Freska Produce Partner Jesus Loza Discusses Assistance in Mexico's Recovery and Rebuilding Efforts Post Summer Earthquake

With avocados continuing to explode as a category and mangos increasingly gaining ground among mainstream consumers, year-round supply of these once-seasonal fruits is becoming a necessity. Thankfully, Freska Produce International is offering ample supplies throughout the year.

“We have our year-round avocados and mango supplies; that’s what helps distinguish Freska,” Gary notes, telling me that Freska has a rotating supply of varieties growing in different regions to assure volume throughout each season. “We will be importing out of Ecuador, and then we’ll start in Peru with the Kent variety.”

“With the recent earthquake this fall in Oaxaca, our team at Freska felt compelled to help out the community in the region–the same community that helps to pick, pack, and ship our mangos," Partner Jesus “Chuy” Loza, shares with me. "The impact of the earthquake affected many, devastating homes in the community. Our goal was, and is, to help them recover and begin moving back to a state of normalcy. We feel it’s important to support the people who support us."

The company’s dedication to helping those who saw first-hand just how devastating the effects were from the earthquake reaches far beyond charity work. Some of the company’s mango picking, packing, and shipping workers are located in Chahuites, Oaxaca, so Freska sought to alleviate the community’s hardships with its donation. The company’s efforts are to assist and support the community as it recovers.

Everyday staples, such as canned food, water, and toilet paper, were sent to Oaxaca residents. In addition to the goods sent to the community, the company also purchased items to fix the damaged homes of locals who were affected by the earthquake, such as new roofs and stucco, as well as provided labor to implement these necessary structural changes.

“Our actions are put forth in the hopes of providing an example to the produce industry, that we have to stick together, as there is still much more needed in this community to fully recover,” Chuy tells me.