Giumarra looks to Mexico for year-round watermelon supply
Watermelons out of Sonora, Mexico could support a 52-week supply program for fresh produce supplier Giumarra.
The group’s Nogales, Arizona division hosted Bob Morrissey, executive director of the National Watermelon Association, Inc., in Mexico recently in an effort to demonstrate the work of Sonora-based watermelon partner, Videxport.
“Videxport represents a major investment in the land and its people. It was impressive to see a family of three generations all working in concert with one another,” Morrissey said in a press release.
“It’s clear the Videxport family owners are very committed to taking care of their employees, with the Fair Trade program front and center. As a result of the tour and hospitality from the ranch owners, their family is now a welcomed part of our watermelon family.”
Giumarra pointed to Videxport’s on-site health care center, improved employee housing, and educational resources, among other things, to demonstrate the organization’s work to improve worker welfare. The company also holds Fair Trade USA certification.
Videxport is directed by Gilberto Salazar Escoboza, native of Hermosillo, Sonora, who also leads Empacadora Frutícola Santa Inés.
Giumarra markets its Mexican watermelons in the U.S. under the Nature’s Partner® brand. Sonora supplies about 50% of the brand’s crop, with other fruit coming from Baja California Sur, Sinaloa, Colima and Michoacán.
Photos: Giumarra Companies
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