The Arizona border city of Nogales has strengthened its position as the top U.S. point of entry for Mexican produce, with a 17% year-on-year increase during the recent peak season.

According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics compiled by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), Nogales accounted for 37% of imports from the southern neighbor while South Texas brought in 28% through the cities of Pharr and Progreso.

Oranges were the leading growth item in terms of growth for Nogales imports, increasing 295% to more than 51 million pounds. Melons showed strong growth as well with seedless watermelon shipments jumping 78% to 657.12 million pounds, and cantaloupe imports rising 52% to 39.2 million pounds.

Photo: Jimmywayne, via Flickr Creative Commons

With regards to vegetables, squash traffic was up 23% at 446.9 million pounds and cucumber volumes were up 14% at 587.3 million pounds.

The FPAA highlighted the strong Nogales performance occurred at a time when other ports' volumes remained "flat or realized much smaller increases", citing the city's improvements at the new Mariposa Port of Entry as a key factor.

In a release, the association pointed out this development has doubled the amount of commercial crossing lanes, while the city will also be receiving an additional 120 customs officers as part of the 2014 Omnibus Spending Bill.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has also improved the road leading into the U.S. from Nogales, widening and adding additional lanes for vehicles to access the I-19 highway.

"The collective commitment to excellence from supporting agencies like Customs, FDA (Food and Drug Administration), USDA and Arizona Department of Agriculture reaffirms the region's drive to continue to be the premier port of entry for perishable products," FPAA president Lance Jungmeyer said in the release.

"There has never been a better time to be in the Mexican produce importing business, and Nogales has all the tools needed to continue to capitalize on this growth.

"Growers in West Mexico continue to invest in new technology and seed varieties to expand their seasons and bring new produce to market. In the future, we probably won’t even see the historical drop-off in the summertime."

www.freshfruitportal.com