Agri-Food Supply Chain Thrives at Expo ANTAD 2024

The supply chain and retail sector in the agri-food industry have played crucial roles in meeting the needs of the national consumer, maintaining the supply and marketing of food, highlighted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER).

During the inauguration of Expo ANTAD 2024, Víctor Villalobos, Ministry, SADER, emphasized the importance of timely supply and efficient commercialization processes that are sensitive to all productive chains. Expo ANTAD is the continent's most significant event for the retail sector. It serves as a platform for recognizing efforts to maintain social responsibility concerning the availability, pricing, and quality of products offered in various establishments.

Villalobos underscored the agreement related to certified agricultural companies in the Contamination Risk Reduction System of the National Health, Safety, and Agri-Food Quality Service (SENASICA), promoting their integration into the platform of the National Association of Supermarkets and Department Stores (ANTAD).

Through this scheme, certified agricultural companies gain competitive advantages, including the establishment of commercial links with over 47,000 stores in Mexico. Meeting the safety requirements of the national market, consumers in ANTAD-affiliated stores can find a wide variety of agri-food products, including strawberries, chili, coriander, tomatoes, bananas, mangoes, papayas, melons, lettuce, avocados, pitayas, nopales, and strawberries.

Diego Cosío Barto, Executive President, ANTAD, noted that Expo ANTAD serves as a benchmark in Latin America for generating business and commercial relationships. In February 2024, total store sales grew by 12.3% compared to the same period last year, marking the best result in the last 10 months.

Francisco Cervantes Díaz, President, Business Coordinating Council (CCE), highlighted Expo ANTAD as a reference point in the national and international business sectors, facilitating business opportunities among manufacturers, suppliers, and traders across all industries. Additionally, he noted that this dynamism serves as a competitiveness gauge for the country, contributing to economic growth, minimum wage increases, and job creation.