Mexican berry sector expands with AI technology
Mexican berry sector expands with AI technology
Publish Date: 2026-05-25 14:06:00
Source Domain: www.freshplaza.com
Mexico’s berry industry continues to expand through increased export activity, varietal development, and the adoption of production technology. According to Aneberries CEO Juan José Flores, the sector now produces between 700,000 and 1.2 million tons annually, with more than 90 per cent destined for export to 38 countries.
“Berries have become a major economic driver,” Flores said in comments to Excelsior.
Mexico’s berry industry is based mainly on strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Strawberries and blackberries remain concentrated in states such as Michoacán and Guanajuato, while raspberries and blueberries have expanded through varietal development and export demand. Jalisco has become an important production region for blueberries.
Additional growing regions, including Baja California, have also contributed to Mexico’s position in international fresh fruit markets.
According to Flores, advances in genetics have allowed berry production to expand into warmer production regions previously considered less suitable for cultivation. Production systems increasingly incorporate hydroponics, substrate cultivation, data analysis, and artificial intelligence for irrigation management, pest monitoring, and crop management decisions.
The sector has also increased its use of technicians, engineers, and specialists, although harvesting remains largely manual to maintain fruit firmness, appearance, flavour, and food safety standards.
Export growth has also increased production requirements around certification, sustainability, labour practices, and quality management. Industry coordination between growers, associations, universities, research centres, and public agencies has focused on health management, certification systems, sustainability, and genetic improvement.
Coordination with Senasica has also supported export market access, according to Flores.
The U.S. remains the primary export destination for Mexican berries, although the…
