Bridges Produce expanding in Mexico
Bridges Produce expanding in Mexico
TUCSON, az — A growing factor in the Mexican organic produce deal is Bridges Produce, Inc. The firm is based in Portland, OR. Handling sales of the Mexican deal for the firm is Oscar Trujillo. In mid-September the firm moved its Nogales warehouse operations to a new location operated by Go Green Logistics LLC. Trujillo said that Go Green has provided “in and out” services for Bridges for the last three years.
A seller of only certified organic produce, Bridges was founded in Portland in 2002 by Ben Johnson. Trujillo has been with the firm for eight years.
Bridges and its growers are all audited for organic and food safety measures. Bridges is partnered with Fair Trade USA and the Sustainable Food Trade Association.
Mexican organic produce sold by Bridges includes squash, bell peppers, eggplant and cucumbers. The majority of Bridges fall sales will come from their Rico Farms operation in Hermosillo, Sonora. Delayed about a week by September rains, that deal started Oct. 5. Bridges will also ship organic bell peppers, cucumber and eggplant from Culiacan, with that deal running from late November into May. From February to March, Los Mochis will provide hard squash for Bridges customers.
The Hermosillo farm and packinghouse has a solar power program that accounts for half of its energy needs. Rico Farms is Fair Trade USA certified to expand offerings to more customers.
“We are trying to have a seamless program,” Trujillo noted.
The fast-growing company also handles product from Argentina, Canada, New Zealand, Peru and the U.S. West Coast. Trujillo said about half of what the company handles is sold on contract.
“We are in major retail chains in the U.S. and Canada, and offer a very professional pack.” While the company is 13 years old, those involved have been associated for 20 years.
