Record Exports, Presidential Reforms, and Chocolate Resurgence

For the past 14 years, Mexico’s agri-food exports have been on the rise, with top exports including beer, tequila, mezcal, tomatoes, and avocados. Meanwhile, presidential amendments to Article 27 of the constitution aim to support rural producers.

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Mexico Tallys 14 Years of Growth in Agri-Food Exports

In 2023, Mexico's agri-food exports reached a record-breaking US$51.873 billion, marking a 3.9% increase and contributing to a 35.3% growth in the industry's trade surplus, totaling US$7.58 billion, according to Banxico. The resilience of Mexico's agri-food sector is attributed to a decade-long positive trend since a decline in 2009, with top exports including beer, tequila, mezcal, tomatoes, and avocados. Víctor Villalobos, Minister of Agriculture, highlights that the success is linked to robust supply chains, efforts by the National Service of Health, Safety, and Agri-Food Quality (SENASICA), and effective commercial strategies by the Mexican government.

Presidential Reforms Aim at Empowering Rural Producers

President López Obrador’s proposed amendments to Article 27 focus on supporting the rights of rural producers in Mexico, encompassing financial and agricultural input contributions, along with guarantees for the trade of key commodities like corn, beans, rice, milk, and wheat. The reform aims to secure fair wages for farmers, addressing disparities with support provided to farmers in the United States and the European Union. Moreover, the proposal involves elevating five existing programs, including Sowing Life and Production for Well-Being, to constitutional status, which would benefit millions of small-scale producers, especially women and indigenous populations.

Mexico’s Chocolate Industry Foresees a Sales Resurgence in 2024

Despite challenges such as supply chain disruptions and rising commodity prices, the Mexican chocolate industry anticipates a 10% sales growth in 2024, as reported by the National Association of Chocolate, Candy, and Similar Products (ASCHOCO). The sector stabilized in 2023 following declines caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat price increases, the industry plans to innovate traditional presentations, resize products, and introduce smaller versions to retail stores, with a focus on increasing consumption through initiatives like organic and lower sugar content products.

Mexican Avocados Lineup for Super Bowl LVIII

Mexican farmers exported 138,000t of avocados to the United States for the Super Bowl LVIII. Despite concerns about pricing and climate impact on sizing, the economic benefit of Mexican avocado shipments for the Super Bowl is estimated to surpass US$259 million, with the United States receiving about 81% of its avocados from Mexico, valued at US$2.5 billion in 2023, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Chickpea Snacks Take Center Stage Among Super Bowl Latin Fandom

Mexican green chickpea snacks are gaining popularity during the Super Bowl season, with intense competition among US supermarkets to offer the freshest chickpeas, says Guadalupe Miranda, President, Arizona Fresh. MultiFresh Produce Inc. imports around 2.27 million kg of chickpeas annually from Sinaloa and Sonora. The cultural significance of chickpeas, traditionally consumed during Lent and Ramadan, is expected to drive increased consumption. Miranda foresees over 130 million people incorporating them into their daily diets by 2050, fueled by both religious and sports enthusiasts.

Mexican Dairy Sector Poised for Growth Amid Favorable Conditions

Stable grain prices, growing domestic milk demand, and industry regulations are driving competitive advantages for Mexico's dairy sector, supporting its anticipated sixth consecutive year of growth in 2024. The Mexican Dairy Federation outlined key objectives for the year, including securing the continuity of small-scale producers, fostering industry development, and increasing national milk production. Initiatives to reinforce sanitary standards for imported products, compliance with regulations, and efforts to reduce dependence on grain imports for livestock feed are part of the strategy to stimulate growth in the face of challenges.