Although maize, as the main crop, is going through difficult times, export crops such as tomatoes, berries and avocado are growing and require more fertilizers
By Amado Vázquez Martínez
In 2024, the value of Mexican agri-food exports was USD 54.43 billion. This is the highest level recorded in 32 years, where fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, berries and avocados stood out in a country of almost 130 million inhabitants, 27 millionof them in rural areas with 27 million cultivable hectares, and it is the central-west, along with part of the northeast and northwest, where protected horticulture is growing15 percent annually.
Thanks to the fact that Mexico and the United States have a common border and due to the trilateral trade agreement with Canada, called T-MEC, the Aztec country obtained a surplus in agri-food exports of USD 7.795 billion, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER), almost the
same figure for fruit and vegetables that Mexico exports mainly tothe U.S.
Although maize is the main and original crop, with at least seven million hectares under cultivation, a prolonged two-year drought has reduced the harvest by 15 to 20 percent, so that companies import at least 25 million tonnes of yellow maize from the U.S., making the country the world's leading importer of this cereal.
Mexico’s economy is diverse, with a thriving automotive and key tertiary sector such as car assembly, auto parts and aircraft components, as well as medical supplies, computers and flat screens; while its essential crops are maize, beans, wheat, sugar cane, avocado, tomato and chili.
However, in the last decade there has been a 15 percent growth in the production of fruits and vegetables for export generated in its geography with deserts in the north, forests in the south, and extensive coasts on the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico in a diverse climate.
To learn about the great development of the so-called ‘protected agriculture’ or greenhouse agriculture and the use of chemical and biological fertilizers, we spoke with Juan Carlos Anaya, director of the agricultural information company Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas (GCMA); as well as with Germán José Gándara Fernández, president of the Asociación Nacional de Horticultura Protegida A.C. (AMHPAC).
We also spoke to Alfredo Flores, president of the National Association of Fertiliser Producers and Traders (ANACOFER), which represents 70 percent of the country's fertilizer producers.
Protected vegetables Efficient use of fertilizers has been key to the growth of agriculture in Mexico, says Alfredo Flores, noting that the country has a great diversity of expanding crops, especially in high-value fruit and vegetables.
While maize is still the country's most important crop, it faced a 15 percent drop in production during 2024 due to extreme drought and lack of access to adequate nutrition. Yet fruit and vegetables have experienced sustained growth and an increased presence in the international market.
Thanks to the production of vegetables under greenhouses, plastic roofs or ‘protected’, since 1994 when the first trade agreement with the United States and Canada came into force, Mexico has become an exporter of cucumbers, chilies, peppers and tomatoes, among other
products that are sent to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Japan and Russia.
Among the fastest growing crops are avocados, with a strong presence in Jalisco, Michoacán and the State of Mexico (7.6%), and berries (10%), which have gained importance in Jalisco, Michoacán and Guanajuato.
Other crops with accelerated growth include citrus, such as lemon and orange in Colima and Veracruz, asparagus in Sonora and Baja California, and tomato and pineapple, which have also become very important in the Mexican agricultural sector.
The fruit and vegetable sector has grown by five to seven percent in the
last five years, consolidating itself as a profitable alternative to monoculture. Alfredo Flores says that the agricultural trend in Mexico has evolved towards high-value crops, capable of generating profitability and sustaining technological investments.
To cope with the growing demand for food and the limitations of arable land, technification has become a key tool, with more precision irrigation being used in the absence of rainfall, and more use of biological fertilizers, including water-soluble fertilizers, and the implementation of good agricultural practices that improve the production and quality of crops.
One example is tomatoes, agree Juan Carlos Anaya, director of the GCMA, and Gerardo Gándara, president of AMHPAC, who point
out that “after 30 years of exports, tomatoes are a point of dispute between Mexico and the U.S.”
