[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDuWTCjGH-M&w=560&h=315]
MexiFrutas, a leading mango pulp processor focused on global export markets, is one of JBT’s longest-standing customers in Mexico; a status which is no accident, according to MexiFrutas managing director Sergio Garcia. Since 2003, JBT has formed a key element in the ongoing MexiFrutas success story, providing solutions, equipment and support for the company during a period of sustained growth based on quality and a reputation for excellence.
MexiFrutas began life almost two decades ago with a small mango processing facility in the western, Pacific state of Nayarit. Fast forward 15 years and the company now boasts three processing sites – two in Nayarit and one in Chiapas – strategically placed to follow the annual Mexican mango season, starting in southern Mexico in Chiapas in late February, before moving north during the course of the year and finishing in early September.
Approximately 95% of MexiFrutas’ production is for international markets, shipping to a wide variety of destinations including the US, Canada, Europe, South and Central America, Japan, South Korea and even as far as Australia. A small percentage is also sold on the domestic market.
MexiFrutas’ working relationship with JBT also began back in 2003, establishing a very solid supplier-customer partnership that has continued to the present day, with all company sites featuring equipment and machinery 100% sourced from JBT.
“We started with one small processing plant, and now we have three plants that process mango pulp, which use 100% JBT equipment,” explains Sergio Garcia. “It has been a good relationship for both sides.”
“MexiFrutas is in a sense married to JBT,” he continues. “As a company, we don’t like to take any risks in terms of the delicate machinery for a mango line producing processed pulp and JBT is very trustworthy. In fact, we have virtually never had any problems with product contamination or machinery failures, which is testament to the fact that the systems are well made and have effective safeguards against microbiological threats.”
But MexiFrutas has not only been working with JBT when it comes to processing mango pulp, it also collaborates closely JBT specialists in freezing and IQF products.
“JBT is a company that responds promptly whenever a problem might arise and provides solutions,” says Garcia. “We have great trust in JBT, trust which they have earned and which is reciprocal. It’s a successful relationship for both sides.”
MexiFrutas currently uses various JBT technologies at all three facilities, including de-pulping and finishing systems, enzymatic deactivation, evaporators, sterilizers and aseptic fillers. The company expects to purchase new JBT equipment to support their ambitious growth plan over the next 12-24 months.
“When we speak to a customer who is knowledgeable about mango pulping and we mention we use JBT equipment, there is an implicit recognition that you are using good systems for processing, and undoubtedly this gives confidence to our customers,” adds Garcia.
video ©MexiFrutas 2018