In this episode of “The Business of Blueberries,” host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), turns our focus to Mexico. Jose Luis Bustamante, chair of Aneberries and general manager of Naturipe Berry Growers in Mexico, and Juan Jose Flores, executive director of Aneberries, discuss the country’s growth in the blueberry industry, the current challenges and opportunities they face, and what we can look forward to in the future.

“Mexico is moving more toward production in January, February, March and April. That's been becoming the Mexico window. We are more efficient. We have more production that we can be in the market in better conditions right now. …Our main focus right now is in the domestic market. We believe that we can grow that market to be a year-round consumption.” - Juan Jose Flores

“We have the most respect for American farmers. They do a wonderful job and we see us as complementary. We believe that having the presence of blueberries year-round with the same quality, with the same size and everything in common, that will increase consumption and that will make us all happy. We really appreciate the farmers and we appreciate our farmers. So we understand the things that you're going through and, believe us, that in Mexico we are going through the same thing.” - Jose Luis Bustamante 

Topics covered include: 

• A far-reaching conversation with Jose Luis Bustamante and Juan Jose Flores.
• A review of the beginning and growth of the blueberry industry in Mexico.
• The value in partnering with Mexican producers to foster a strong global blueberry industry.

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout important blueberry growing areas. In this episode, you’ll hear from Brandon Wade in Georgia, Neil Moore in North Carolina, Elizabeth Carranza in California, and Mario Ramirez in Mexico. This was recorded on June 8, 2022.

Marketing Boost

In 1893, Elizabeth White saw the potential in blueberries on her family's farm. She partnered with USDA botanist Frederick Covillel, and together they found the right blueberry plants to cultivate. It’s no surprise that many years later, the blueberry industry is filled with women who are making an impact. That’s why USHBC is launching “Women in Blueberries,” with the goal of bringing together these amazing women. We’ll host our first virtual Women in Blueberries event on July 13 at 11 a.m. PT/2 p.m. ET. In this first two-part virtual session, we’ll examine the power of bringing other women along on your career journey, and how to be more mindful in supporting women who inspire you. More information is available here.