Market Information
Latin America and Caribbean

Overview of the Pasta Sector in Mexico

Prepared by Agriculture Section - Alejandro Ruiz, Commercial Officer Canadian Embassy, Mexico

Pastas are very popular among Mexican consumers. Over the last few years the annual per capita consumption of these products has been increasing to reach 1.8 kgs. in 2002.

The consumption of pasta in Mexico has been increasing because most the consumers like the flavour, it is easy to prepare and in most cases is cheaper than other elaborated meals. Furthermore, the number of Italian food restaurants in Mexico has been growing over the last few years, creating a large demand for this product.

The main types of pastas consumed in Mexico are: spaghetti, macaroni, lasagne, ravioli, cannelloni and noodles, among others.

During the period 1998-2002 the Mexican imports of uncooked pasta (not stuffed or otherwise prepared) registered a growth of 73.7%, jumping from 4,729 tonnes with a value of US$5.2 million to 8,214 tonnes with a value of US$8.8 million.

The U.S. is the main supplier of these types of pastas to Mexico with a market share of 46.4%, followed by Italy with a share of 36.8%. The remaining 17% is divided between France, Guatemala, Spain, China, Chile, Germany and Canada, among others.

During the analyzed period the Canadian exports of uncooked pasta (not stuffed or otherwise prepared) to Mexico grew from 2 tonnes with a value of US$8,000 to 65 tonnes with a value of US$ 60,000. However, its market share is less than 1%.

Source of Data: Secretary of Economy

Source of Data: Secretary of Economy

Canada has a strong export capacity for pastas. During 2002 Canada exported US$43.7 million of uncooked pasta to the world. However, only 0.02% of those exports were sent to the Mexican market.

Source of Data: Statistics Canada and Secretary of Economy.

With regard to stuffed pasta, during the period 1998-2002 the Mexican imports of this product grew 69.3% jumping from 1,024 tonnes with a value of US$1.9 million to 1,734 tonnes with a value of US$5.5 million.

Around 72.7% of the Mexican imports of stuffed pasta come from the U.S., 12.5% are imported from Spain and the rest come from different countries such as Italy, France, Chile, South Korea, China, Guatemala, Japan and Canada, among others.

From 1998 to 2000 the Canadian exports of stuffed pasta to Mexico showed a positive trend. However, since 2001 they have been declining to reach only 2 tonnes with a value of US$4,000 in 2002.

Source of Data: Secretary of Economy

During the period 1998-2002 the Canadian exports of stuffed pasta to the world grew almost 5 times, moving from US$12.4 million to US$62.8 million. However, less than 1% of those exports were sent to the Mexican market.

Canadian exporters should consider Mexico as a potential market for their exports of stuffed pasta.

Source of Data: Statistics Canada and Secretary of Economy.

Under NAFTA, the Canadian exports of pasta (whether or not prepared) have duty free access to the Mexican market, which represents an advantage over other competitors.

The growing demand for pastas and the preferential access under NAFTA offer good opportunities for Canadian exporters in the Mexican market.

The shipments of Canadian uncooked pasta (not stuffed or other wise prepared) to be exported to Mexico must be accompanied by a Manufacturer's Declaration certified by a Commissioner for Taking Oaths and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

In the case of shipments of Canadian stuffed pasta with added products from animal origin such as meat, cheese, etc., they must be accompanied by a Manufacturer's Declaration and a Sanitary Certificate issued by CFIA for the animal products included in the pasta.

The main Mexican buyers for pastas would be retail stores, distributors for restaurants and companies involved in the food service sector. A list of these contacts could be available from the Embassy.