West Pak Avocado / Nogales produce brokers

Mexico fresh horticultural imports →

Arizona · port

The Port of Nogales DeConcini (Nogales AZ; Santa Cruz County; operated by CBP under USDA/FDA oversight) is the single most important fresh produce entry point into the United States. Approximately 60-70% of all US fresh produce imports from Mexico cross at Nogales — roughly $15-20B/year in perishable fruits and vegetables. Over 600 refrigerated trucks per day cross during peak season (November–May). The port processes Mexican tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, squash, chiles, asparagus, mangoes, berries, and avocados. Nogales DeConcini is the northern terminus of Mexican Highway 15 (MEX-15), which connects Sonora's agricultural valleys directly to the US border. The port's USDA-AMS inspection station is the mandatory checkpoint for all fresh produce entering under the import program; USDA inspectors can reject or hold entire shipments. Source: Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) — https://www.fpaa.com/about/nogales-az

Sinaloa · mine

The Culiacán Valley and broader coastal Sinaloa agricultural zone (Culiacán, Guasave, Angostura municipalities) is the largest source of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and other vegetables imported into the US from Mexico. Sinaloa produces approximately 30-40% of Mexican vegetable exports to the US, with peak production October–May supplying winter and spring US markets. The state's temperate climate, extensive irrigation from the El Fuerte, Sinaloa, and Culiacán river systems, and established logistics infrastructure (direct highway connection to Nogales AZ via MEX-15) make it the dominant US produce source state in Mexico. Sinaloa is also home to the Sinaloa Cartel — Mexico's largest drug trafficking organization — which has historically taxed agricultural operations, extorted logistics companies, and maintained influence over the state's major industry. The coexistence of Mexico's largest produce export zone and Mexico's largest cartel in the same state is structurally significant. Source: USDA FAS GAIN Report Mexico Fresh Vegetables 2024.

Sonora · mine

Sonora state (northern Mexico; bordering Arizona) is the second-largest Mexican produce export state after Sinaloa. Sonora's Hermosillo-area produces grapes, asparagus, bell peppers, cucumbers, and melons exported to the US primarily through Nogales AZ. Sonora also supplies tomatoes and peppers from Guaymas/Empalme coastal greenhouse operations. Sonora's proximity to the US border (Nogales is the Arizona-Sonora state border) makes it uniquely positioned for rapid export of perishable items — Sonora produce can be harvested and on US store shelves within 24-48 hours. Sonora also produces the majority of Mexico's beef cattle exports to the US. Source: USDA FAS GAIN Mexico Vegetable Reports.