In an interview for Veggies From Mexico, Frank Sánchez, who is currently the Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development at Blue Book Services, the leading provider of business information for the fresh produce industry globally, which includes information database of business information, current credit reports, and many other valuable tools and assets for the industry.

Frank have been in management, sales, service, and marketing for over 40 years. Most of he’s career was as the Northeast Sales Manager for Fujifilm servicing key retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Shop Rite Supermarkets, and more than 4,000 independent businesses in New York City for 21 years.

This year, he celebrated hes 18^th anniversary at Blue Book Services supporting the end-to-end produce supply chain. He visits their valued customers, providing direct support, attending most major shows, and leading the Field Sales & Service Team, mostly across the USA and Canada, which supports advertising, marketing, and customer success. Over the years, he had the opportunity of working with the produce industry in most Latin America countries. He have also attended expos from Europe to Hong Kong helping traders achieve their objectives using Blue Book Services and their powerful tools. He continues to attend a minimum of two expos per year in Mexico offering Blue Book Services to growers and exporters so they may achieve great success.

1. Could you tell us what Blue Book is and what are its main services?

Blue Book Services – The most trusted name in produce.

Since 1901, Blue Book Services has brought predictability to the end-to-end produce supply chain, helping family-owned growers, wholesalers, and national grocers alike make the right trading decisions and business connections at the right time. Blue Book helps you manage your business, limit your financial risk, and accelerate your growth.

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Trade Intelligence

We have the most complete database of product-specific business information in the world. Using innovative technology and proprietary algorithms, our data scientists analyze 400,000 credit references and business profiles a year, representing more than $50 Billion in transactions annually. We turn data into actionable insights with Blue Book Ratings, the only industry-specific credit score designed to help you make smart trading decisions faster. Our directory of qualified sales leads throughout the end-to-end produce supply chain, making it easier than ever to find and build lasting trading connections.

Help When You Need It to resolve disputes and collection

Our Trading Assistance team can help you navigate a challenging produce load or collect past due receivables with their tools and subject matter expertise.

Industry News, Analysis, and Trends

The Produce Reporter e-newsletter, delivered twice daily, contains up-to-date news and analysis that is focused on the facts important to our customers. Plus, it includes important, concise, and educational editorial content from our award-winning Produce Blueprints magazine. And best of all, it is free to subscribe to The Produce Reporter!

2. How can farmers in Mexico become members of Blue Book Services?

Blue Book Online data and services are available through an annual subscription service. You can purchase a subscription membership online at www.ProduceBlueBook.com with a credit card or by sending a wire transfer. You may also contact our team by WhatsApp in Spanish: Leticia Lima 630.334.0705 o Frank Sanchez 518.505.9366. Blue Book Online Services is also available in Spanish.

3. What information can farmers find to improve their business?

As a Blue Book subscriber, you will have access to leading business information for the end-to-end produce supply chain with capabilities to help you make better connections, better decisions, with better outcomes in real time. Unlimited searches allow you to search for reliable companies and monitor your existing contacts with a specific rating, predictive score, commodity, and geographic location for targeted sales efforts. Checking a company’s Blue Book rating, average days to pay, and comprehensive Blue Book Business Report provides the information you need to know before buying or selling. We have dispute resolution and collections services. Marketing in print and digital.

4. How important do you consider Mexico’s agri-food sector to be?

Mexico’s contribution to the fruit and vegetable landscape is invaluable. Just in the USA, Mexico was more than 75% of the fresh vegetable import volume as of 2020, and imports to the U.S. have increased 200% from 1998 to 2020. Mexican influence in our cuisine continues to proliferate, with avocados becoming a staple not only in North America, but across the world, and that is ust one example. There are so many more!

5. What are the most important challenges facing the sector?

Trade and market access immediately come to mind when it comes to Mexico’s agriculture sector. It is imperative that producers have the tools they need to ensure their product gets to market. Blue Book Services can be that tool!

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6. What do you think are the most important market trends to which our farmers should pay special atención?

It cannot be stressed enough, reinforcing Mexico’s role in keeping food prices affordable is crucial as consumers across North America have been facing high inflation. Menu and taste trends change all the time, but the foundation of our food system relies on efficient commerce, which Blue Book Services enables.

7. How do you envision the agricultural sector in the next 10 years and what will be the main changes?

Technology will continue to transform the way we do business in produce. Companies will embrace new ways to trade. While this has always been a relationship-based business, these relationships will be reinforced with data, allowing for more informed decisions.

8. Anything further you would like to add.

For the Companies from Mexico visiting the IFPA Expo in Atlanta October 17-19, please visit us at Booth C 1721. We are here to serve you!