The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) attended Mexico’s largest international food and drink fair this week to look at developing new export opportunities.
AHDB Pork, Dairy and Cereals exhibited at the Expo ANTAD & Alimentaria Mexico from Tuesday to Thursday, joining more than 340 international food and beverage companies from 28 countries.
As well as showcasing a range of products from Britain, the aim of the visit was to meet with importers, understand the consumption trends of the market and look at future opportunities for exports.
Now in its second year, the show – which was held in Guadalajara – is aimed at the retail sector and the entire food industry from distribution and supermarkets to restaurants and hotel chains.
It is promoted as an international business platform where producers and buyers meet to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities for the sector.
AHDB’s export manager for Livestock Susana Morris said: “This show provided AHDB with a fantastic opportunity to promote our high quality products while looking at consumer trends to see what potential there is for exporters in the UK.
“Mexico has the potential to act as a springboard into the wider region as well as being an attractive market in its own right. We do not currently export to Mexico but this is a country that is open and ready to do business.”
Mexico is a big importer of pork despite the fact the country reported one of the biggest rates of growth in pork production in 2017. However, it does not have enough supply to satisfy its own demand.
Ms Morris added: “It is estimated the country will consume two million tonnes of pork this year so it’s a market we cannot afford to overlook. During our visit, we met with potential importers, gained a better insight into favoured cuts and explored where our products would be best suited in this lucrative and all-important market.”
