Last month, I attended the U.S. Red Meat Symposium, where 150 exporters and importers showcased U.S. products while discussing product attributes and demand.
While in Mexico City, we spotted U.S. pork in wet markets (50% of the Mexican population obtains their protein from this sector where fresh foods are sold in a non-supermarket setting), mid- and up-scale retail establishments and met with importers including a grilling workshop featuring preparation methods for pork.
National Pork Board (NPB) has a strong working relationship with US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). With 22 offices in 19 countries, they have a full team in Mexico promoting U.S. pork and beef across the value chain from processing to retail and food service.
Importance of Mexican Market
Mexico is not simply another export market, it’s the News & Events | April Pork Exports Largest in Nearly Three Years; Beef Exports Also Trend Higher (usmef.org)U.S.’s No. 1 export market and 37% of exports year-to-date have gone to Mexico.
Mexico’s population is growing (1.5 million annually), and its residents prefer pork with consumption growing per capita. In 2023, Mexico averaged 32.2 pounds of pork consumed per capita – the second largest protein consumed in Mexico with chicken being number one at 68 pounds per capita.
U.S. Pork currently accounts for about half of Mexico’s pork consumption. The growing demand underscores the need to strengthen relationships to capitalize on this growth.
Variety meats are popular in Mexico and are used in common dishes like quesadillas, tacos and chicharrónes. It is critical for Pork Checkoff to invest in international markets where variety meats are consumed as it maximizes the carcass and adds value beyond price to U.S. Pork.
Producer Perspective
I always say producers are the best marketers for U.S. pork, and immersion trip benefits are two-fold:
1. Pork producers witness U.S. Pork’s promotions in market, giving experience-based background to inform NPB budgets and decisions; and
2. Importers hear directly from pig farmers about how we raise a safe, quality and consistent product and directly thank them for being our customer.
The ability to have producer boots on the ground to experience a city of 22.5 million people – the largest in North America – was eye-opening and valuable for NPB Board member, Pat Bane. “The sheer number of mouths to feed highlighted Mexico’s massive and growing market,” he said.
Mexican importers appreciated direct interaction with U.S. producers. While price is extremely important, it is valuable for buyers and importers in Mexico to see where the pork comes from and who raises it.
Main Takeaways
The Mexican market is incredibly important for the U.S. pork industry and still has much room for growth in both volume and value. The U.S. appreciates Mexico as a customer and stands ready to provide a safe, consistent and quality product.
Relationships and traditions are important in Mexico, and it is important to grow the connections. It’s meaningful when producers support and contribute their insights on animal care, biosecurity, meat quality and consistency.
Funding support for the symposium was provided by the National Pork Board, the Beef Checkoff Program, Indiana Soybean Alliance, Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board, Nebraska Beef Council and USDA’s Market Access Program.
Read More:
A Deep Dive into the Mexican Meat Market