Irrigation Mexico ranks fifth in the world in technified irrigation surface area, with 564,000 hectares modernized in recent years. This includes systems to optimize water distribution, such as sprinkling, drip or micro-sprinkling, and precision irrigation, which uses sensors, climate data and real-time monitoring. It is mainly used in high-value crops such as vegetables, berries and avocados, according to the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Only 10 percent of crops have some advanced irrigation system, such as drip and precision irrigation, which can include fertigation. Currently, more than 60 percent of agricultural irrigation is done by gravity and flooding, which causes a waste of more than 50 percent of the water used in the field, says water expert Francisco X Valdés, an engineer and inventor, and author of the water rescue plan for the Mexican state of Aguascalientes.
There are national and foreign companies, such as Netafim for example, which supply irrigation systems of different types. But the most common is drip and precision irrigation, although there is no exact figure for the number of hectares of the latter type.
Protected agriculture Protected agriculture has shown sustained growth in Mexico in recent years, reaching an annual increase of 15 percent in cultivated area, a development driven by the adoption of new technologies and the diversification of crops resistant to various phytosanitary problems.
The president of the Mexican Association of Protected Horticulture (AMHPAC), Germán José Gándara Fernández, pointed out that states such as Sinaloa, Sonora and Jalisco have been the main growth areas. However, the Bajío region, made up of Michoacán, Guanajuato, Querétaro and Jalisco, has shown even more accelerated progress.
Currently, around 25,000 hectares of tomato are grown in Mexico under protected agriculture, followed by pepper and cucumber, each accounting for approximately one third of the tomato area, which on average totals 50,000 hectares.
Since 2005, the Bajío area has doubled its area under these crops, and it is estimated that the states of Baja California, Sonora, Sinaloa, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Jalisco and Puebla are the main entities in the adoption of protected agriculture.
Innovation and export In recent years, the agricultural industry has diversified its tomato and pepper varieties to meet international market demand, says Gerardo Gándara, who points out that they have developed tomato specialities and new pepper options such as mini peppers with varieties in vibrant tones.
Cucumber has evolved with the production of European, Persian and Chinese varieties, adapting to consumer demands, the export of which has been fundamental, consolidating Mexico as a global leader in protected horticulture.
Within the tomato segment, 75 percent of production corresponds to the Roma and Bola varieties, followed by the Grecia tomato with 13 percent and cherry with five percent, most of which is destined for the United States, while a smaller fraction is for domestic consumption.
Accelerated growth Ten years ago, protected agriculture in Mexico covered approximately 35,000 hectares, which reflects a significant growth in the last decade to exceed 50,000 hectares, says Gándara. He points out that this increase is attributed to the adoption of new technologies and crop diversification, allowing a greater supply and adaptability to market demands.
The evolution in consumption has transformed household preferences, driving demand for smaller tomatoes and peppers. Agribusiness has responded by introducing smaller varieties of fruit and vegetables, such as mini tomatoes and mini peppers, designed to better adapt to new consumption trends.
The growth of protected agriculture has generated between 800,000 and more than one million jobs in Mexico, says Gerardo Gándara, and tomato cultivation alone accounts for 500,000 indirect jobs, while peppers and cucumbers account for another 250,000 and 150,000 jobs, respectively.
Trade tariffs Faced with this technological advance by Mexican producers, “producers in Florida and other U.S. states are seeking to impose a seasonal tariff on Mexican tomatoes, even though their production does not even supply 40 percent of the U.S. market,” explains Anaya.
Juan Carlos Anaya, director of the agricultural information companyGrupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas (GCMA)
As a result, according to Gándara and Juan Carlos Anaya, Mexico is currently the main supplier of fresh tomatoes to the United States, while U.S. tomatoes, mostly green, are mainly destined for processing into sauces and preserves.
“Mexico supplies the fresh market with varieties such as Roma, Bola and Uva, offering quality and availability that U.S. producers cannot cover,” Anaya points out.
The U.S. cannot compete with the quality and seasonality of Mexican tomatoes, which are harvested all year round. The agribusiness has also incorporated precision agriculture, drones, GPS and monitoring systems, which are
already being adopted not only by wheat and corn producers, but also by producers of high-value commercial vegetables.
