Veggies From Mexico Participates in SWIPE 2024
The Southwest International Produce Expo (SWIPE) was successfully held by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA). The FPAA is an organization that represents importers of fresh fruits and vegetables in the United States, seeking to protect and defend the interests of its members and to act as a liaison with governmental and other entities.
The FPAA is headquartered in Nogales, Arizona, where the first railroad car carrying Mexican vegetables crossed the border in 1905. However, it was not until 1944 that importers joined to establish the association. With more than 100 members, the FPAA represents almost 40% of all fruits and vegetables imported by the U.S., with an estimated value of $3 billion.
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This important organization held its second Expo of this type in Tucson, Arizona, on November 7-9 at the JW Marriot Starr Pass. The Expo featured different activities, talks, panels, and, naturally, an exhibition area. On the first day, a golf tournament was held where suppliers, distributors, growers, and buyers could socialize and network while enjoying a wonderful view of the famous Arizona desert. Among the most successful panels and talks, the legal situation of Mexican tomato exports to the U.S. was discussed, with the challenges related to the suspension agreement, the Sunset Review, and other circumstances before the ICO. Additionally, several retailers shared their experiences on how the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables has evolved among different demographic groups over the past five years.
On Friday the 8th, more than 100 exhibitors had the opportunity to present their products and services to hundreds of visitors from all over the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition to generating business, as this is a century-old industry, we had the opportunity to greet old friends, and it was also a good time to nostalgically remember those who were part of the industry before us. On behalf of Veggies from Mexico, we had the opportunity to greet members of our community and share with buyers and customers the safety and social responsibility audit protocols that our members follow, providing them with greater certainty of the quality and safety of buying from VFM.
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If you are part of the industry and have not participated in SWIPE, we invite you to learn more about this event and prepare for the next edition, which will take place from January 22nd to 24th, 2026.
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