Mexican Food Market Consumer Demand and Industry Insights

Mexican Food Market Size, Share and Growth Pathways

The global Mexican food market size is set to witness robust growth over the forecast period from 2025 to 2034, driven by rising health consciousness and shifting consumer preferences toward functional and nutrient-rich drinks. The increased demand for healthy, convenient, and traditional dishes with vibrant food choices and popular menu additions enable restaurants and several other food service centers to deliver authentic food products and services. 

Key Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the Mexican food market in 2024, due to free trade agreements and successive international trade. 
• By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, due to collaborations for advancing trade businesses. 
• By type, the tacos segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the health advantages of this popular Mexican dish. 
• By type, the burritos segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing choice of consumers for this healthy Mexican cuisine. 
• By distribution channel, the supermarkets and hypermarkets segment dominated the market share in 2024, driven by the increased buying convenience and enormous shopping benefits. 
• By distribution channel, the online retailers segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the improved retailing experience of the potential users of online shopping platforms. 
• By end user, the ethnic consumer segment dominated the market share in 2024, due to the popularity of ethnic food from several countries and regions.
• By end users, the Millennials and Gen Z segments are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the rising preference for Mexican cuisine over Italian and Chinese cuisine.

Market Overview

What is the Significance of the Mexican Food Industry?

Mexican food is an ancient cuisine style influenced by the food patterns of some countries, like the U.S., Argentina, and Guatemala. The evolution and growth of Mexican cuisine is driven by international trade, cultural exchange, and immigration, which have expanded the Mexican food market across the globe. The popularity of authentic Mexican dishes such as chilaquiles verdes, tacos al pastor, pork in adobo sauce, chiles en nogada, carne asada, and guacamole boosts the adoption of Mexican food among interested consumers from all around the world. 

• In March 2025, Papi Grande's, the popular Mexican restaurant, announced the inauguration of its third location in Western New York. (Source: The New 96.1)

Recent Investments and Advancements by Sigma alimentos in Q1-2024: (Source: Sigma)

Credit Ratings:

• Sigma Alimentos received affirmation for its BBB-“global "and “mxAA+” national scale issuer credit ratings, which showcase Sigma’s positive results in S&P’s new Management & Governance assessment. 

Mexican Local Bond Program:

• In March 2024, Sigma alimentos successfully placed f Ps $10.0 billion (US ~$600 million) in local notes. 

Brand Portfolio:

• Sigma alimentos achieved annual sales of US $100+ million for its three dairy brands, namely La Chona, Los Altos, and Nochebuena, which has brought total number of 14 brands that were up from 11 brands. 

Growth Business Unit:

• Sigma alimentos launched four verticals, including new business models, power connections, future foods, and artificial intelligence. The company has received more than 1,300 applications from startups for the previous four editions in more than 50 countries that have resulted in 45 pilot tests. 

Versatile Product Range and Brand Portfolio of Sigma alimentos, the Leading Mexican Food Company

(Source: Sigma)

Market Trends

How do the Principal Exports and Imports of Crops Create Future Trends?

• Major Impact of Exports: Mexican exports have been expanded across the agro-industrial, agricultural, livestock, beekeeping, and fish sectors. The agro-industrial exports include products like confectionery, bread, chocolate, preserved fruits, sugar, fruit juice, beer, etc. Mexico is the leading producer of avocado in the world and the other major products include tomato, strawberry, chili, cucumber, lime, etc. The popular and essential products like banana, onion, watermelon, onion, and raspberry are also included in Mexican exports. The livestock and beekeeping sector has been expanded with the exports of pork, beef, and honey. The fish sector accounts for good exports of tuna, sardine, crab, oyster, and lobster. 
• A Strong Support of Regional Countries for Mexican Exports: Mexico exports its products to several countries, like the U.S., Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and several others. Germany, Colombia, and Spain also remain the main countries for Mexican exports of products. Mexico has a network of 11 free trade agreements with 45 countries which boosts opportunities, innovations, and R&D efforts in Mexico. They also offer favorable conditions for sales of products related to the agriculture, livestock, and fishing sectors.

Market Opportunity

What is the Potential of the Mexican Food Industry?

Mexico represents the 15th rank in the Food Sustainability Index and 10th position in Sustainable Agriculture, which impose significant opportunities to solve the challenges of the next 50 years. Mexico country has a strong natural resources presence, a diverse agricultural capacity, etc. The presence of well-established institutional infrastructure for various operations supports development and innovations across scientific and technological sectors. The state policies make efforts to address the main issues of agriculture, nutrition, and the environment.