Other advances include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data to analyze key information in agricultural production, as well as automation and robotization, and the application of regenerative agriculture, focusing on the sustainability of the soil and the agricultural ecosystem.
Regenerative agriculture Regenerative agriculture has taken on special relevance in Mexico, with a focus on restoring soil health and improving productivity, says Alfredo Flores, a trend oriented mainly towards high-value crops such as avocado, berries and protected vegetables.
The north of the country, due to its previous technification, has already adopted these practices. But the greatest agricultural growth in Mexico is concentrated in the Central-West region and the Bajío, mainly in Jalisco, Michoacán and Guanajuato, areas producing strategic crops such as avocado, berries and vegetables for export.
The increase in sustainable production has generated a greater demand for biological inputs, such as biostimulants, biofertilizers, biofungicides and biopesticides. Although there are no precise figures because it is a growing market, it is considered that at least 30 percent of companies’ portfolios already have these ‘green’ agricultural products.
Among these products, Flores says that biostimulants have gained special relevance, promoting healthier soils and a better absorption of nutrients in plants, inputs that help plants tolerate abiotic stress. However, he cites that biological inputs do not replace chemical or mineral fertilizers, but function as a complement in the agricultural nutrition package.
The replacement The use of biofertilizers has driven greater sustainability in exportable crops, as producers seek to eliminate chemical residues that compromise product quality and do not exceed the amount permitted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Along with USDA agricultural regulations and those of the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture (SADER), biofungicides and biopesticides are growing in use alongside biostimulants, especially in high-value strategic crops, says Alfredo Flores, although it is difficult for them to reach the market in large quantities due to the federal bureaucracy that takes time to approve them.
However, given that the production of biological inputs involves additional costs, their application is more common in more profitable crops, such as avocado and export vegetables. And although they already exist to a lesser extent in extensive crops such as maize and wheat, their impact is much greater in specialized production.
The trend towards agricultural biotechnology and chemical reduction will continue to evolve, and Flores stresses that Mexico must maintain a balance between chemical and biological fertilization to ensure food security and improve soil quality.
Challenges in fertilizers The use of biofungicides and biopesticides must be accompanied by clear regulations to facilitate their marketing and application on crops, says Alfredo Flores.
Two years ago, the federal government proposed a ban on 200 chemical and biochemical products, which generated uncertainty in the agricultural sector and even led to a ban on the use of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, as well as a ban on the planting of GM maize.
Mexico banned the import of GM maize for human consumption on 13 February 2023. However, after losing the T-MEC dispute panel against the United States on 20 December 2024, and failing to prove that glyphosate and GM maize were harmful to health, it lifted the ban on 5 February 2025, but maintained the restriction on planting.
Impact of biologicals Government regulations remain focused on chemicals, with prohibitive measures stemming from a lack of legislative awareness. In contrast, biological products are less regulated, facilitating their adoption in high-value crops.
The biggest obstacle in the registration process for new products for agricultural use such as biostimulants and organic products such as biofungicides is the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS), the official department that approves or disapproves them, and in the previous administration of the Mexican government the delay reached four years of waiting.
But thanks to the efforts of farmers and agricultural associations in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, the procedures now take between one and two years, forcing manufacturers to anticipate less delays in marketing.
Biostimulants expanding In recent years, biostimulants have become increasingly important in Mexican agriculture, with a large growth in products that improve crop resistance and optimize crop development, including amino acids, algae extracts, microorganisms, bacteria and hormones.
According to Daniel Merino, Yara's Biologicals Coordinator, the biostimulant market is growing between 11 and 12 percent annually globally, and is expected to maintain this trend over the next five years. Mexico and Argentina stand out in Latin America as the countries with the highest consumption and projected growth in this area.
Daniel Merino Cazarez, Biologicals Coordinator, Yara México
“The use of biostimulants has grown in recent years, and in Mexico there has been significant progress because its adoption currently stands at 12 percent, while five years ago it was only around eight or 10 percent,” explained Merino.
