Unusually heavy rainfall in June has impacted the green beans crop in some growing regions in Mexico. “Our beans are grown in two key growing regions, in Guanajuato in Central Mexico as well as Baja California in the northwest,” says Francisco Sanchez, CEO of ASL Produce. This dual-region strategy helps the company maintain consistent supply and manage risks during seasonal shifts. A strategy that has proven to be crucial this season due to heavy rainfall in the Guanajuato growing region back in June. Heavy precipitation has significantly complicated field operations, increased spoilage rates, and driven up costs. Nevertheless, the company’s packing facilities have been able to maintain strict quality controls to ensure customers continue to receive clean, high-quality product.

Mitigating risks
“While we anticipate a typical volume in the Guanajuato region in July, we expect some reduced yields and lower volume during certain weeks in August,” Sanchez commented.

To mitigate the expected dip in August, the company proactively planted additional acreage in its other growing region, Baja California. In this region, the outlook is more stable as the company expects steady and consistent production throughout the upcoming months. “This has positioned us to maintain supply and meet customer demand without interruptions,” Sanchez said. Despite stably supply, Baja California is challenged with persistent coastal mist, limiting daily harvest windows and increasing the frequency of spraying and managing the fields, driving up production costs.

Surety of supply
Overall, summer green bean production in Mexico presents high operational complexity due to unpredictable weather, pest pressure, and increased competition from U.S. growers. Adding to the challenge is the lack of water in the state of Sinaloa, a key growing region of fresh produce. “Due to the recurring water problem, we have structured our operation around strategic fields in more stable growing regions, allowing us to mitigate the impact and maintain a dependable supply for our customers,” Sanchez shared. Surety of supply is key for ASL as the company builds programs around long-term contracts with clients who require year-round availability. “The vast majority of these clients are based in the U.S., and they rely on us to deliver weekly, without interruption and regardless of local availability. Being able to offer that level of consistency is our core value proposition.”

Conventional versus organic
ASL Produce grows conventional as well as organic green beans. Costs for organic growing practices are about 25 percent higher once the operational systems and processes are fully in place. During the initial stages and learning curve of organic farming the cost can be even higher. “However, we are committed to both categories as we believe in supporting our customers’ needs for both conventional and organic solutions.”

Demand for green beans entered a dip after the 4th of July holiday but is now starting to improve again. ASL Produce is hopeful prices will strengthen. In addition to green beans, the company also offers zucchini, yellow and gray squash, American cucumbers, as well as green bell peppers and is currently finalizing its winter programs. Interested in meeting up in person? Visit the team at IFPA’s Foodservice Conference in Monterey on August 1 or meet up at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, October 17 and 18, at booth #4453.

For more information:
Manuel Higuera
ASL Produce
Tel: +52 669 100 3095
[email protected]
www.aslproduce.com