Beer Surpasses Berry Exports in 1Q23

Mexican beer led agri-food exports during 1Q23. Meanwhile, specialists warned that the fall in corn and wheat prices will cause the bankruptcy of producers.

Ready for more? Here is your weekly roundup!

Beer Leads Agri-Food Exports in 1Q23

According to data from Banxico, beer trade, which accounted for US$1.3 billion, surpassed that of berries in 1Q23. The latter’s consumption increased in 2021 and 2022 in the US and Canada, Mexico’s main business partners, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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%. 

Corn, Wheat Agriculture Crisis Could Affect National Economy

In May, 2023, at the start of the harvest season, corn and wheat producers in the northern states of Sinaloa, Sonora and Baja California, demanded government support to guarantee the price per ton of corn and wheat at MX$7,000 (US$392.4) and MX$8,000 (US$448.4), respectively. Marte Nicolás Vega, President, Confederation of Agricultural Associations of Sinaloa (CAADES), pointed out that producers need the government to act as a mediator with buyers, to agree on a fair price for all. 

Specialists Highlight the Role of Bee Pollination in Agriculture

During the 49th conference of the Food Self-Sufficiency Cycle, held as part of World Bee Day, specialists talked about the importance of bees in the agriculture sector, as well as alternatives for their care. Remy Vandame, Researcher, Colegio de la Frontera Sur, pointed out that the value of national agricultural production in 67 priority crops reaches MX$414 billion (US$23.3 billion), while the pollination service is valued at MX$79.441 billion (US$4.4 billion), which is equivalent to 19.2% of national agricultural production. 

AI Will Be Key in Feeding Mexico’s Population

During the AgroTech 2023 convention, industry specialists talked about the importance of implementing various technological tools, such as artificial intelligence, in the agriculture sector. According to experts, modernization in this sector will be required to feed 150 million Mexicans expected to inhabit the country by 2050. SADER reported that by the end of 2023, agricultural, livestock and fisheries production is expected to reach a total of 301.3 million t, which would represent an annual increase of 1.2%. However, these numbers would be insufficient towards the future. 

Sustainable Packaging Solutions Save Money for Exporters

Lia Bijnsdorp, Managing Director, United Producers of Mexico, highlighted that the agribusiness sector needs to find sustainable packaging solutions to fight climate change.  “If we start moving toward circular and reusable packaging options, we can save trees, water and electricity, while reducing our carbon footprint.” she said. She pointed out that supermarkets in Europe have already implemented the Europool system, which are collapsible plastic trays and pallets that are returnable, reusable and circular.