U.S. produce distributor Divine Flavor is investing US$7.5 million in expanding its 100,000 square foot facility at its headquarters in Nogales, Arizona. 

It said the move will fund an additional 70,000 square foot warehouse with seven new cold rooms, FDA-approved inspection area and sophisticated repackaging machinery and equipment.

The company, which is one of the largest importers of Mexican table grapes in the U.S., says it has been answering demand for higher product volumes year after year since its creation in 2006. 

“We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our main US distribution center,” CEO Alan Aguirre said.

“Our new facility will allow for faster delivery of our year-round superior quality produce and offer best-in-class customer service as we bring all logistics and operations under one roof.”

The new Nogales warehouse will not only offer much-needed extra cold storing space, but also new technology for more innovative solutions in packaging. The expansion will also allow for better inventory control as all products will be at the same location, yielding higher efficiency.

Construction work has already started in Nogales and the new facility is set to open its doors in March 2018. It is estimated that about five million boxes of products will be then shipped out on a seasonal basis.

Divine Flavor is also working on the development of a new app to help achieve the highest quality standards that will be used on hand-held devices at the warehouse.

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