Mexico Launches Campaign to Promote Domestic Tilapia Production

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), through the Mexican Institute for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (IMIPAS), launched the campaign Fresh Mexican Tilapia: Natural Flavor, National Quality, to strengthen the domestic tilapia sector, support local economies and advance food self-sufficiency.

Leonel Cota, Deputy Minister, SADER, emphasized that seasonal challenges such as weather events and production variability require viable projects to provide competitive, high-quality food. Moreover, Víctor Manuel Vidal, Director, IMIPAS, stressed the importance of understanding how, when, where, and why tilapia is consumed in Mexico. He added that research informs public policies, promotes quality protein access, strengthens local supply chains, and ensures sustainable and competitive aquaculture aligned with public needs.

Eduardo Alfredo Mendoza, Director of Aquaculture Research, IMIPAS, noted that aquaculture production must increase by 12.8% annually to meet an estimated 205Mt in the next seven years, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). He added that while national aquaculture production has grown 11% in recent years, 80% of tilapia consumption is still imported.

“This represents a market opportunity for over 6,400 producing families in Mexico and aligns with the Plan México strategy to generate food sovereignty and involve vulnerable groups in economic activities,” Mendoza Quintero said.

Vidal added that tilapia cultivation can positively impact regions with high development gaps. “This is a valuable species that supports the directives set by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, especially for less-favored communities,” he said. The campaign supports Plan México objectives by increasing domestic consumption, promoting import substitution, and boosting strategic food supply.