The use of these products varies according to the type of crop. For example, in the case of maize, 30 percent of producers use them. But in more technified crops, such as vegetables, berries and avocado, the percentage increases to 75-80 percent, and even reaches 100 percent in greenhouse production.
Among the most widely used products in Mexico are biostimulants based on amino acids and hydrolyzed proteins, which represent the largest segment of the market; and seaweed extracts, some freshwater algae and even sargassum are also used intheir production.
Merino points out that the growth of the market for beneficial microorganisms and bacteria follows a similar trend, with an annual increase of around12-15 percent.
In terms of regulation, there are no regulatory restrictions in Mexico that limit the use of biostimulants. And although there are specific regulations for agrochemicals and biopesticides, there are currently no legal barriers that affect their commercialization and application on crops.
"It is a growing market. Its growth will depend on the level of adoption among producers and the development of new biostimulation technologies," Merino concluded.
The hydrosolubles The growth in the use of water-soluble fertilizers has been concentrated in Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Sonora, Jalisco, Michoacán and Guanajuato, where technification has optimized their application.
Calcium nitrate is the most widely used water-soluble fertilizer in Mexico, representing 40 percent of the total volume in a market that ranges between 450,000 and 500,000 tonnes per year, of which 60 percent is used on fruit and vegetables.
Other fertilizers commonly used in Mexican agriculture are potassium nitrate, 20 percent of the total volume; soluble potassium sulphate (SOP), 15 percent; monopotassium
phosphate (MKP), 10 percent; and NPK fertilizers in various formulations, 10 percent. And of the rest, according to ANACOFER, there is no concrete data due to the lack of official information.
Greenhouse cropping The development of greenhouses, shade netting and macro tunnels has boosted agricultural technification and, given the drought that has affected 85 percent of the country in the last two years, the adoption of these systems has grown significantly. Currently, Mexico has 50,000 to 55,000 hectares of protected agriculture, distributed in 30 percent in greenhouses, 40 percent in shade netting and 30 percent in macro tunnels.
From 2016 to 2023, the area has grown 31 percent, with notable increases in Coahuila (+350%), Guanajuato (+240%) and Jalisco (+60%). However, states such as Sonora, Michoacán and Sinaloahave seen reductions due towater scarcity.
Sixty percent of protected agriculture is concentrated in Jalisco, Sinaloa, Coahuila, Michoacán and Sonora; tomato is the leading crop, with 25,000 hectares, followed by berries, cucumbers and chilies.
Fertilizers In 2024, the Federal Government allocated 403 million pesos for fertilizers in the Fertilisers for Wellbeing programme, giving an endowment to 1.6 million producers.
The Ministry of Agriculture distributed one million tonnes of fertilizers such as NPK, MAP and urea. However, grain and vegetable production did not grow in Guerrero, Puebla and Chiapas, as some farmers resold the product instead of using it and others did not receive instructions for its use, according to interviewees.
Consumption of water-soluble and chemical fertilizers in Mexico has remained stable at 5.5 to 5.6 million tonnes annually, with the highest peak in 2018 at 6.2 million tonnes, but has shown a slight declinesince then.
Mexico remains dependent on imports, with 62 percent of fertilizers coming from abroad and 38 percent
from domestic production. Despite this dependence, projections to 2030 indicate that the market will remain at similar levels.
Fertiliser use in Mexico is conditioned by several factors, including climatic uncertainty, which influences farmers' decisions on what to plant and how much fertilizer to buy.
In addition, the introduction of technified products such as precision irrigation has allowed for greater efficiency in the use of inputs, reducing the need to apply large volumes of conventional fertilizers.
“Modern fertilizers are not substituted kilo for kilo with respect to conventional urea, as there are products with advanced formulations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) that allow improved yields with less quantity applied,” says the GCMA’s Juan Carlos Anaya.
One of the biggest challenges for the industry is fertilizer imports, which have been affected by trade restrictions with China and Russia, explains Anaya, adding that sanctions imposed on certain companies have limited the arrival of Russian fertilizers, while import procedures for Chinese products have prolonged delivery times.
