The food industry is one of the largest industries in Mexico. With a
, and a growth of almost 90 percent in the past decade, it is likely to continue increasing, especially as Mexican food becomes more popular around the world. Between 2013 and 2022, the
Mexican cuisine
Mexican cuisine is not only a key aspect of Mexican culture but also considered an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Perhaps the number one staple is maize or corn. In 2023, Mexico
produced around 26 million metric tons of corn. This
cereal grain is the most consumed in the country, as it is used in a variety of dishes and beverages, and it is the base for tortillas, which are also key in Mexican cuisine. In 2022 alone, the
sales value of tortillas and tortilla dough surpassed 75 billion Mexican pesos.
Another staple of the Mexican food industry is
meat, as it is used for several different dishes, including the worldwide popular tacos, street food in general, as well as seasonal and festive dishes. Mexico is one of the largest meat producers in the world and the
second largest in Latin America after Brazil and ahead of Argentina. In recent years, this industry has reported a
production value of over 90 billion Mexican pesos. Beans are also a popular protein source. They are used in a variety of ways, including side dishes, soups, and main courses. In 2022, the
consumption of black beans reached over 7.5 kilograms per person.
Exporter of food and alcoholic beverages
Mexico is a leading exporter of various agricultural products, food, and beverages, such as beer and tequila, avocado and other fruits, and bovine meat. In 2022, for instance, Mexico was the
largest exporter worldwide of beer and
avocado. The United States is Mexico’s main trade partner, both for goods
imports and
exports.
Food prices and consumer perspective
Consumers in Mexico have needed to adapt to the current economic conditions, including the food price inflation. Mexico has not experienced
food inflation the same way as other Latin American and Caribbean countries, however there has been an increase in food prices for virtually all categories. Between 2016 and 2022, the
quarterly expenditure on food and beverages increased by over 77 percent. These increases have led consumers to
adjust their spending and trade down whenever possible.
Since 2022, the
food inflation rate has slowed down and the
perception of higher grocery prices has somewhat decreased, but the
consumer price index is still higher in 2024 than in the previous years. Consumers in Mexico are likely to continue saving on grocery shopping wherever possible and choosing more affordable options.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no
liability for the information given being complete or correct.
Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date
data than referenced in the text.