Demand for Guatemala’s fresh produce growing in international markets
HLB Specialties enters direct-to-consumer distribution channels
HLB Specialties has been operating in the United States and Canada for 23 years, offering tropical and exotic fruits from Latin America and Asia. “Traditionally, we had always specialised in supplying supermarkets, but since the pandemic, we have developed other new distribution channels to reach the consumer more directly,” said CEO Andrés Ocampo. HLB started out by importing Brazilian papaya before later adding other fruits such as mango, mangosteen, rambutan and pitaya from Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico.
Santa Fe Trading Corp. increases frequency of supplies
Santa Fe Trading Corp is the fresh produce collection centre for Colonial Supermarkets, with whom it has forged a very strong alliance through its distribution centre in Honduras. “Currently, our mission is to work with the government to open the border to allow us to transport much fresher products, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, broccoli, cauliflower, from field to table in 24 hours,” said general manager Carlos Carias. The company has its own brand, Casi Campo, whose slogan is “Fresh on your table”.
