The Spanish pigmeat industry is stepping up its efforts to increase exports to Mexico, building on strong existing business links which current trade talks between the European Commission and Mexican authorities could enable to grow further in 2015.
By way of preparation for future export growth, 15 Spanish meat plants recently opened their doors to Mexican inspectors, clearing the way for the plants to be used in the preparation of approved export products.
The Mexican market has been the focus significant growth for Spanish exporters in recent years with processed pigmeat products increasing in volume by 123% since 2009, according to a spokesman for OECE (Ofcina de Exportación de la Carne de España), which is Spain’s official meat export body.
In 2013, the last period for which official figures are available, Spain exported 1,030 tonnes of pigmeat to Mexico, 75% of which were hams and other cured and cooked meats.
“In recent years, Mexican consumers have shown an increasing interest in Spanish cured ham and sausages, especially by people in the medium-high to high income bracket,” the spokesman told Pig World, adding that Spanish tourists, visiting Mexico, were also boosting demand for imported products.Â
As for the future, he pointed out that Mexico, already the second largest economy in Latin America, was enjoying an increase in consumer purchasing power and an emerging middle class. All of which was providing a positive platform for further export expansion for Spanish businesses.Â