Mexican Agri-Food Producers Eye Expansion Into Saudi Market

Mexican agrifood producers are gearing up to explore the vast opportunities in Saudi Arabia's market for the export of fruits, vegetables, processed foods, and meats. With the upcoming Saudi Food Show scheduled for May, Mexican producers are set to make their mark in the Middle Eastern market.

The seminar titled Promote Your Agrifood Products at Saudi Food Show, organized by the Directorate of Support for International Trade Negotiations of the General Coordination of International Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), emphasized Saudi Arabia's potential as a crucial destination for diversifying Mexican agrifood exports.

Saudi Arabia stands as Mexico's third-largest trading partner in the Middle East region, with a growing demand for various products including honey, berries, vegetables, chili peppers, avocados, chickpeas, and both fresh and processed goods. Ensuring compliance with the phytosanitary requirements set forth by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) is paramount for Mexican producers looking to tap into this market.

Both Mexico and Saudi Arabia are committed to enhancing their trade relationship, addressing logistical challenges, and ensuring compliance with halal certification requirements. The Economic Studies Directorate of SADER emphasized Mexico's progress in halal certification, particularly in the meat industry, ensuring adherence to Islamic regulations for production and commercialization. Products like sauces and processed goods, which carry added value, have seen increased sales due to this certification.

The Embassy of Mexico in Saudi Arabia reiterated the importance of the Saudi Food Show as a platform for Mexican companies and producers to showcase the quality of their products at the Mexican Pavilion. Likewise, Patricia Moreno, CEO, Tradenex, highlighted that the event serves as a premier commercial platform bringing together international exhibitors, industry leaders, food and beverage communities, strategic partners, distributors, and retailers. 

The international fair facilitates access to new markets, enabling producers to explore commercial opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa region, gain insights into the Saudi market's preferences, and expand their international presence. The opportunity to promote products at this fair is open to all potential agri-food exporters in Mexico, providing them with a gateway to international markets hungry for fresh fruits and vegetables, beverages, oils, teas, confectionery, coffee, dairy products, spices, and more.