Market Information
Latin America and Caribbean

Processed Meat Sector Profile⁽¹⁾ - Mexico

February 2004

Canadian Embassy in Mexico
Calle Schiller no. 529
Colonia Rincon des Bosque, Polanco
11560 Mexico, DF Mexico
Contact: Kim O'Neil, Agri-Food Counsellor
Tel.: (52-55) 5724-7900
Fax: (52-55) 5724-7982
E-mail: kim.oneil@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canada.org.mx

MARKET OVERVIEW

The Mexican market for processed foods has been increasing rapidly since 1995. Processed meats accounted for more than $3.5 million⁽²⁾ in sales in 2000, representing a 64% increase over 1995 sales. Mexico's food processing industry supplies most of the country's consumer-ready product needs. There are over 13 000 registered food processing firms in Mexico. Beverages, dairy products, edible oils and processed meat are the largest subsectors within the industry, in terms of production output.

Beef and chicken are the most commonly consumed meats in Mexico, of which the majority of demand is met either domestically or from the United States. The United States is the largest processed meat exporter to Mexico, with a 90% market share. Canada is the third-largest supplier after Chile, with a 2% share of the market.

The principal canned meat and meat products are canned sausages, pâtés and canned luncheon meats. Sales of these products in Mexico are expected to increase in the coming years as convenience is becoming more of a deciding purchasing factor. In addition, industry sources consider that volume demand for these products is to a large degree protected from variations in price. This can be attributed to the fact that the core target audience for this product, namely middle-upper and upper-income group consumers, have little time to cook and prepare food and display low levels of price sensitivity in their search for a quick meal or accompanying dish.

Processed meats are mainly sold in local supermarket chains, specialty stores, hotels and restaurants.

Market Trends

Demand for processed and other convenience food products will continue to grow simply because changing Latin households need it, even if they do not prefer it. As more women enter the work force, their families will turn to prepared meals as substitutes for home-cooked meals. In addition, imports of foreign-brand goods have grown due to consumer sophistication and the growth of the Mexican middle class, which represents a potential market of 20 million consumers with increasing amounts of disposable income.

Mexican imports of sausages grew by more than 90% over the past five years, jumping from $51.6 million in 1998 to $100 million in 200, while imports from Canada remained steady. The main types of sausages consumed in Mexico are: salami, spiced sausages, highly-seasoned sausages and mortadella.

Over the past five years the Mexican imports of homogenized meat preparations and pates from the world grew more than 100%, jumping from $0.6 million to $1.3 million. However, no imports were reported from Canada.

Overall processed poultry product imports have decreased into Mexico, yet imports from Canada have increased to $100,000 in 2002, giving Canada roughly a 1% share of the market. Among the main processed poultry products consumed in Mexico are chicken nuggets and turkey hams.

In the period of 1998 to 2001, Mexican imports of processed pork products grew roughly 50%, to $15.3 million. In 2002, as overall imports decreased slightly, so did imports from Canada. However, Canada's overall international exports of these products has steadily increased since 1998 and should be a good indication that increased exports to Mexico is a potential opportunity for Canadian processed meat companies. The main processed pork products consumed in Mexico are hams, loin, prosciutto and pastrami, among others.

While expected to increase, Mexican pork production will not keep pace with growing domestic consumption, expected mainly from population growth and general increased consumption. Self-sufficiency in pork in 2002 was estimated at 83% and is expected to decrease steadily by 1-2 percentage points each year until at least 2010.

Mexican imports of processed beef remained steady around $10 million between 2001 and 2002, while imports from Canada rose slightly to $100,000, giving Canada a 1% market share. Roast beef and corned beef are among the main processed beef products consumed in Mexico.

OPPORTUNITIES

The Mexican processed meats market is well-established and self-sufficient. However, certain niche markets in gourmet deli goods such as certain sausages and hams, roast beef, pastrami, corned beef, loin, salami, prosciutto and other cold cuts, can present good opportunities for Canadian exporters as these products are becoming more appealing to the Mexican consumer.

It is important to note that due to the Bovine Spongiform Encephalophy (BSE) case detected in Canada in May, 2003, Mexico imposed a ban on all imports of Canadian processed beef products. Mexico has indicated that they will not re-open the border for processed beef products from Canada until the U.S. re-opens its border for these products. Canada has been working with the U.S. and Mexican authorities in order to re-open the border for Canadian processed beef as soon as possible. Processed pork and poultry were not included in the ban.

