Mexico's strawberry exports to the U.S. reached record levels at 135,062 metric tons (MT) for the period January to August this year, according to government figures.

Exports showed an 11% increase compared to the same period in 2010, with a market value of US$203 million.

In the month of August itself there was an 18% year-on-year jump  in exports to 3,711MT, chalking up a commercial value of around US$5.4 million.

Worldwide strawberry exports from January to August saw year-on-year growth of more than 4%.

From 2005 to 2010 there has been an average annual growth of 18% in strawberries with an average export value of US$149 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development and Fishing (SAGARPA).

Frozen strawberry exports maintained constant volumes throughout the year, while fresh produce exports were restricted to the harvest season from the end of November until June.

Photo: Noticias Guanajuato

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