NOGALES, AZ - Consistency is what fresh produce dreams are made of—the proverbial carrot we are constantly pursuing to ensure the fresh department exceeds consumer expectations as often as possible. It is also a core tenet of IPR Fresh’s strategy across retail and foodservice.
“Consistency and availability start with focus and planning. Our primary business is centered around colored hothouse bell peppers and cucumbers, which allows us to be highly disciplined in how we plan, grow, harvest, and ship our crops. We understand that our retail and foodservice customers need more than a quality product; they need a partner they can count on for reliable supply throughout the year. That's what our farming and supply programs are designed to deliver,” says Mark Munger, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development.
As the company prepares to meet the industry at the Southeast Produce Council’s 2026 Southern Innovations with products like its successful bell pepper retail packs—including Rainbow, Stop Light, and Family Packs—among other offerings, Mark explains that one of the supplier’s biggest advantages is geographic diversity of production.
“We farm across 10 production regions in five Mexican states, which helps mitigate the impact of localized weather events or other challenges that can affect a particular growing region. If conditions are difficult in one area, our broader production footprint provides additional flexibility,” he explains.
Mark sees flexibility as a key advantage, and that philosophy is reflected in IPR Fresh’s approach to production. The company utilizes a broad spectrum of growing technologies, from basic shade houses to highly controlled Dutch- and Israeli-style systems, matching the technology to the climate and growing conditions of each region.
“Our continued investment in controlled environment agriculture also gives us greater control over key variables such as weather and pest pressure,” Mark says. “Combined with disciplined crop planning and strong relationships with our grower partners, this allows us to build more predictable programs and deliver the consistency our customers depend on.”
With nearly 24 years focusing on strong grower relationships, quality products, and dependable service, Southern Innovations—a show focused on relationships and connection—lines up perfectly with the next big chapter IPR is teeing up.
“For us, Southern Innovations is more than an opportunity to showcase our products. It’s an opportunity to listen and learn more about what our customers need and demonstrate how IPR Fresh can help them build stronger, more reliable produce programs. We’re looking forward to being in Nashville and meeting with customers who are interested in growing together,” Mark concludes.
Be sure to explore the team’s commitment to consistency and find out more about the exciting things already in the works. Swing by booth #149 when the Southern Innovations ribbon is cut on September 11 in Nashville, Tennessee.