Canadian processed meat companies wanting to establish factories in Mexico can take advantage of the presently large, available and trained labour force. After the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), U.S. and Canadian companies opened factories in the border region of San Luis Rio Colorado, taking advantage of the much-lower Mexican labour rates.

Recently, however, many U.S. companies moved their manufacturing operations to China, taking advantage of the even cheaper labour. Mexican labour rates are still relatively cheaper than in Canada, and having a physical presence in Mexico can minimize transportation costs.

In an effort to reduce its trade dependencies on the United States, Mexico has recently signed several bilateral trade agreements, such as with Chile, Costa Rica and the European Union. Canadian processed meat exporters can, however, benefit from the NAFTA, which eliminated most tariff and non-tariff barriers to agricultural trade between Mexico and Canada. As well, Canada's proximity to Mexico gives Canadian exporters an advantage in transportation costs.

Canadian meat products also have the advantage of being favoured internationally due to high consistency and quality. Furthermore, the continuing struggle between the United States and Mexico's National Cattle Confederation, which in May 2002 petitioned its government to apply restrictions to meat products imported from the United States, provides an excellent opportunity for Canadian processed meat producers, as they could be seen as a favourable alternative to the United States.

The Government of Canada has several programs to help Canadian firms gain a competitive advantage in international markets. For instance, Export Development Canada (EDC) offers export financing and insurance to Canadian exporters. Exporters may also find financial and other assistance through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's Program for Export Market Development.

Trade Shows

Event:
Expocarnes
February 10-12, 2005
Cintermex, Monterrey, N.L.
The main trade show of meat products in Mexico

Organizer:
Contact: Lyssett Sierra Ramos
Tel.: (52-81) 8369-6660
Fax: (52-81) 8369-9732
E-mail: lizapex@cintermex.com.mx
Internet: http://www.expocarnes.com

Event:
ANTAD 2004
March 13-15, 2004
Expo Guadalajara Convention Center, Guadalajara, Mexico
Mexico's largest tradeshow for retailers and supermarkets

Organizer:
Contact: Miriam Madrigal
Tel.: (52-33) 3121-4577
Fax: (52-33) 3121-5437
E-mail: antadguadalajara@megared.net.mx
Internet: http://www.antad.org.mx

Event:
Alimentaria 2004
June 9-11, 2004
Banamex Convention Center, Mexico City
One of the largest international food service shows in Mexico
Canada has a pavilion at this show

Organizer:
Contact: Richard Clegg, Federal-Provincial Team Leader, Main Market (Mexico), Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Tel.: (613) 759-7743
Fax: (613) 759-7506
E-mail: cleggr@agr.gc.ca

Event:
Abastur Rest-Hotel 2004
September 29 - October 1, 2004
Banamex Convention Center, Mexico City
One of the most important hotel, restaurant and hospitality international shows in Latin America with more than 18,000 participants. Includes a large equipment component

Organizer:
Contact: Hugo Hernández or Ivan Martínez
Tel.: (52-55) 5237-9924 / 9925
Fax: (52-55) 5237-9926 or 5657-5926
E-mail: hh@remex-cie.com

Suggested Marketing Activities

The use of a private label or distributor's brand is a good strategy for entering the Mexican market, since the exporter does not pay for any additional product promotions. In addition, the exporter benefits from the product being distributed across all the supermarket locations of the chain that owns the private label.

Canadian exporters are encouraged to improve the visibility of their brands in the Mexican market through well-focused marketing activities. Collaborating with provincial and industry associations, and participating in trade shows and trade missions are all excellent ways to make contacts, to understand import procedures, and to develop effective entry strategies. Promotional activities done in co-operation with Mexican retailers are another way to gain exposure and to better understand this extremely competitive market.

Market-Access Considerations

Under the NAFTA, the Canadian exports of processed meat products (except poultry) have duty free access to Mexico since January 1, 2003. In order to obtain this preferential treatment, Canadian exporters must present a NAFTA Certificate of Origin to the Mexican authorities, which confirms that the product originates in Canada. Processed poultry products were excluded from any preferential duties under the NAFTA, resulting in exports of poultry sausages to Mexico being subject to a duty of 18% and any other processed poultry products at a duty of 23%.

