Strawberries, Mexico's most representative berry, are gaining ground in the international markets through the use of better technology for their production.
In 2015, the fruit's exports grew by 30 percent, reaching a total value of $ 168 million dollars, according to the Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (SIAP).
The use of macro tunnels, which allow for maximum care during the whole process, has been a key factor, according to the producers.
The implementation of macro tunnels has led to improvement in the production, but at the same time has given producers the possibility of expanding their acreage, since it ensures that the fruit will remain in good condition, despite any weather changes, explained Octaviano Magaña, president of Sistema Producto Fresa.
The country estimates that about 8,000 hectares were planted in 2015, which is an increase of 15 percent compared to 2014, stated Magaña.
For Pablo Gutiérrez, CEO of the company Fruveza, macro tunnels also give producers an edge against their competitors, because their use is more efficient in Mexico than in U.S. states such as California.
Of the total strawberry production, 85 percent is intended for the export market, with shipments going mainly to the U.S., Canada, Japan and the Netherlands.
According to experts, strawberries stand out over other berries, since other fruits, like raspberries or blackberries, are not as consumed in the domestic market.
"Of the total raspberry, blackberry and blueberry production, 98 percent is exported. They are very expensive products and we are also not used to consuming them," said Magaña.
Gutiérrez pointed out that, with the increase in production, it is becoming harder to find labourers for the harvest in the region of Zamora, Michoacán.
This is already the largest producer of strawberries in Mexico, accounting for almost 50 percent of the total harvested acreage and reaching an average production of 200,000 tonnes per year, he said.
He also found that strawberries are more profitable than other crops, such as grains.
