Summer production supports Divine Flavor’s commitment to year-round supply
Summer production supports Divine Flavor’s commitment to year-round supply
As the North American vegetable market enters the summer production window, Divine Flavor continues to strengthen its position as a dependable year-round supplier through expanded production programs in Baja California and Central Mexico.
The Nogales, AZ-based company’s summer vegetable portfolio includes grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes-on-the-vine, European cucumbers, slicer cucumbers, mini cucumbers, Bell peppers, mini sweet peppers and yellow and Italian squash. Available in both organic and conventional offerings across many core commodities, the program is designed to provide customers with consistent supply, quality, and flavor during a period when production can often be volatile.
“Domestic production can be unpredictable at times, and that creates opportunities for suppliers who can provide stability,” said Clarisa Batiz, senior vegetable category manager for Divine Flavor. “Our goal is to remain steady with our supply while continuing to support both our retail programs and customers who may need additional coverage when production dips in other regions. We’ve worked hard to close production gaps and build stronger growing partnerships that allow us to extend our success into additional growing regions throughout Mexico.”
A key advantage of Divine Flavor’s summer programs is proximity to the U.S. market. With growing operations located close to the border, products can move quickly from field-to-customer, helping preserve freshness and quality throughout the supply chain.
Beyond supply reliability, Divine Flavor continues to emphasize its commitment to responsible agriculture. As one of the largest Fair Trade USA produce suppliers from Mexico, the company marketed more than 48 million pounds of Fair Trade-certified produce last year, generating over $940,000 in community development funds that directly benefit farmworker communities.
“Retailers today are looking for partners who can support them throughout the entire year, not just during a specific season,” Batiz said. “By offering both organic and conventional programs across multiple categories, we’re able to provide flexibility and convenience while helping customers consolidate sourcing through a trusted partner.”
One of the most exciting developments this season is the introduction of Divine Flavor’s organic cherry tomatoes-on-the-vine, a new item that reflects the company’s continued investment in premium products that prioritize flavor and consumer appeal.
“For us, flavor is always the priority — it’s in our name,” said David Reyes, director of business development. “We dedicate significant time and resources to ensuring every product meets the Divine Flavor standard. Our goal is for customers to get excited whenever we introduce something new because they know our products represent the highest standards for eating quality and consistency.”
The company is also seeing strong opportunities across its cucumber category, including European, slicer and mini cucumbers, supported by a broad range of packaging options designed to meet diverse retail and food service needs.
While industry challenges such as weather uncertainty and fluctuating freight markets remain top of mind, Divine Flavor continues to invest aggressively in production capacity and strategic partnerships to ensure long-term supply security.
“Historically, our summer vegetable production was limited, but that’s changing,” Reyes said. “We are actively expanding through new grower partnerships, direct investments, and additional acreage. This growth is not simply an investment in Divine Flavor — it’s an investment in our customers and industry partners. We are committed to growing alongside them and helping them succeed.”
Much of that expansion is centered in key summer growing regions such as Maneadero in Baja California, located just south of Ensenada, and several high-tech production areas throughout Central Mexico. These regions offer favorable growing conditions and strong operational alignment with Divine Flavor’s standards for quality, food safety, and social responsibility.
Divine Flavor’s summer vegetable programs are currently in production and will continue supplying customers through the summer and fall months until the company’s West Mexico vegetable season begins once again in Sonora and Sinaloa this November.