Canadian exports of processed meat products to Mexico must comply with the sanitary regulations imposed by the Mexican authorities. In principle, the importer is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits, while compliance with Mexican regulations falls to the exporter.

In order to import processed meat products into the Mexican market, the importer must apply for a sanitary requirements form (Hoja de Requisitos Zoosanitarios: HRZ) at the Animal Health Department of the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture (SAGARPA). In this HRZ, SAGARPA will establish the sanitary requirements that must be met.

Canadian exporters should be up-to-date on the draft official standard, PROY-NOM-213-SSA1-2002, published on August 18, 2003, which establishes new sanitary specifications for processed meat products that will be enforced by the Mexican Ministry of Health. All the Mexican Official Standards can be consulted on-line at the following address: http://www.economia-noms.gob.mx

Canadian exporters are advised to work closely with their importers and customs broker to ensure that every requirement has been met, and thus avoid any complications at the border.

The Canadian government also has a Border Clearance Representative (BCR) who provides pre-clearance border assistance to Canadian companies shipping products to Mexico. The BCR works closely with Canadian agri-food exporters, prior to the shipping of their products, to ensure that all the proper documentation is in place. The BCR also ensures that any problems that do arise are resolved quickly, so that Canadian agricultural goods move more smoothly across the border.

Canadian exporters should consider contacting local distributors and importers as an indispensable early step in their efforts to establish themselves in the Mexican market. Notably, one of Mexico's largest buyers of imported food products, Wal-Mart, prefers to deal directly with suppliers. Other supermarket chains are also following this practice.

The use of clenbuterol and other anabolic steroids is prohibited in Mexico. At all government levels, it appears that a bill banning the use of anabolic additives that pose a potential risk to human health will soon be signed into law. Canadian exporters should keep up to date on all new regulations and standards by closely monitoring the industry or by contacting local industry professionals. In addition, the Canadian Embassy in Mexico can provide local industry information.

KEY PARTICIPANTS

The Mexican supermarkets are the main points of sale for processed meat products in Mexico. Wal-Mart is the leader in this field with a market share of around 50%, followed by Comercial Mexicana, Gigante and Soriana, among others.

The hotel, restaurant, and institutional food service sector should also be considered as an important entry venue for Canadian suppliers, as demand is high and labelling requirements are simpler. The institutional food service market in particular should be considered as an opportunity for Canadian exporters of processed meats as this sector has great growth potential and has been virtually untapped.

The two largest domestic companies in the Mexican processed meat industry are Sigma Alimentos (the food unit of Mexican conglomerate Grupo Alfa) and Grupo Bafar. Even though Sigma Alimentos dominates the market, both companies are well-established and offer well-known products throughout Mexico.

In July 2001 U.S. based ConAgra Foods bought 50% of Sigma Alimentos. ConAgra has strengthened its presence in the Mexican frozen foods market, by producing some products at Sigma's Mexican facilities and continuing to import products from the U.S.

In August 2002, Sigma Alimentos acquired Costa Rica's leading producer and distributor of processed meats, Embutidos Zar, which operates one plant in San Jose and has a nationwide distribution network. Sigma produces and markets processed meat products under the FUD, San Rafael, Oscar Mayer, Chimex, Iberomex, Viva and San Antonio brands.

In March 2002, Grupo Bafar acquired from Nestle de Mexico the fixed assets, brands and inventory located in the industrial plant in La Piedad. The plant produced cold meats and sausages under the brands Parma, Sabori and Campestre. Grupo Bafar also acquired El Salvador's leading cold meats company, Productos Carnicos, in April 2003; Productos Carnicos exports cold meats to Guatemala and Honduras.

Other Mexican companies that have increased their presence in the Mexican processed meat market are: Grupo Viz, KIR Alimentos and Peñaranda.

Among the foreign companies that have a strong presence in the Mexican processed meats market are the U.S. company Sara-Lee Co., which sells hams and pates under the Zwan brand, and the company Bernina, which sells European style deli meat products and has gained a good share in the Mexican market of processed meat products.

