Beer Leads Agri-Food Exports in 1Q23

During 1Q23, Mexican beer led agri-food exports, accounting for US$1.3 billion. According to data from Banxico, beer trade surpassed that of berries, whose consumption increased in 2021 and 2022 in the US and Canada, Mexico’s main business partners as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As reported by MBN, berries including strawberries, raspberries, cranberries and blackberries topped the list of best sellers among Mexican agri-food products during January and February 2023. "Due to the pandemic, it was important for US consumers to eat healthier and berries are a good source of antioxidants," said Juan Pablo Molina, Secretary of the Board of Directors, National Association of Berry Exporters (Aneberries). 

Molina explained that Mexico’s berries grow in a complementary cycle to those of the US. While Mexico produces during the fall, winter and spring, the US production tops towards the end of spring-summer and the beginning of fall, which leaves room for both markets to thrive. Additionally, the secretary pointed out that the Mexican market has the great competitive advantage of supplying quality berries, with safety standards higher than those of US producers.

In the 1Q23, tequila reached the Top3 of most exported products with more than US$1.01 billion sold in the US, China and Europe markets. Tomatoes rank fourth with more than US$892 million, followed by avocados with US$809 million. 

In April 2023, Banxico reported that Mexico established itself as the world leader in beer exports during 2022, registering shipments for US$6.03 billion, which represented a year-on-year increase of 7.4%. The US-based company Constellations Brands, which is building a new beer production plant in Veracruz pointed out that the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the beer business has decreased considerably during the past year, however, uncertainties continue, particularly around disruptions in the global supply chain and changing consumer behavior.