Meat Consumption Growth, New Bienestar Coffee Brand

Mexico's meat consumption increased by 4.5% in 2024, driven by higher purchasing power from social programs. Meanwhile the Mexican government plans to launch a Bienestar coffee brand to support small-scale coffee producers. 

This is the Week in Agribusiness!

Meat Consumption in Mexico Sees Significant Growth in 2024

Meat consumption in Mexico increased by 4.5% in 2024, driven by higher purchasing power due to social programs, remittances, and wage increases, with a shift toward more expensive cuts like pork and beef. This rise in consumption has been supported by anti-inflationary measures and the continuation of minimum wage hikes, which are expected to further boost meat demand. Despite the growth in domestic consumption, Mexico remains dependent on imports for about 22% of its meat, with the United States being the primary supplier, although countries like Brazil and Argentina are gaining importance.

Mexican Government to Launch Bienestar Coffee Brand

The Mexican government is launching its own Bienestar coffee brand aimed at supporting local coffee growers, particularly in Veracruz, by purchasing coffee directly at fair prices. The initiative seeks to distribute coffee in various forms, roasted, ground, and soluble, across the country's extensive network of Bienestar stores. In response to challenges such as climate change affecting coffee production, the government is also working with USAID and the Veracruz state government on programs to promote sustainable practices and improve the livelihoods of local coffee producers.

High Cadmium Levels Detected in Mexico City Foods

A recent study by Mexican researchers found high concentrations of cadmium in commonly consumed foods in Mexico City, with the metal posing a significant health risk, especially to children due to their higher absorption rates. The study, which analyzed 143 food items, revealed that 68.5% contained detectable levels of cadmium, with vegetables, snacks, and fruits showing the highest concentrations, exceeding the recommended safe intake for children. Researchers highlighted that cadmium contamination primarily comes from polluted agricultural soils, often due to industrial waste, and called for stricter regulations and monitoring to protect public health.

Regional Committee Prioritizes Eradication of Livestock Screwworm

The 91st Extraordinary Meeting of the Regional International Committee on Agricultural Health (CIRSA) focused on eradicating the livestock screwworm, a major threat to rural economies and food security in Central America and the Caribbean. The plan to combat the pest includes strategies such as controlling livestock movement, epidemiological surveillance, and deploying sterile flies, with member countries approving a renewed technological and coordinated approach. Mexico emphasized the need for cross-border collaboration, underlining its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against this pest.

Mexico's Innovation Model Boosts Agriculture in Colombia

Colombia is adopting a proven agricultural innovation model from Mexico to improve the sustainability and resilience of its agri-food systems, through the Colombia Agroalimentaria Sostenible initiative. The project, led by CIAT and Colombia's Ministry of Agriculture, will implement the hub methodology, developed by CIMMYT in Mexico, to strengthen agricultural value chains and support climate adaptation efforts. The initiative includes field visits and collaboration with Colombian farmers to adapt the model to local conditions, while also sharing tools like CIMMYT’s e-Agrology platform to enhance productivity and address climate risks.