Alberta beef has made its way to Costco stores in Mexico, marking a significant development in the meat industry. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald, showcased a selection of cuts such as porterhouse and New York prime beef at a Costco outlet near Mexico City.
Expressing optimism about the future, MacDonald highlighted the potential for growth in this partnership between JBS Canada and Costco Mexico. Approximately 20,000 tonnes of beef, processed in Brooks, Alberta, are now being distributed to 41 Costco locations across Mexico.
Salvador Hernandez, director for JBS Mexico, emphasized that this deal has opened a new market avenue for Canadian beef in Mexico, traditionally dominated by U.S. beef. The collaboration between the companies signifies a significant milestone for the North American beef supply chain.
Claudia Herrera-Blanc, senior director for Mexico and Latin America at Canada Beef, mentioned that it took a year to finalize the Costco Mexico agreement. She emphasized the importance of Costco’s reputation for quality in Mexico and the doors it has opened for Canadian beef.
Canadian products like Alberta prime beef, maple syrup, rolled oats, ice wine, and chicken nuggets are now available at Costco Mexico. The store has been selling around $60,000 US (or $84,000 CAD) worth of Canadian products weekly.
In another positive development, following meetings between Minister MacDonald and Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Julio Berdegué Sacristán, Mexico announced the lifting of an 18-month ban on imports of Canadian pet foods made with bovine meal. This move aims to provide Mexican families access to high-quality Canadian pet foods.
Mexico’s increasing demand for pet food, with imports amounting to $402.7 million in 2024, presents an opportunity for Canadian producers to expand their market share. Discussions between MacDonald and his Mexican counterpart also included plans to introduce digital phytosanitary certificates to facilitate the trade of organic products like wheat and canola.
Minister MacDonald’s visit to Mexico involves a series of meetings, including a trip to Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, to further strengthen trade relationships and explore business opportunities.