We speak with the Ley Castro brothers in an interview with Veggies from Mexico. They shared their experiences as part of the family business, the values that set them apart, their main business strategies, and the projects they plan to undertake in the medium term.

Juan Jose Ley Castro: Supply Chain and Packaging Manager. He has always been associated with Del Campo in some way. As a child, he accompanied his father on field tours and visits to the packing house. After graduating from college, he became deeply involved with the company. He gained insights into warehouse and sales operations in Nogales, Arizona, and later in Culiacan. Currently, he serves as the Supply Chain and National Sales Manager.

Luis Ricardo Ley Castro: Process and Continuous Improvement Analyst. Luis holds a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey (Monterrey campus). After working for a logistics company in Monterrey, he returned to Culiacan in 2024 to learn about the family business. His near-future plans include pursuing an MBA to expand his horizons further and continue personal and professional development.

1. What aspect of the agricultural industry inspires you the most?

JJ: Undoubtedly, the most inspiring aspect is the number of people who depend on our products—directly or indirectly. From our permanent and temporary employees to our customers, we belong to an industry that provides employment opportunities and contributes to better lives.

LR: The agricultural industry, by its very nature, is noble. Participating in every level of the supply chain—from field to table—is rewarding. I’ve always been fascinated by how we’ve harnessed Mexico’s soil, especially in Sinaloa.

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2. What philosophy and core values make Del Campo a solid company?

JJ: Del Campo’s philosophy of hard work and honesty has led us to achieve high-quality standards visible in our products and customer satisfaction.

LR: Although I haven’t worked with all family members, their work ethic stands out—organization, order, and perseverance. The success we may or may not have is a team effort of all our collaborators that was achieved with years of work. I hope these values continue to guide our team long after my brother and I are gone.

3. Which areas of the company do you collaborate in, and what’s your vision for medium and long-term improvement/growth?

JJ: Currently, we’re involved in a quality project, implementing new technologies for packaging information capture and analysis. My vision aligns with better technology implementation and informed decision-making.

LR: I work directly with Sofía Colio, the head of the Continuous Improvement and food safety department. Our task involves analyzing our operations to identify areas of opportunity. Our mission is to develop indicators that measure performance throughout the production chain. One of our goals is to leverage technology for more efficient field and packing processes while prioritizing employee well-being, company assets, and sustainability.

4. Juan Jose, what are the main products marketed by Del Campo y Asociados, and what are the primary target markets?

JJ: Currently, we sell Roma, Red Beefsteak, and Grape tomatoes year-round in various presentations. During the winter-spring season, we also offer blueberries.

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5. What strategies does the company employ to achieve better average sales prices?

JJ: Our strong customer relationships and excellent reputation play a significant role. While market volatility doesn’t always allow us to secure the best price, building solid business relationships remains crucial.

6. Luis Ricardo, how do you handle complaints, and what tools enhance efficiency in this process? Does Big Data or AI play a role?

LR: Addressing complaints depends on their nature. We handle direct inquiries at the Nogales sales office, identifying root causes and implementing adjustments. Technology systems like Excel and Power BI are essential for detecting patterns and obtaining indicators. However, concrete actions to improve product quality and reduce claims are equally vital.

7. How do food safety and social responsibility impact the industry, and how have they evolved over the years? How crucial are certifications?

JJ: Food safety and social responsibility are fundamental pillars in our industry. Food safety practices enable us to produce higher volumes with superior quality standards. Del Campo holds certifications that guarantee top-quality products for our customers. Social security matters, too—offering optimal salaries and working conditions to our many employees. External help, such as certifying companies and dedicated organizations, contributes to industry efficiency and quality.

LR: Safety, social responsibility, and environmental awareness are critical. Adhering to safety rules, standards, and certifications—required by governments, customers, and organizations—ensures our ability to sell products. These specifications drive continuous improvement across all aspects of our operations that are advantageous to us and all farmers to stay ahead. Mexican farmers face high demands to sell in the United States, making us efficient and setting an international standard for good agricultural practices.

8. What trends will influence the fresh food industry in the coming years?

JJ: New technologies are increasingly integrated into our industry, benefiting both field operations and packaging/administration. These advancements should make our companies more efficient and robust.

LR: Beyond specific trends, several factors will significantly impact our industry: such as water scarcity, the increasing difficulty in obtaining labor, and the ever-increasing political instability in our country, the United States and the Global political uncertainties. Of course, these factors do not only affect our industry, but they are things that as grower-shippers have a direct impact on us and we must learn to operate at the same level we already do despite the presence of these disadvantages.

9. Are there any additional comments you would like to make?

LR: Thank you for your interest, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my insights from my experience in this industry.