We are very excited to share this interview from Veggies From Mexico to Hans Habermann, second-generation leader at Agricola De La Costa.

Hans officially joined the family business at the beginning of 2020 in the production area, helping to launch the De La Costa Durango project. Since then, he has devoted himself to improving field and packaging processes, professionalizing the company, quality and use of the product, cost efficiency and promoting the training of its human capital.

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1. What is it like for you to be a part of the family business and what do you like the most about the industry?

To me, being a part of the family business is a source of pride because I can honor everything that has been achieved due to the work and effort that has been made over so many years. A part of my mission in the company is to maintain and grow it with the support of my family and collaborators, to continue the legacy and to pave a way for the generations to come.

I believe that each generation comes with a specific mission and has the obligation to seize it the best possible way. The things I like most about working in this industry are creating value and employment in the community, having the opportunity to generate a positive impact on society and promoting things to be done well, as they should be done. Also, I am proud to be a part of this industry because we have the opportunity and the ability to innovate by exploring the new trends that are emerging globally.

2. Could you tell us a little bit about the history of Agricola de La Costa and what do you consider are the main values that make it a solid company?

Despite being a family with over one hundred years devoted to farming, Agricola De La Costa, as we know it today, was founded by my father in the early 1990s with the purpose of entering the export business. After trying some products, in 1993, it was the first year that the company took the path to the production and export of green beans.

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I believe that the main values ​​which represent us as a company are solidarity, integrity, perseverance, leadership, work and respect. By adhering to these principles, we create work ethics capable of overcoming any challenge or situation that may arise along the way.

3. What are the main products you sell and to which destination market?

We are devoted to the production and export of green beans, corn and sorghum production.

We sell in the domestic market and export to the United States and Canada.

4. What things which have been done at the company do you consider the most valuable ones, and what are the projects that you would like to venture into?

From the things that have been done at the company which I consider of high value is always putting product quality first. This can become a key game changer when we go through difficult markets. With a perishable product, there are some challenges that can reduce quality, such as climate or soil.

As a company, being aware that you are marketing a high-quality product gives you the confidence to explore new markets and new trends. These are the types of projects we would like to continue venturing into.

5. What trends do you think will influence and modify the fresh food industry in the coming years?

These days the world and the way it operates are constantly changing. There is a search for technical and efficient processes, either in the field or in packaging. The trend is towards the customization of products, that is, more tailored or adapted to the specific needs of people/companies. Likewise, I see a world that is more aware of its health in general and therefore, its diet. This is why I believe we are in the right industry. As a company, our goal is to continue adapting and reinventing ourselves to remain the leaders in the market, making always offering a decent and quality product a priority.

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6. What impact do you think food safety and social responsibility have on farming companies?

On one hand, food safety has taken on an extremely significant and fundamental role for the export market. I believe that every exporter must adjust to the rules of the country they want to do business with. Fortunately, having a country like the United States as a neighbor, forces us to go the extra mile in our food safety work by obtaining the proper certifications that open the doors to attractive markets. Social responsibility, on the other hand, as its name suggests, forces us as a company and as an industry to turn to our collaborators for being, for the most part, the ones responsible for the successful completion of the work. This is why we have the obligation to offer, at the very least, fair pay and a decent work space. It is also important to take into account the needs that exist on their part and always act with justice and equality.

7. How do you think consumer expectations have changed over the last 10 years? What do they value more when buying?

Consumers these days expect to have a high-quality product on the shelf every time they go shopping, no exception. As an industry, we are in charge of making this great challenge possible. As I said before, consumers are increasingly more aware of their physical and mental health, so I think that little by little they will demand more information about the origin of the product, whether pesticides were used or not, the type of fertilizers used, whether they are chemical or natural, whether the employees work in a decent place or if they have a decent salary. We must be prepared and do our part to adapt to the needs of consumers as a key part of the value chain.

8. Anything you would like to add?

First of all, I would like to thank Veggies from Mexico, for giving me this space to tell a little about my family business and my way of thinking, and to its entire community for everything that is being achieved. I believe that if we all do our part, we can promote a positive and high-value industry, to benefit all its members. Together we will always be stronger. Thank you again.