Canadian companies have been exporting their processed meats to Mexico for several years and have established not only a reputable name, but also a strong and lasting relationship with its customers.

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC-SECTOR CUSTOMERS

In the last couple of years, the processed food market in Mexico has changed dramatically. Demand is increasing for value-added products due to the expansion of modern retail outlets, hotels, restaurants and institutions and the rapid growth of the food processing sector. There is also a trend for Mexicans to shop for groceries at the larger retail stores instead of smaller outlets. This is significant since more processed foods are found in these larger establishments. In addition, major retail chains such as Wal-Mart are increasingly side-stepping distributors and purchasing directly from processed food producers.

The principal purchasers of processed meats are the larger retail stores, which are supplied mainly by Sigma Alimentos and Grupo Bafar. Canadian companies might consider a partnership of some kind with these companies.

Another opportunity for Canadian exporters is the hotel, restaurant and institutional food service sector, which tends to purchase its processed foods directly from distributors. Canadian exporters are encouraged to establish relationships with Mexican distributors supplying this sector.

Suggested Business Practices

A locally based distributor or representative can be an important asset for successfully entering a market. A good distributor will prove invaluable in establishing successful business relationships with local buyers, and will also help handle customs and importing issues, while maintaining an excellent after-sales service. Choosing a qualified and competitive distributor has always been one of the most important ways to successfully export to the Mexican market.

Since travelling in Mexico can be difficult, companies should have an agent representing their products at a national level. However, it is not advisable to give the agent national exclusivity. Instead, exporters are urged to hire regional distributors as well.

KEY CONTACTS AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Canadian Contacts

Canadian Embassy in Mexico
Calle Schiller no. 529
Colonia Rincon del Bosque, Polanco
11560 Mexico, DF Mexico
Contact: Kim O'Neil, Agri-Food Counsellor or
Alejandro Ruiz, Agri-Food Commercial Officer
Tel.: (52-55) 5724-7900
Fax: (52-55) 5724-7982
E-mail: kim.oneil@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.canada.org.mx

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Sir. John Carling Building - Floor:10 - Room:1051
930 Carling Ave.,
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5
Contact: Richard A. Clegg, Senior International Marketing Officer, Mexico
Tel.: (613) 759-7743
Fax: (613) 759-7506
E-mail: cleggr@agr.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.agr.gc.ca

Canada Beef Export Federation
715 8^th St. NE, Suite 235
Calgary, AB T2E 7H7
Tel.: (403) 274-0004
Fax: (403) 274-7275
Internet: http://www.cbef.com

Canada Beef Export Federation Mexico
Ave. Morones Prieto 2805, 5to. Piso
Col. Loma Larga, C.P. 64710, Monterrey, N.L.
Mexico
Contact: Ing. Angel Celis
Tel.: (52-81) 8399-0190
Fax: (52-81) 8399-0189
Internet: http://www.cbef.com

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Camelot Dr.
Ottawa, ON K1A 0Y9
Tel.: (800) 442-2342 or (613) 225-2342
Fax: (613) 228-6125
Internet: http://www.inspection.gc.ca

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
125 Sussex Dr.
Ottawa, ON K1A 0G2
Internet: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Market Research Centre (TMR)
Contact: Sean McLean, Senior International Market Analyst, Agriculture Industries
Tel.: (613) 996-1793
Fax: (613) 943-8820
E-mail: sean.mclean@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Market Support Division (TMM)
Contact: Rick Winter, Trade Commissioner
Tel.: (613) 995-1773
Fax: (613) 996-9265
E-mail: rick.winter@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Mexican Division (NMX)
Contact: Marcello DiFranco, Trade Commissioner
Tel.: (613) 996-8625
Fax: (613) 996-6142
E-mail: marcello.difranco@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Border Clearance Representative (BCR)
Contact: Luis Perez
Tel.: (52-86) 7719 0003
Cell: (52-95) 6206-8771
Fax: (52-86) 7719-0764
E-mail: luispere@nlaredo.globalpc.net

Mexican Contacts

Mexican Embassy in Ottawa
45 O'Connor St., Suite 1500
Ottawa, ON K1P 1A4
Contact: Lisette Lopez, Agri-Food Counsellor
Tel.: (613) 233-8988
Fax: (613) 235-9123
Internet: http://www.embamexcan.com

Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico
Ave. de las Aguilas No. 251
Col. Las Aguilas
01710, México, D.F.
Tel.: (25-55) 5593-0997
Fax: (52-55) 5660-3263

NAFTA Office of Mexico in Canada
45 O'Connor St., Suite 1503
Ottawa, ON, K1P 1A4
Tel.: (613) 235-7782
Fax: (613) 235-1129
Internet: http://www.nafta-mexico.org

National Council of Cold Meat Packers
Av. De las Fuentes No. 41-1 6o. Piso
Col. Lomas de Tecamachalco
53950, Estado de México
Tel.: (52-55) 5589-7771
Fax: (52-55) 5294-7995

National Chamber of Industry of Restaurants and Food
Aniceto Ortega 1009
Col. Del Valle
03100 Mexico, DF Mexico
Tel.: (52-55) 5604-0418
Fax: (52-55) 5604-4086

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (Secretaria de Agricultura Ganaderia, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentos (SAGARPA)
Municipio Libre No. 377
Col. Sta. Cruz Atoyac
CP 03310 Mexico, DF Mexico
Tel./Fax: (52-55) 9183-1000
Internet: http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx (In Spanish)

National Association of Supermarkets and Retailers
Homero 109 Piso 11
Col. Polanco
11560 Mexico, DF Mexico
Tel.: (52-55) 5580-1772
Fax: (52-55) 5395-2610

Selected Mexican Meat Processors and Importers

Alimentos PAR, S.A. de C.V.
Sierra Nevada No. 6, No. 12, No. 14
Col. Parque Industrial, Nezahualcoyotl
C.P. 57800 Estado de México
Contact: Francisco Pardo Arroyo, Purchase Manager
Tel.: (52) (55) 5855-2957
Fax: (52) (55) 5822- 6599
E-mail: pardoarturo@aol.net

Comercial Mexicana, S.A. de D.V.
Calzada Vallejo No. 980
Col. Industrial Vallejo, C.P. 02300, México, D.F.
Contacts: Jorge Marin Chavez, Meat Purchase Manager
Tel.: (52-55) 5270-9541
Fax. (52-55) 5270-9199
E-mail: jmarin@mail.comerci.com.mx

Distribuidora de Alimentos Exclusivos
Centeno No. PROV. 201-1, Esq. Cipres
Col. Valle del Sur Iztapalapa, C.P. 09819
México, D.F
Contact: Sr. Marcial Pablo Fernández Alatorre
Tel.: (52-55) 5670-5764
Fax: (52-55) 5582-7395
E-mail: mpablof@prodigy.net.mx

Grupo Bafar
Km. 7.5 Carretera a Cuauhtémoc
C.P. 31450, Las Animas, Chihuahua, MÉXICO.
Contact: Lic. Eugenio Baeza Fares, General Manager
Tel. (52) (614) 439-0100 ext. 7102
Fax. (52) (614) 434-0025
Email. ebaeza@bafar.com

Empacadora Bernina, S. A. DE C.V.
Poniente 44, No. 2664
San Salvador Xochimanca
C.P. 02870, México, D.F.
Contact: Sr. Arturo Rosal, Purchase Manager
Tel.: (52-55) 5396-9888
Fax: (52-55) 5396-0700
Email: compras@empacadora-bernina.com

Empacadora Cinta de Oro
Contact: Sr. Carlos Rodríguez, Commercial Director
Tel.: (52-55) 5686-8750 / 8300 / ext. 15
Fax. (52-55) 5686-8222
Email: ecoexpor@prodigy.net.mx

Empacadora Don Fer
Javier Rojo Gómez 1341-B
Contact: Mr. Alejandro Knight, Operation Manager
Tel.: (52-55) 5686-9835
Fax: (52-55) 5686-8186
Email: aknight@donfer-alimentos.com

GIGANTE, S.A. de C.V.
Ejercito Nacional # 769 A
Col. Nueva Granada, C.P. 11520, México, D.F.
Contact: Sr. Alejandro Aguad, Meat Products Manager
Tel.: (52-55) 5269-8233 / 5039-0919
Fax: (52-55) 5269-8579 / 5039-0981
E-mail: aahuad@gigante.com.mx

