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Alimentaria México, port of entry to a market with great future prospects.

Alimentaria México continues to grow in its 6th edition thanks to the competitive advantages offered by this country in the food sector. The market’s characteristics, its tourist attraction potential, the high growth of the food sector and the good economic situation have brought this North American country to the forefront for those seeking new markets for their products.

The Mexican economy is going a through a good period. With a per capita GDP of Euro 5,630, in 2004 it was the 15th largest economy in the world and the 13th largest exporting power in the WTO ranking. In 2005, the overall economic activity indicator reached 141.8 points, 5.1 points higher than in 2004, and the industrial activity indicator increased by 0.9 points with respect to the previous year, to 142.7 points.

Tourism is the third most important activity in the Mexican economy, behind petroleum and manufacturing. This country occupies the 8th position in the attraction of international tourists and the 10th in foreign exchange influx. According to 2004 data, Mexico received 20.6 million international visitors, 10.5% more visitors than in 2003. This increase in the number of visitors entailed USD10.8 million in income, 14.6% more than in the previous year. The Mexican government’s support through the National Tourism Plan (PNT) 2001-2006, endowed with Euro 15 million, has been one of the key factors in this sector’s growth.

The food market has not ceased to grow in the past 7 years. The evolution of imports has experienced a growth of over 200% in sectors such as cereals and milk, fruits and vegetables, canned goods, wines, juices, refreshment drinks and cocoa and its preparations. The meat, fish and derivatives sector has experienced a 179% growth, whilst the sugar and confectionery sector has grown by 189%.

This significant increase is due to the fact that the Mexican market exhibits very favourable evolution trends for foreign companies. A growth in private consumption and a recovery of the food and drink sectors have been observed, and there has been an increase in the number of consumers with new demands and a great market potential. These new consumers increasingly demand products and brands from all over the world in order to meet their needs. Furthermore, there is a dominant presence of global self-service chains within the distribution channels. Likewise, the great influx of tourists to Mexico represents a significant increase in the demand for foreign food products.


Alimentaria México is consolidated as the most important international event in the food and drink sectors in Mexico and, therefore, a luxury showcase for those foreign professionals who are interested in this country. This exhibition, which will have over 450 exhibiting companies from 25 different countries and over 5,000 food products, is an unavoidable meeting place for the 10,000 plus buyers and distributors in the food and drink sector. For the first time, Alimentaria Equipo will be presented, devoted to accessories, equipment and services for food service and restaurant professionals.