Divemex

DIVEMEX BRINGS FAIR TRADE CERTIFICATION TO LIFE. Divemex employees take pride in the work they do, and that pride is reflected in the quality of peppers they produce. CEO Luis DeSaracho says, "We have an absolutely exceptional team. They are willing to take the extra steps, day in and day out, that make all the difference. Because they care about the little things, we can say with confidence that our quality is the best in the business. The company offers greenhouse-grown red, yellow and orange sweet bell peppers, in organic, conventional and Fair Trade, in a wide assortment of pack styles. Divemex has been in business for over 40 years. Its first greenhouses were built in 1991, and between locations in Culiacan and Etzatlan, Divemex now grows more than 140 acres under glass. Its conventional and organic red, yellow and orange bell peppers are available year-round. Fair Trade Certified™ red, yellow and orange sweet bell peppers are available organic and conventionally grown from December through May. Divemex peppers are sold in bulk and various value added bag options. DeSaracho anticipates this winter's crops to be of excellent quality, thanks to the team's usual diligence to each step of the growing process. He also expects increased volumes this year. Organic crops make up about 5 percent of Divemex's total pepper program. Last year, it added organic orange peppers to the mix which were met with enthusiasm at retail. This season, the company looks forward to bringing all three colors of organic bell peppers to market once again. In 2011, Divemex launched its Fair Trade certified pepper program. Retail response has been overwhelming. The Fair Trade label is well-recognized and respected by shoppers, and it represents an avenue for conscientious consumers to not only purchase with confidence about environmental stewardship, but also help farm workers in developing countries. For each box of Fair Trade certified peppers sold, $.50 is placed in an account that Divemex workers control and determine how to use. They are currently using the Fair Trade premiums to support middle school, high school, and college scholarships for employees' children, and provide opportunities for workers to complete their own basic schooling if they wish. About 40 families have benefitted from the program thus far. The company is currently in the process of earning Fair Trade Certification for its Etzatlan facility (in addition to Culiacan greenhouses, which are already certified). This will yield greater volumes of peppers grown to this high environmentally and socially conscious standard available in the coming months. DeSaracho says, "It's a very detailed but worthwhile process that examines all aspects of production. Once complete, this will mean that all of the peppers we grow will be certified, which is very exciting for us." The mission of the company's quality assurance team is to ensure that all product is safe, wholesome, correctly labeled and packed. Divemex conducts regular third-party audits in its facilities to assure that food safety standards are met and exceeded. The company is also fully compliant with the Produce Traceability Initiative, having completed the last milestone in November, 2011. Every box is marketed with an identifiable barcode.