to make Mexican products more competitive on the market. The Mexican exporters offer a diverse assortment of products and large volumes. In order to make it of interest, it is important to ensure good quality products that can withstand transport by sea. That is why UPM is working on a shorter, direct sea route between Mexico and Rotterdam and there are several companies that have solutions for better storage in reefer containers. This all to get quality Mexican products on supermarket shelves."
For more information:
Yemil Zarzar Kourniatis
Control Union Mexico
Tel: +52 55 8995 4700 (Mexico)
yzarzar@controlunion.com