Mexico’s Prickly Pear Production Reaches 448,303t

The State of Mexico was Mexico’s leading prickly pear producer in 2025, harvesting 159,990t from more than 15,000 ha, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER). The state accounted for more than one-third of national production, which reached 448,303t from 44,527 ha and represented a 9.4% increase from 409,595t in 2024.

Data from the General Directorate of the Agri-Food and Fisheries Information Service (DGSIAP) show that San Martin de las Piramides led prickly pear production in the State of Mexico with 38,633t, followed by Axapusco with 30,572t, Nopaltepec with 28,856t, Otumba with 27,790t, and Temascalapa with 17,100t. 

The State of Mexico also has significant varietal diversity, producing alfajayucán, amarilla, blanca burrón, blanca cristalina, criolla, pico chulo, and xoconostle varieties. National production was valued at MX$2.216 billion in 2025. Puebla ranked second with 120,851t, followed by Zacatecas with 76,276t, Guanajuato with 40,579t and Hidalgo with 15,949t. Together, the five leading states accounted for 92.2% of Mexico’s total prickly pear harvest.

The crop is an important source of income for thousands of small- and medium-scale producers and contributes to Mexico’s agricultural diversity. Prickly pear, the fruit of the nopal cactus, is harvested primarily during the summer and is distributed through wholesale markets, retail stores and convenience stores across the country.

Production and Export Opportunities

Mexico’s prickly pear sector also has an export component, with Puebla playing a role in shipments to the United States. In July 2025, SADER announced the start of the export season for nopal as well as green and red prickly pears with a 20t shipment to McAllen, Texas. The shipment originated in San Sebastián Villanueva, Puebla, and comprised approximately 1,087 boxes: 450 containing nopal, 448 containing green prickly pear, and 289 containing red prickly pear.

“Within the framework of the food sovereignty strategy and the strengthening of Puebla’s agricultural producers, this shipment represents the beginning of the export season for the Tunas y Nopales Hermanos Vera producer group,” the ministry says. 

At least eight additional shipments to the United States were expected during the production cycle, which runs from April through November, with the main harvest period occurring between July and September.

The ministry also highlighted the work of its Puebla state representation office, which provided producers with technical assistance and monitoring during the field selection and inspection process. The broader nopal sector also supports Mexico’s position as a global leader in nopal production, with more than 874,000t produced annually according to 2024 SADER data.

Production has continued to show positive performance in 2026. So far, Mexico has harvested 92,345t of prickly pear, with Puebla leading at 54,904t, followed by the State of Mexico with 23,503t and Guanajuato with 13,847t.

The crop’s production cycle and seasonal demand support a range of markets beyond fresh fruit. Prickly pear is also processed into aguas frescas, juices, sorbets, ice cream and value-added products including jams, jellies, traditional sweets, popsicles, fruit pastes, liqueurs, and desserts.

SADER notes that prickly pear also has nutritional attributes, including dietary fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium. Some varieties contain betalains, natural pigments associated with antioxidant properties. The ministry, has encouraged consumers to take advantage of the prickly pear season while supporting small- and medium-scale producers and Mexico’s agricultural diversity.