HLB Specialties, a leader in the tropical fruit industry and an importer of produce from Mexico, is advising customers of potential transportation delays due to ongoing unrest in the country.
Multiple road blockages are currently disrupting the movement of shipments in Mexico after a prominent cartel leader was killed on Sunday, Feb. 22. Blockages include routes not directly affected by attacks on infrastructure or businesses. In addition, the USDA has suspended operations in Mexico for Monday, Feb. 23. As a result, pre-clearance procedures have been temporarily paused, including irradiation, hot water treatment and required pre-inspections for certain crops.
“Our most recent guava and papaya shipments successfully crossed the border on Saturday before the unrest erupted, and were not impacted,” said Andrés Ocampo, CEO of HLB Specialties. “We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with logistics partners and regulatory authorities to minimize disruption. Our teams are prioritizing safety while working to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.”
HLB Specialties will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve and pre-clearance activities resume. Customers with time-sensitive orders are encouraged to contact their account representative for the latest status and contingency options.
For over 35 years, HLB Specialties has specialized in tropical fruits, including guavas, lychees, rambutans, papayas, mangosteen and drinking coconuts. The North American company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, with distribution through its network in Pompano Beach, FL, Los Angeles and McAllen, TX, as well as direct air-shipments to clients in Canada. Together with its European sister company, HLB Tropical Food GmbH, headquartered near Frankfurt, Germany, HLB supplies customers in more than 10 countries across North America, Europe and Asia.
For more information, visit HLBinfo.com, call 954/475-8808, and follow @hlbgroup on Facebook and Instagram.
Source: The Produce News: https://theproducenews.com/supply-disruptions-possible-due-unrest-mexico
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