In the competitive Mexican avocado market, where producers have diverse options for marketing their fruit, trust has become the key differentiator. This is according to Rodrigo Hauyon, Country Manager of Baika Mexico , who emphasizes that the company has established itself as a strategic partner thanks to a collaborative model based on long-term relationships, complete operational control, and a value proposition aligned with international standards.

Baika's relationship with producers extends beyond simply purchasing fruit. The company has developed a system based on stable and transparent partnerships, guaranteeing both continuity of supply and quality at every stage of the process. "In Mexico, there are several packing options that can buy the fruit, but producers choose who to sell to primarily for two reasons: price and payment reliability," says Hauyon. This stability forms the basis of a dependable supply network, which in turn fuels the company's export operations.

Since September 2024, Baika's Mexican operation has had its own packing plant in Cherangeran, Michoacán . This facility not only optimizes logistics but also offers a critical advantage: total process control. With the capacity to process up to 13 tons of Hass avocados per hour and generate three to four daily shipments, the plant has enabled Baika to achieve a remarkable export figure in 2024: 17 million kilos , 95% of which went to the United States market.

“Having our own facilities gives us complete control over the process and greater security for both producers and customers,” Hauyon points out. The transition from contract manufacturing to in-house operation has allowed the company to establish internal protocols that ensure more precise handling of the fruit, from reception to shipment.

Today, traceability and quality are managed internally, from harvesting to packaging. Specialized teams, trained over many years, are responsible for harvesting according to the specific requirements of each commercial program. “We have teams that we have trained for years, which allows us to harvest according to the program's needs,” explains the executive. The fruit is processed under protocols that guarantee no more than 24 hours elapse between harvesting and packaging. Furthermore, it is kept in pre-cooled chambers within the packaging itself, ensuring that it arrives at its destination with its freshness and quality intact.

This level of logistical efficiency becomes a key competitive advantage in markets like the United States, where Baika maintains a direct relationship with Naturipe Avocado Farms and other importers, ensuring a steady flow of exports year-round. The operation in Mexico, however, is part of a larger strategy: Baika operates under a multi-origin model, also working in Chile, Peru, Colombia, and the Mediterranean region. This diversification allows them to mitigate climate and logistical risks and guarantee fresh fruit in any season.

Baika's differentiation extends beyond technical operations. The company has made a clear commitment to sustainability and innovation, integrating practices that place it at the forefront of the sector. In Mexico, it has been a pioneer in implementing compostable PLU labels and using biodegradable materials throughout its packaging chain. "We ensure that all materials used are biodegradable or compostable. We are pioneers in the market with our labels," Hauyon emphasizes. This responsible vision is also reflected in the choice of supplies such as reusable IFCO boxes and recyclable cardboard corner protectors.

In a context where consumers and markets increasingly demand traceability and social responsibility, Baika has obtained key certifications such as SENASICA, PRIMUS, and SMETA , including its four-pillar version. Achieving these standards has presented a considerable technical and operational challenge, especially during the audit stages. “Obtaining the SMETA four-pillar certification was a huge challenge, but we managed to overcome it thanks to the team we have built,” acknowledges Hauyon. Beyond compliance, these certifications strengthen the company's position in global markets where trust in origin is a differentiator.

Baika Mexico has thus become a company that not only buys fruit, but also builds value from the field to the shelf. Its relationship with producers is the cornerstone of a broader strategy that combines efficiency, trust, sustainability, and a global vision. In a constantly evolving industry, this combination is more than an advantage: it's a guarantee of long-term success.