NOGALES, AZ - As we here in the Northern Hemisphere are still in the midst of winter’s cool grip, south of the border, Divine Flavor is working alongside its Sinaloa, Mexico, growing partners to harvest high-quality produce. From winter to early spring, the fresh produce purveyor is working in the Culiacán region, the heart of its vegetable program, to bring organic bell peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers to retail locations here in the States.

“Our partners here in Sinaloa are expert growers, and they share the same values our own farms have across Mexico,” said Carlos Bon, Vice President of Sales. “Our growth is not just from planting more hectares across more land; it’s specializing in the products we currently have and becoming experts in that commodity. The intelligent farmer, the responsible farmer, grows not to have more product, but to invest in infrastructure and technology—improving processes at all stages of production and constantly planning ahead.”

During this key growing season, Divine Flavor’s Mexican growers are yielding a variety of high-quality, flavorful products to meet consumer demand in the United States. According to a release, these commodities include organic-colored bell peppers, Roma and beefsteak tomatoes, Magnífico grape tomatoes, and long English and Persian cucumbers.

Over the years, Divine Flavor has expanded its vegetable program in its Sonora and Sinaloa, Mexico, regions, creating solid growing locations for the company’s hothouse products. A significant part of this growth is due to the strong partnerships that Divine Flavor has with the family-oriented companies that share in its corporate values, making Sinaloa a prime location.

“Our distribution company is an alliance of some of the best growers in all of Mexico,” added Bon. “Sinaloa is a very important region of Mexico for growing produce, and our partners here are very family-oriented. They have what we look for in our own farms. They are very much an extension of our Divine Flavor family”.

One of Divine Flavor’s most immense bell pepper farms, Hortifresh, lies in the small town of Navolato, right outside the city of Culiacán. Those that run the operation have worked alongside Divine Flavor for more than 15 years and have emerged as the largest bell pepper supplier for the company, as well as one of the largest pepper growers in Mexico.

Hortifresh is run by Owner and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Urtusastegui, who explains that trust and continuous improvements are what have created the successful partnership between the grower and Divine Flavor.

“We have a common goal of supplying the best quality product with added value to the customers and markets,” he said. “As farmers, it is important to have visibility, clarity, and to know how to supply the markets we grow for. Through fluid communication and strategic planning with Divine Flavor, we are able to supply the best products which are grown responsibly and sustainably.”

Hortifresh also has close working relations with Grupo Agricola Chaparral & Tombell, a heavy hitter for the pepper category and a big player for hothouse tomatoes. The company also has a strong history with veteran grower Agricola Campaña, who produces its long English cucumbers. Also in Sinaloa is Divine Flavor’s organic specialty grower and sister company, Viva Orgánica, who grows the brand’s Magnífico grape tomatoes. Together, they form a large grower alliance to provide high-caliber produce offerings.

How will Divine Flavor build on the success of its Mexico growing program? Keep clicking on AndNowUKnow for answers.

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