Mexico reduced food insecurity as moderate to severe food insecurity fell to 16.5% in 2023-2025, although 26.4 million people still could not afford a healthy diet. Meanwhile, avocado exports to the US grew 35% in 1Q26, but lower prices, peso appreciation, and rising competition pressured revenues, pushing the sector toward diversification, value-added products, and sustainability investments.
This is the Week in Agribusiness and Food!
Mexico Improves Food Security, FAO Reports
Mexico reduced moderate to severe food insecurity from 24.9% in 2014-2016 to 16.5% in 2023-2025, with 8.6 million people moving out of this condition, according to FAO’s SOFI 2026 report. Despite progress in nutrition indicators, 26.4 million people in Mexico still could not afford a healthy diet in 2025, while climate-related risks continue to threaten food access and agricultural production. Government programs such as Maíz es la Raíz and Alimentación para el Bienestar aim to strengthen rural production, support producers, and improve food availability in vulnerable communities.
Mexico’s Avocado Exports Surge as Prices Weigh on Revenues
Mexico’s avocado exports to the United States increased 35% year-on-year in 1Q26, reaching 501,824t, reinforcing the country’s position as the leading global avocado supplier. However, lower international prices, peso appreciation, and stronger competition from Peru and Colombia reduced export revenues despite record production expectations for 2026. The sector is increasingly focusing on value-added products, market diversification, traceability, and water-efficiency investments to strengthen competitiveness amid evolving trade and sustainability requirements.
World Cup Spurs Delivery, Retail Boom in Mexico
The FIFA World Cup 2026 generated a temporary boost for Mexico’s consumer economy, with food delivery, restaurants, retail, and small businesses benefiting from increased demand during the tournament. Food and beverage activities generated US$584 million in economic impact, while retail reached US$433 million, driven mainly by domestic consumption rather than international tourism. At the same time, the event exposed environmental challenges linked to packaging waste, delivery emissions, and food waste, increasing pressure on businesses to adopt more sustainable operational practices.
Aeroméxico Cargo Expands Cold Chain Network With New Facility
Aeroméxico Cargo inaugurated its first freezing chamber at Mexico City International Airport, strengthening its cold chain infrastructure for frozen food transportation and temperature-sensitive cargo. The 100m³ facility, capable of operating at temperatures as low as -30°C, will support the handling of products such as meat, seafood and frozen bakery goods while reducing risks associated with temperature disruptions. The investment responds to growing demand for cold chain logistics in Mexico, driven by agribusiness, food distribution, healthcare, and international trade sectors.
Microorganisms Advance Agroecological Farming in Mexico
Mexican universities are developing microbial-based agricultural technologies using beneficial microorganisms from soils and marine environments to improve crop productivity, restore soil health and reduce reliance on synthetic inputs. Research projects in Michoacan and Oaxaca are identifying native bacteria and fungi for biofertilizers, biostimulants, and biological pest control solutions adapted to regional crops such as corn, avocado, berries and mango. Meanwhile, marine microorganisms studied in Jalisco are showing potential to improve crop resilience against saline stress, supporting climate adaptation strategies in agriculture.
