CEDA Deepens Agri-Food Ties With California

Mexico City’s Central Wholesale Market (CEDA) hosted a delegation from the State of California led by Karen Ross, the state’s Secretary of Food and Agriculture, with the aim of strengthening bilateral agri-food trade and directly linking producers, importers, and distribution systems between the two regions, within the framework of the International Year of Women in Agriculture.

During the meeting, Ross stated that Mexico is a partner, neighbor, and strategic ally for California, and emphasized that binational and subnational cooperation will make it possible to expand the commercial relationship and address future challenges in the sector. She underscored that women play a central role throughout the entire supply chain, with a direct impact on family nutrition, communities, and territory, particularly in the context of climate change and increasing pressure on food security.

Mónica Pacheco, General Coordinator, CEDA, noted that the visit strengthens commercial ties between the Central Wholesale Market, Mexico City, the country as a whole, and California. She highlighted that CEDA, as the largest wholesale market in Latin America, is a cornerstone of national food supply and a key hub for international agri-food exchange.

“We are strengthening commercial ties with California, surrounded by women who import products from that state, such as grapes, strawberries, and a wide range of fruits and vegetables that reach Mexican tables in top quality. We are happy to be joined by colleagues who are coming to invest with us to ensure food sufficiency in our country,” Pacheco said during the meeting with Secretary Ross.

Participants in the meeting also included Jessica Keller of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and Judith Vanegas, President of the Rural Development, Supply, and Food Distribution Commission, Mexico City Congress, among other representatives from the sector. The event was described as a demonstration of the progress of Mexico–California agri-food exchange under a vision of productive integration and a gender-focused approach.

This is not the first time that CEDA has served as a meeting point for representatives of the agri-food sector. In November of last year, the market hosted a delegation from the US Embassy in Mexico, led by members of the Agricultural Trade Office.

During that visit, embassy representatives learned about the scale of the market’s operations. Moreover, they emphasized the importance of CEDA as a strategic node in the agri-food distribution network, essential for trade exchange, food security, and economic cooperation between the two countries.

In 2025, the market celebrated its 43rd anniversary. According to information from the Mexico City government, actions currently underway to improve working conditions for employees include upgrades to the drainage system, the recovery of green areas, the promotion of cultural programs, and improvements to security. In this regard, coordinated efforts are being carried out with Mexico City’s Command, Control, Computing, Communications, and Citizen Contact Center (C5), which operates 630 surveillance cameras, along with patrols conducted with the National Guard.

Last year Mexico consolidated its position as the largest buyer of Made in California products. According to the California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber), in 2024 the USMCA boosted sales to Mexico of computer equipment, electronic and transportation equipment, as well as non-electrical machinery and processed foods, recording an increase of US$33.47 billion.

On the other hand, among the main goods that Mexico exports to California are fresh fruits such as avocados, tomatoes, and berries, in addition to vegetables and coffee. Mexico also exports automotive components, assembled vehicles, and parts for the automotive industry, as well as consumer electronics, household appliances, and components for the technology industry.