Page 51 - January_2019

MAJOR TEXAS PLAYERS PRIMED FOR SUCCESS
PHOTO COURTESY OF RIO FRESH
SUPPLEMENT
Leading companies generate advances in innovation and future of state’s produce industry.
TBY JODEAN ROBBINS
he saying “Everything’s Bigger in Texas” holds true for the produce industry as prominent companies o er big opportunities for busi- ness. Texas farmers are respon-
sible for nearly $1 billion in fresh produce, according to Dante Galeazzi, president and chief executive of the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) in Mission, TX.
Texas is fortunate to bene t from a subtrop- ical climatic zone that typically has mild to moderate temperatures throughout the winter growing season, explains Christine Morley, president of Rio Fresh in San Juan, TX. “We are located in close proximity to the Rio Grande, resulting in a consistent water source,” she says. “The state’s growing population and booming economy increases demand and contributes to our growth. Texas has done a lot to contribute to and support economic growth.”
Companies operating along the Texas border have capitalized on their prime posi- tion and import nearly $6 billion of fresh produce from Mexico, according to TIPA. “Together, the Texas-corridor represents a sourcing point that gives North American produce buyers access within a single region to $7 billion worth of fresh produce items covering every kind of fruit and vegetable imaginable,” says Galeazzi.
Texas is perfectly situated to enhance the bond between Mexico and the United States, says Vicky Cabello, chief operating o cer at Cabefruit Produce in McAllen, TX. “McAllen is a constantly growing port,” she says. “Nowa- days, it’s very common to see produce busi- ness all along the border.”
Raul Cano, vice president of Grande Produce and Cano & Sons Trucking in San Juan, TX, agrees the companies on the border
with Mexico have an advantage. “Mexico is a huge country with a lot of regions producing year-round,” he says. “This gives us access to product 365 days a year, a real plus in being able to supply our customers year-round.”
From a logistics point-of-view, Texas pres- ents a central, one-stop, year-round source for fresh produce. “Product shipping from the state can reach all major metropolitan hubs in the United States within three days,” Galeazzi says. “This means product is fresher, has more shelf life and is delivered with a signi cant freight savings when compared with shipping product from coast-to-coast.”
MAINTAINING A LEGACY
Though agriculture faces challenging obstacles, Texas companies work hard to main- tain the legacy. At J&D Produce in Edinburg, TX, Bret Erickson, senior vice president for business a airs, emphasizes the importance of carrying on the tradition of Texas agri- culture. “Over the decades, South Texas has experienced decreasing numbers of growers, packers and agricultural acreage,” he says. “It’s a sad fact. Despite that trend, J&D is proud to say we are continuing to grow and invest in our operation. Back in the early 80s when J&D was established, there were maybe 25 to 30 packinghouses in the Rio Grande Valley. Today, only a handful remain.”
Family-owned and operated Rio Fresh is growing, packing and shipping on the same land it has farmed for more than 75 years. “Produce is in our blood, and we are extremely passionate about it,” says Morley. “We are focused on sustainability and longevity in the way we do business, our relationships with our customers and the way we steward our land. We focus on partnering with long-term customers to determine what is important to them and invest in our business accordingly.”
Grande Produce’s Cano a rms the magni- tude of understanding the growing part of food. “This is not something coming out of a machine,” he says. “You have to plant, harvest, pack and ship. We must ensure people under- stand the importance of farming and that farming values are preserved.”
The passion at Grande Produce is to lay a foundation for the next generation. “Over the coming decades, I want to see us remain a family company,” says Cano. “I would like for our children to continue the tradition and leadership, and for them to maintain the same
VIVA FRESH CONFERENCE
Viva Fresh started in 2015 as a small regional tradeshow with the goal of shining a light on the importance of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. In just three years, it has become a go-to event for getting to know the who’s who of the Tex-Mex industry.
Hosted by the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA), Viva Fresh focuses on networking, education and building relationships in a relaxed and intimate setting.
Viva Fresh 2019 will take place April 25-27 in San Antonio, TX. “It’s the only regional trade show all about the Tex-Mex produce scene,” says Dante Galeazzi, TIPA president and chief executive. “Viva Fresh focuses not only on the region’s vital role in bringing more than $7 billion of fresh produce to the national marketplace, but it also high-lights the flavors and unique offerings of both the Southwest and Mexico.” pb
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