Organizacion Soriana, S.A. de C.V.
Alejandro de Rodas # 3102-A Col. Cumbres 8 sector C.P. 64610, Monterrey, N.L.
Contact: Jose Luis Dávila, Meat Purchase Manager
Tel.: (52-81) 8329-9000 ext. 9261, 9264, 8852
Fax. (52-81) 8329- 9161
E-mail. jdavila@soriana.com

Qualtia Alimentos S.A. de C.V.
Av. Conductores No. 600
Lagrange, San Nicolás de los Garza
Nuevo León. Monterrey, MEXICO
Contact: Alicia Lozano, Commercial Manager
Tel.: (52-81) 8030-3016
Fax: (52-81) 8030-3041
Email: alozanoa@qualtia.com

Sigma Alimentos, S.A. de C.V.
Av. Gómez Morín 1111 Col. Carrizalejo
C.P. 66254 Municipio Garza García, N.L.
Contact: Mario H. Páez, Operations Director
Tel. (52) (81) 8748-9004
Fax. (52) (81) 8748-9036
E-mail. mpaez@sigma-alimentos.com
http://www.sigma-alimentos.com

WAL-MART
Av. De la Luz No. 50 (Caseta 3)
Col. Parque Insustrial la Luz
Cuatitlan Izcalli, Edo. De México
Contact: Juan Alvarez, Purchase Manager
Tel.: (52-55) 5899-1237 / 1213
Fax: (52-55) 5899-1200 ext. 1172 & 1227
E-mail. mjmdiaz@wal-mart.com

BIBLIOGRAPHY

The Arizona Republic. "Border Area losing 1990's momentum San Luis: Booming on both sides of the border," June 19, 2003.

Canada. Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. "Mexico Market Analysis," May 12, 2000.

Canadian Beef Export Federation. "Mexico border officially opens to Canadian beef," October 2, 2003.

Caribbean Update. "Cold Meats Firm Sold," May 1, 2003.

Corporate Mexico. "Bafar acquires fixed assets from Nestle," March 25, 2002.

Dow Jones International News. "Food Group Herdez to distribute Morton Salt in Mexico," August 15, 2003.

Euromonitor. "Demand for canned meat holds steady," January, 2003.

Food Chemical News. "Mexico cracks down on anabolic substances," July 1, 2002.

------. "Mexico cattle association calls for restrictions on U.S. imports," May 6, 2003.

Food in Canada. "Bienvenido a Mexico: land of 103 million consumers," January 2003.

Global Trade and Technology Network. "Market Overview: Mexico." Downloaded from http://www.usgtn.net/business/market_research/mexico.asp October 29, 2003 on October 31, 2003.

Global Trade Information Services, Inc. "Mexican Imports," World Trade Atlas, October 14, 2003.

------. "Prepared Meat, Fish, Etc. from World," World Trade Atlas, October 14, 2003.

InfoAmericas. "The Latino Way for Frozen Foods," March 27, 2003.

Reuters News. "Unit of Mexico's Alfa buys Costa Rica's Zar," August 2, 2002.

United States. Foreign Agriculture Service. "The Mexican Market for Processed Foods," July 20, 2001.

------. "Exporter Guide Annual," September 27, 2002. Downloaded from http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200209/145784013.pdf on November 13, 2003.

USEFUL INTERNET SITES

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Online: http://www.agr.gc.ca

Canadian Cattlemen's Association: http://cattle.ca

Canadian Embassy in Mexico: http://www.canada.org.mx

ExportSource: http://exportsource.ca

InfoExport: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca

Mexican Association of Supermarkets: http://www.antad.org.mx (In Spanish)

Mexican Government Agency's and Information: http://www.mexico-trade.com/govt.htm

Mexican Ministry of Agriculture: http://www.sagarpa.gob.mx (In Spanish)

Mexican Official Standards: http://www.economia-noms.gob.mx (In Spanish)

^1. The Government of Canada has prepared this Country Sector Profile based on primary and secondary sources of information. Readers should take note that the Government of Canada does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information contained in this report, nor does it necessarily endorse the organizations listed herein. Readers should independently verify the accuracy and reliability of the information.

^2. All monetary amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The conversion rate to Canadian dollars is based on IDD Information Services, Tradeline, September 2003.