LAKE ELSINORE, CA - The produce industry is a wearer of multiple hats and a group that has a never-ending knack for new skills. Prometo Produce, an importer of avocados, blackberries, and, now, blueberries, is but one example of why the produce industry is known for excellence, and one that’s leading the charge of keeping our industry up-to-date and in every nook and cranny around the world.
I spoke with Edward Guerra, Account Manager, to learn more about Prometo Produce's newest program and why its booth should be PMA show-goers number-one stop this weekend.
“Prometo Produce tripled sales in blackberries last season compared to the previous one. With the growing demand we received from our customers, we decided to start importing blueberries as well,” Edward tells me. “We received our first blueberry shipment last month, and we are expecting to continue until March.”
Available from September to March, Prometo Produce’s blueberries are delivered to the company’s customers in top-notch quality and 12 oz clamshells. While Mexico experienced quite a bit of rain this year, blueberries were not notably affected. Edward also notes that blueberries are in high demand at the moment—one of the key reasons why Prometo is excited for this season and the ones to come.
“Our mission is to be different in how we adhere to quality, customer service, and how we treat our employees. We set our quality standards very high since we hand pick every blueberry from the field. While we do not have high volume yet, we are slowly easing into yielding higher volume as we continue to expand our berry program,” Edward says.
With operations expanding across all programs—the company also offers blackberries from September to May and avocados year-round—Prometo is currently honing in on the North American market, while also meeting the international needs of its newest partner: one of China’s leading grocers, Alibaba.
“We have so much to share at this year’s PMA. We are excited to be exhibiting again this year at one of the biggest trade shows in the industry. We expect to meet with all of our customers and welcome all potential business partners. We hope to not only sell well but build the crucial foundations of relationships,” Edward reveals.
To learn more about Prometo Produce and its growing blueberry, blackberry, and avocado programs, stop by booth #408 at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit.