Market Challenges

What are the Major Challenges of Food and Nutrition Security in Mexico?

Mexico holds a strong presence of natural and human resources, but it has limited arable land. Being a net food importer, Mexico depends on other countries for food security due to diverse climate change in desert and coastal regions. Further investments are needed in scientific and technological institutions. Moreover, a stronger connection between the public and other agricultural sectors is needed. There is a necessity for evidence-based public policies that are very important to resolving these challenges.

Regional Insights

How North America Dominated the Mexican Food Market in 2024?

North America dominated the Mexican food market in 2024. The U.S. Trade Representative introduced Good Regulatory Practices to ensure transparent governance and fair trade and for which several countries like Brazil, Canada, Chile, Argentina, etc. were joined. These initiatives promote the development of better regulations, prevention and reduction of non-tariff barriers, etc. They also support compliance with international trade obligations across the region. America made a partnership for economic prosperity through a regional initiative known as the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (the Americas Partnership) to establish and maintain regional competitiveness and investment flexibility. 

However, Canada also remains one of the top two trading partners for the U.S. through a strong integrated supply chain in automotive, textile, and energy industries. The major U.S. exports to Canada include agricultural products, bakery products, fresh vegetables, pasta, cereals, fruits, and ethanol. The major exports of Canada to the U.S. include agricultural products, baked goods, cereals, vegetable oil, beef products, beef, processed fruits, fresh vegetables, etc. 

• In April 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico announced the launch of 18 programs and actions associated with ‘Plan Mexico’ which is the outstanding economic initiative taken by the federal government in January 2025. (Source: Mexico News Daily)
• In January 2024, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) completed 30 years as the most ambitious integrated project in North America while proving 2024 as the pivotal year for North American trade with elections in Mexico and the U.S. (Source: Atlantic Council)
• In October 2024, the Government of Mexico announced the National Food Sovereignty Programme to boost agricultural production and deliver sustainable and healthy food to Mexican families. (Source: globaltradealert)

How does the Free Trade Agreement Drive the U.S. Trade?

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) involves the U.S., Canada, and Mexico replacing the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by securing over $2 trillion in U.S. goods and services trade within the North American region. 

According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, one of the top two trading partners for the U.S. is Mexico, where these two Northern American countries share a strong connection of integrated supply chains in various sectors such as the automotive, medical devices, electronics, and textiles industries. In 2024, Mexico was the top source of U.S. imports and the second-largest targeted country for U.S. exports. Over 80% of the total exports of Mexican goods were intended to the U.S. and over 40% of the total imports of Mexican goods were from the U.S. The U.S. exports to Mexico include vehicles, electrical machinery, energy products, machinery, and plastics. Over $30 billion is spent on agricultural products, dairy products, pork and pork products, soybean, and corn. However, the major exports of Mexico to the U.S. include medical devices, machinery, electrical machinery, and vehicles. Over $48 billion is spent on agricultural products such as fresh fruit, beer, fresh vegetables, and distilled spirits.

Total Summary of Mexico Trade by Office of the U.S. Trade Representative: 

• Estimated U.S. total goods trade with Mexico in 2024: $839.9 billion
• U.S. goods exports to Mexico in 2024: $334.0 billion
• U.S. goods imports from Mexico in 2024: $505.9 billion
• U.S. goods trade deficit in 2024: $171.8 billion (Source: USTR)

Asia Pacific is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Mexican Food Market During the Forecast Period. 

The Asia Pacific region holds enormous potential for expansion with a dynamic economy. The Asian Pacific companies are the principal source of investment for Mexico in several prominent sectors, such as automotive, energy, electronics, tourism, and infrastructure. This region is known as a source of innovation, science, and technology due to the high potential of trade and investment as well as being a rich source of cultural richness. This region holds a bilateral relationship with Mexico in several areas, including scientific, technical, economic, cultural, and educational programs. Some Asian Pacific countries, like China, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia, experienced significant growth through this regional success. Mexico expanded international cooperation with Asia Pacific through science, technology, innovation, aerospace, education, environment, disaster prevention, and food security.

How does India Show Cooperation with Mexico in Trade Businesses Through Collaborations?

India is one of the top 10 trading partners of Mexico. India is also the largest producer of vaccines and generic drugs, due to which the Government of Mexico chose India to conduct strong bilateral cooperation to address the pandemic challenges and promote the healthcare sector. Indian companies have a significant position in Mexico and over 200 companies are committed to investments in various sectors. The various fields like agriculture, IT, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and textiles are dedicated to attracting investment and promoting collaborations between Mexico and India. The presence of notable Mexican companies in India, including Cinepolis, Harvest Gold, Bimbo, etc. highlights the importance of the trade relationship between these two leading countries.

