donna, tx — Kingdom Fresh Produce Inc., a year-round Mexican tomato grower-shipper, has production in 550 acres of greenhouses. The firm specializes in vine ripe, roma and conventional and organic grape tomatoes.

Kingdom Fresh has modern sales offices and distribution facilities in South Texas, but the company’s farm and offices are based in Torreón, Coahuila — about 400 miles west of Donna.

Jaime Garcia Jaime Garcia, who was named general manager in July, said the firm works with many contract customers and has several established key customers. Though Kingdom Fresh serves both the retail and foodservice industries, with approximately equal volume going to both, “the retailers give us more steady growth, working with a firm price,” said Garcia.

Garcia credited Alberto González, the company chief executive officer, with “the vision to continue serving the retail and foodservice customers.” Garcia said Gonzalez also has the determination to continue to expand the company, with an additional 80 acres of greenhouse production planned to be operational by late 2018. The new acreage will be oriented to organic production of grape, roma and vine-ripe tomatoes.

May and November are the peak-volume shipping months for Kingdom Fresh. The firm’s contract business is especially heavy from January through March.

“We have a good team and we’re strong,” Garcia said. “This business isn’t as hard when you have key players in place. I have been here eight years and have a background in procurement, operations and sales, so the change is seamless for us and our customers.”

In a July press release announcing Garcia’s promotion, González indicated: “I am confident Jaime’s leadership will nurture the growth we are looking to have in the upcoming seasons; his market knowledge and industry experience will guide the company in the right direction. He was the best choice, a young talent with an all-around background that will help us achieve our future goals.”