The pitaya, a beloved, vividly-colored cactus fruit grown in the highlands of the Mexican state of Jalisco, among other places, has been approved for export to the United States.
It was previously impossible to export pitaya because of problems with certification and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approval.
These problems have been resolved, or at least to an extent that has allowed for an export trial run from the key pitaya-growing municipalities of Techaluta and Amacueca, both located about 90 kilometers from Guadalajara.
The 800-kilogram shipment left Jalisco, made a short stop to be irradiated in Matehuala, San Luis Potosi, and then went on to McAllen, Texas. From there it will be funneled towards the vast market that is Los Angeles, California.
According to Adolfo Aceves Rocha, director of the company marketing the export effort, the aim is to send two shipments a week to North America during the fruit’s six-week-long high season. North of the border, Natural Fresh Trading, a distribution company, will be in charge of dispersing the product to different markets around the United States.
Everyone seems to agree that the export of pitaya is an important business opportunity, especially for the producers, who often suffer from plummeting prices. Eighteen producers with 23 orchards were involved with this inaugural effort.