Guatemala: Del Monte Begins Greenhouse Tomato Production

Del Monte Fresh Produce has completed the first phase of its greenhouses, where it has started to produce beefsteak and on the vine tomatoes.

Monday, August 1, 2011

The company has built 16 hydroponic greenhouses in a 10 hectare area, as well as a packing plant and support facilities in an area located 145 kilometers from Guatemala City, halfway between St. Thomas and Port Quetzal.

So far, the company has hired 257 permanent workers to meet the needs of the greenhouse, a figure that is expected to double when the next phase of the project is built.

Del Monte is developing more such projects in Central America. In Costa Rica it has already started building greenhouses for tomatos, cucumbers, eggplants and peppers.

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A $35 million Agro-Park in Panama

June 2017

The first stage of the project includes infrastructure for the industrial production of strawberries in greenhouses, and a second stage will involve establishing a free zone for logistics services and distribution.

The project, which according to its representatives requires an investment of $35 million, is being developed in Volcán, Chiriqui province. The owner of Agroparque Volcán, Giuseppe Cicatelli, explained to Prensa.com that "... in addition to the industrial production of strawberries, a free zone will be established in an area which will house logistics services, collection centers, offices and a cold chain, among other things."

Panama restricts Tomato Imports from Costa Rica

June 2011

Panamanian authorities have banned the importation of this fruit to prevent the spread of the pest Tuta absoluta.

Although Costa Rica has not reported any cases of the infestation, known in the agricultural industry as tomato moth (polilla del tomate), the Panamanian authorities have decided as a preventative measure to stop the entry of tomatoes from the neighboring country, from where most of the tomatos consumed in Panama come from.

Tomato Exports Up 150% in Guatemala

December 2010

The projected increase for 2011 is due to a greater crop area and the establishment of two new packing plants.

The President of the Federation of Agricultural Associations of Guatemala (Fasagua), Eddie Mendoza, noted that new packing facilities are Fresh Del Monte and Guatemalan company Central American Greenhouse, which add to existing Semillas de Campo, Hidroponica de Guatemala and Panorama.

Guatemala: More Greenhouse Plantations

October 2009

In the last three years, greenhouse production of tomato and chili has increased in extension and yield.

In 2006, there were just 3 hectares of greenhouse plantations for tomato and chili. Currently there are 50.

According to data from Anapi, the Association of Greenhouse Growers, "in 2006, tomato yield was 17 kilograms per square meters; now it is 40 kilograms.

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