Page 173 - index

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CIRULI BROTHERS
produce crossings into the U.S., according to FPAA, and boasts an environment of continuous improvement to maintain the port. “Nogales has one of the newest redesigned ports of entry at the Southern Border,” says Batiz of Divine Flavor. “Roughly $225 million was spent to reno- vate the compound.”
Mandel relates the Mariposa Port of Entry was redesigned and re-opened in 2014. “The re-opening resulted in state- of-the-art facilities able to process nearly
four times the volume the previous port was designed for,” he says. “It is also a LEED Gold-certified facility, which makes it more environmentally sustainable.”
Such modernized facilities result in easier and faster service for all involved. “Speed of crossings and loading are factors in making Nogales as important as it is for buyers,” says FPAA’s Moore.
Close proximity of facilities is another crucial factor in making Nogales as effi- cient as it is. “One of our biggest assets
Dry vegetable staples such as these cucumbers, tomatoes and eggplant from Ciruli Bros., are among the top commodities coming out of Nogales.
throughout the year (see chart, page 178). “We have continued to thrive because shippers here offer a variety of fruits and vegetables important for buyers across North America,” says Moore. “From melons, squash, tomatoes, and bell peppers, to mangos, eggplant, Chinese vegetables and more, our consistent supply and diversity make Nogales a vital place to do business.”
Historically, dry veg items have been the niche for Nogales, explains Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer for Ciruli Brothers in Rio Rico. “These include cucumber, tomato, peppers, squash and eggplant. Mangos are also a big commodity. In recent years, however, more and more crossings from central Mexico have made an appearance, including avocado, berries, more tropical items and some Asian vegetables.”
In fact, Ciruli Brothers reports devel- oping more ethnic products and growing product mix to appeal to more buyers.
A MODERN PORT
Nogales’ Mariposa Port of Entry is one of the most important ports of entry for
PRODUCE BUSINESS / OCTOBER 2018 / 173