Seald Sweet Mexican grapes

Seald Sweet International, the Vero Beach, Florida-based subsidiary of Univeg, continues to expand its non-citrus offering with news of a major investment programme to boost its production of Mexican grapes.

The company said it had entered into long-term agreements with Mexican growers that would bring significant growth to its Mexican table grape programme, primarily in the Hermosillo and Caborca areas, further strengthening its position in the deciduous category.

“We are thrilled about this additional product supply for a number of reasons,’ said CEO Mayda Sotomayor-Kirk. “Continued development and growth of this category has been an important part of our strategic plan. This enables our company to better service our customers by meeting their needs in the grape category.”

The expansion forms part of Univeg’s strategy to increase its presence in the North American market by developing product access and ties in the continent and complimenting the group’s built-in global network, Sotomayor-Kirk continued.

“Seald Sweet is the gateway to the North American markets for the Univeg Group and we are very privileged to have these opportunities in front of us.”

She stressed that the company’s Mexican producers are dedicated to maintaining respectable and fair labour standards with workers, in line with the company’s commitment to social responsibility.

Mark Lewis, the company’s executive vice president, added: “We are making long-term commitments to growing these programmes with our customers, by delivering fresh, quality grapes, in promotional volumes, from the very beginning of the Mexican harvest al the way to the end.”