• In December 2024, the Karnataka Social Welfare Department announced the launch of the ‘Food Transparency in Hostels & KREIS Schools’ initiative to ensure transparency, quality, and safety in meals served to students from hostels and residential schools by providing information about food quality to the public. (Source: The Times of India)

Segment Insights

Type Insights

How Tacos Segment Dominated the Mexican Food Market in 2024?

The tacos segment dominated the Mexican food market in 2024. Tacos are highly popular among Americans because they provide a high number of vitamins and minerals due to the presence of high-quality ingredients. It plays a major role in making stronger bones and muscles through the intake of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Tacos are less-expensive, healthy, and are suitable for any diet, including low-carb ones. 

The Burritos Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Mexican Food Market During the Forecast Period. 

Burritos offer health benefits in terms of weight loss, stronger immunity, and vitamins. It is enriched with vitamin C, which increases the body’s immune system to help people fight and prevent diseases. Every country adds a different taste to burritos and makes them a native food and a healthy choice for consumers. 

Distribution Channel Insights 

What Made Supermarkets and Hypermarkets the Dominant Segment in the Mexican Food Market in 2024? 

The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment dominated the Mexican food market in 2024. The increased focus of supermarkets and hypermarkets on cost savings, the best customer service, consistency, and predictability has raised their importance among global consumers. They provide wholesale options, quality products, varieties, and a versatile range of products. The efficient delivery and logistics also drive the expansion of these notable distribution channels all around the globe. 

The Online Retailers Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest CAGR in the Mexican Food Market During the Predicted Timeframe. 

Online retailing makes easy access to marketing for entrepreneurs through online marketplaces which offer simple online shops and timely delivery within a minute. The online retailers reduced the need for expensive retail premises and customer-facing staff. The online retailing sector is expanding due to a good digital marketing strategy and a plan to scale up order fulfilment systems. 

End User Insights 

Why did the Ethnic Consumers Segment Dominate the Mexican Food Market in 2024? 

The ethnic consumer segment dominated the Mexican food market in 2024. The ethnic consumers refer to the potential end users attracted to ethnic food due to the diverse traditions, ethnicities, and food cultures of specific regions. The growing ethnic food consumers showcase the importance of local production systems, food and nutrition security, the economy, and many other factors. The potential of ethnic food in boosting immunity and meeting nutritional requirements raises the number of ethnic consumers from all across the globe. 

The Millennials and Gen Z segments are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the Mexican food Market During the Forecast Period. 

Millennials and Gen Z consumers mostly prefer Mexican food over Italian and Chinese as the most desired cuisine type in the U.S. for the first time. The Mexican-inspired dishes include Lentil tostada, Lentil taco salad, Southwest baked lentil dip, etc. which attracted millennials and Gen Z consumers. According to one of the research studies, about 82% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Z agree with the goodness of Mexican food. 

Recent Developments in the Mexican Food Market

Sigma Alimentos

• Launch: In March 2025, Sigma Alimentos, S.A. de C.V., the major Mexican food company, announced the launch of its open innovation program, which is the sixth edition of Tastech by Sigma (“Tastech”) that will allow consistent collaborations with startups and scaleups globally. The six-year evolution of the company encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in the food industry. (Source: Sigma)

Coca-Cola Mexico and Arca Continental

• Launch: In May 2025, Coca-Cola Mexico and Arca Continental, partnered with the Government of the State of Chihuahua, launched the agricultural modernization project’s first phase in major areas of Jalisco and Chihuahua with an investment of $47 million MXN. (Source: Arcacontal)

Coca-Cola FEMSA

• Announcement: In July 2024, Coca-Cola FEMSA announced the expansion of its capacity to fulfill the growing consumer demand by establishing new production plants in Mexico and Brazil. (Source: Food Business Middle East & Africa)

Mexican Food Market Leading Companies

• Grupo Bimbo
• Arca Continental
• Sigma alimentos
• Coca-cola Femsa
• FEMSA
• Grupo Herdez
• Grupo Lala
• La Costeña
• Cemex
• Gruma Mission Foods
• Grupo México
• América Móvil
• Banorte
• Grupo Elektra
• Inbursa
• Grupo Modelo
• HEINEKEN México

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Tortillas
• Tacos
• Burritos
• Enchiladas
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and hypermarkets
• Online retailers
• Foodservice
• Specialty stores

By End User

• Ethnic consumers
• Millennials and Gen Z
• Health-conscious consumers
• Gourmet food enthusiasts

By Region 

• North America 
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America