Market
Mexico produces fresh quince (membrillo) but at relatively small scale; SIAP open-data summaries for the 2023 agricultural close report national production of about 2,004.42 tonnes, concentrated in a few states. Durango and Jalisco lead national volume, followed by Zacatecas and Sonora. Trade visibility for HS 080840 (fresh quinces) indicates Mexico has recorded international purchases and periods of net imports rather than exports, suggesting limited export prominence for this specific fresh commodity. Within Mexico, quince is a seasonal niche fruit in some regions and is associated with traditional processing into quince paste (ate de membrillo), including in parts of Guanajuato.
Market RoleSmall domestic producer market with intermittent imports (limited exporter profile for HS 080840)
Domestic RoleSeasonal niche fruit with regional traditional processing demand (e.g., ate de membrillo in Guanajuato)
SeasonalitySeasonality varies by region; in Guanajuato (Jalpa de Cánovas area) local accounts describe a summer quince season (July–August) that can extend into later months.
Risks
Climate HighSevere drought conditions in Mexico have affected multiple states including Durango; given Durango’s leading reported share of national quince volume, drought-driven water stress can sharply reduce supply availability and quality for Mexico-origin quince programs.Diversify sourcing across multiple producing states, prioritize irrigated/managed-orchard suppliers where available, and monitor drought updates and local water restrictions during contracting.
Market Availability MediumMexico’s fresh quince production is small and concentrated by state (e.g., Durango and Jalisco together represent a large share of reported 2023 volume), increasing vulnerability to localized shocks and limiting the reliability of large-volume supply programs.Use multi-state sourcing and flexible specifications; avoid single-state dependence and build contingency volumes from secondary producing states.
Regulatory Compliance MediumImport phytosanitary requirements into Mexico are commodity- and origin-specific via SENASICA’s MCRFI, and measures can change quickly during phytosanitary emergencies; mismatches can cause delay, treatment, re-export, or rejection at entry.Confirm the exact commodity/origin requirement in the MCRFI before shipping and align exporter documentation and treatments to the listed measures.
Documentation MediumFor exports, SENASICA requires compliance with the importing country’s plant protection requirements before issuing the International Phytosanitary Certificate (CFI); failure to meet destination ONPF requirements can result in trade stoppages or prohibitions.Obtain and validate destination requirements in advance, complete verification steps required for CFI issuance, and pre-audit paperwork against destination checklists.
Packaging MediumNon-compliant wood packaging material (pallets/crates) in international shipments can trigger enforcement actions because Mexico regulates wood packaging measures under NOM-144-SEMARNAT-2012 (aligned to ISPM 15).Use ISPM 15-compliant treated/marked wood packaging and retain treatment/marking documentation for inspection.
Sustainability- Climate and water stress: severe drought conditions affecting Mexican states including Durango (a leading quince-producing state by reported 2023 volume) can disrupt orchard output and quality.
FAQ
Which Mexican states are the main producers of fresh quince (membrillo)?SIAP open-data summaries for the 2023 agricultural close list Durango and Jalisco as the top-producing states by volume, followed by Zacatecas and Sonora. The same source lists additional producing states including Guanajuato, Oaxaca, Aguascalientes, Baja California, Coahuila, San Luis Potosí, Estado de México, Michoacán, Ciudad de México, and Chihuahua.
When is quince season in Guanajuato (Jalpa de Cánovas area)?A Guanajuato state tourism/gastronomy article describes quince season as a summer event in Jalpa de Cánovas, highlighting July–August as the key period, with seasonal activity extending beyond late August in some cases.
What are the key phytosanitary steps to import fresh quince into Mexico or export it from Mexico?For imports, SENASICA indicates you should first consult the Módulo de Requisitos Fitosanitarios para la Importación (MCRFI) for the specific commodity and origin; SENASICA issues the import phytosanitary certificate at points of entry after requirements are met. For exports, SENASICA requires meeting the importing country’s plant protection requirements and then obtaining a Certificado Fitosanitario Internacional (CFI).