HLB Specialties, a tropical fruit provider and 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 Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho,” a prominent cartel leader, was killed Sunday, according to HLB Specialties. Blockages include routes not directly affected by attacks on infrastructure or businesses.
In addition, says HLB Specialties, USDA suspended operations in Mexico on Monday. As a result, preclearance 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 in a news release. “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 says it will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve and preclearance activities resume. Customers with time-sensitive orders are encouraged to contact their account representative for the latest status and contingency options.
“It seems that so far today the situation is under control [and] things are calm,” Melissa Hartmann de Barros, director of communications for HLB Specialties, told The Packer in an email. “As of now, we don’t anticipate any delays with our products. We hope the situation continues to stay under control.”
For over 35 years, HLB Specialties has specialized in tropical fruits, including guavas, lychees, rambutans, papayas, mangosteen, drinking coconuts and more. The North American company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with distribution through its network in Pompano Beach, Fla.; Los Angeles; and McAllen, Texas, as well as direct air shipments to clients in Canada.
Together with its European sister company, HLB Tropical Food GmbH, headquartered in Germany, HLB supplies customers in more than 10 countries across North America, Europe and Asia.
