Grupo Herdez to Expand in Europe

Grupo Herdez is using sustainable agriculture practices to meet international standards and increase its market presence in Europe. The Mexican food company began its entry into European markets two years ago through the United Kingdom, initially exporting salsas. Adoption of sustainable practices in growing key ingredients such as tomatoes, chili peppers and onions, enabled the company to comply with European regulatory requirements, underscored Juan Rodríguez, Company Sustainability Lead, Herdez. 

“With the United Kingdom, we were able to get everything ready. Now that France and Spain have come in, the Group already has several projects underway due to the similarity of regulations,” the said during a panel on sustainable agriculture.

Rodríguez noted that this year, the company expects to fully integrate sustainably sourced yellow corn. Other segments, including frozen strawberries for jams and honey, are scheduled to follow by 2030. In 2024, international sales accounted for 9.03% of Grupo Herdez’s total revenue, with the United States remaining its largest export market.

The company estimates that shifting from traditional to sustainable farming methods has led to agricultural cost reductions of up to 25%, although that figure varies by production type and climate. Rodríguez cited a case study involving a supplier who applied sustainable practices to 250ha over two harvests and saved MX$11.5 million. Overall, the company invested MX$60 million in sustainability-related projects in 2024 and acquired 134,000t of raw materials, including tomatoes, chilies, onions, honey and frozen inputs.

As part of its commitment to national production, Grupo Herdez supports the Mexican federal government’s Made in Mexico program, which promotes local sourcing. The company works with 3,800 agricultural producers, with 57% of its raw materials acquired directly from local farmers participating in its sustainable agriculture program. Over 98% of its agricultural inputs are sourced from Mexican suppliers.

Grupo Herdez is also moving forward with the integration of wheat into its regenerative harvest program. Currently, 25% of the wheat used in its pasta products comes from that initiative. To further promote its national sourcing efforts, the company will begin labeling its products with the Made in Mexico seal.