Sabritas: Key Player in Mexico's Agricultural Sector

Sabritas annually purchases 280,000t of potatoes for its product manufacturing within the country, consequently fostering over 40,000 jobs in the Mexican countryside. This practice cements the company’s position as a significant economic partner for Mexico’s agricultural sector.

Hernán Tantardini, Vice President and General Manager, Sabritas, highlights the company's 80-year presence in the national market, which has been instrumental in establishing it as a pivotal contributor to Mexico's rural economy. “Sabritas will continue its expansion, thanks to the tireless dedication of our numerous farming partners,” Tantardini emphasized. 

At PepsiCo's Sabritas Agricultural Development Center (CDAS), more than 19 million potato seeds are cultivated annually, adhering to stringent quality standards. The company’s production model prioritizes efficient electricity and water usage. For instance, the incubation room lighting reduces energy consumption by 17% compared to traditional lamps. Furthermore, the implementation of advanced greenhouses (hydroponics and aeroponics) since 2019 has led to a remarkable 33% reduction in water consumption.

The potatoes cultivated at CDAS are cultivated and distributed nationwide, spanning across states such as Jalisco, Sinaloa, Sonora, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon, and Coahuila. Producers engage in planting and harvesting, ensuring the purchase of their entire yield at fair prices and work conditions. This arrangement guarantees an annual production of approximately 310,000t of potatoes.

Sabritas actively promotes fair conditions throughout the Mexican food industry's production chain. By employing 40,000 potato producers and providing a total of 80,000 jobs nationwide, the company significantly contributes to both the economic and social landscapes. Furthermore, supported by a robust supply model and aided by 300 distribution centers and over 18,000 sales routes, the company efficiently distributes its products through its 15 strategically located plants across the country.

Tantardini points out that Sabritas' operations contribute 0.4% to the country's GDP.  Additionally, he underscores the importance of recognizing the efforts of Mexican farmers through the campaign “Why are Sabritas potatoes so delicious?”, which celebrates their dedication from planting to selection, thereby sharing with consumers the Mexican pride associated with their flagship product.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), potato cultivation holds significant importance in Mexico, serving as an easily accessible food staple and a fundamental component of the Mexican diet. In 2022, the potato harvested area spanned 60.1ha, yielding 1.8Mt valued at MX$16.17 million (US$971,344.02). Moreover, 29% of the national production caters to the snack industry, 56% for fresh consumption, and 15% is allocated for seed production under special conditions, as noted by the National Confederation of Potato Producers (CONPAPA).