“Logistical and trade uncertainties have created additional challenges for the industry, reinforcing the importance of domestic production options,” says ANACOFER president Alfredo Flores. However, government plans to increase local manufacturing have faced obstacles such as a lack of quality phosphate rock and limitations in the production of nitrogen fertilizers.
Low consumption According to the GCMA, apparent fertilizer consumption in Mexico closed 2024 at 5.2 million metric tons (MT). In addition, the country continues to rely heavily on imports, as domestic production does not meet demand.
According to figures from the GCMA, fertilizer purchases in Mexico fell 26.4 percent in the first two months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024.
Purchases amounted to 418,000 MT compared to 568,000 MT the previous year, and the products with the biggest falls include urea, potassium chloride, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate and potassium sulphate.
On the other hand, some inputs showed an increase in procurement, such as Triple 16 Complex (16% nitrogen, 16% phosphorus and 16% potassium), ammonium sulphate, phosphonitrate, calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate.
Price adjustment The average price of fertilizers fell 27.2 percent, driven by sluggish demand. However, some inputs registered increases, such as urea, ammonium sulphate, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate and phosphonitrate.
Regarding DAP and MAP, the rising costs of raw materials such as sulphur and phosphate rock have driven prices upwards; in the case of DAP, it has registered an increase of 6.23 percent between January and March 2025.
In the U.S., potash has seen a sharp price increase following the implementation of a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports, which has affected supply. It is worth noting that Canada supplies 80 percent of the potash used in the U.S. market.
Official investment In an effort to strengthen food sovereignty and reduce dependence on imports, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced an investment of USD 3.7 billion for strategic projects in the Mexican state of Durango.
The plan includes the construction of Fermachem, a fertilizer plant that will produce 600,000 MT of urea, and Fermaca Digital City, a data centre with its own electricity generation.
This investment seeks to strengthen the agricultural sector, reduce costs for producers and improve the country's technological infrastructure.
“Self-sufficiency in fertilizers is a challenge, and although domestic production would help reduce dependence on imports, the levels needed to cover demand have not yet been reached,” says Flores.
One of the recurring problems in the agricultural sector is the inadequate use of fertilizers, which causes significant wastage. ANACOFER studies estimate that between 50 and 60 percent of fertilizers are applied incorrectly, affectingcrop efficiency.
“The producer is still in the habit of applying large amounts of urea (fertilizer with 60 percent nitrogen content), without considering the specific needs of the crop, and it is therefore essential to promote the proper use of fertilizers to avoid unnecessary losses,” says Flores.
To improve agricultural efficiency, companies and associations in the sector are developing training programmes to guide producers in the correct use of fertilizers, he says, adding that the adoption of water-soluble fertilizers and advanced technologies will continue to be key to reducing wastage and improving crop productivity.
Specialized fertilizers One factor that has favoured the implementation of specialized fertilizers and advanced techniques is the generational change within the sector. Flores highlights that there
are more and more farmers under 65 years of age and more young people involved in land management, which has driven the adoption of water-soluble fertilizers, precision agriculture and soil analysis.
Excessive use of urea not only implies an economic loss for producers, but also an environmental impact due to nitrogen volatilization, a process in which 50 to 60 percent of the fertilizer is lost as gases released into the atmosphere.
“In addition to the economic loss, the inefficient use of fertilizers contributes to air pollution and affects soil quality,” notes Flores. To avoid this, farmers have begun to incorporate products that optimize nutrient absorption and minimize environmental impact.
He says that ANACOFER has worked proactively in agricultural education, offering advice on the correct use of fertilizers and collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and other government agencies to improve training in the field.
Despite these advances, the sector faces challenges in the renegotiation of trade conditions with the United States and the management of resources such as water and land in states with a long agricultural tradition, says Gerardo Gándara, who points out that “innovation in varieties and technology continues to be key to the country's competitiveness in the global market.”
FACT The water-soluble fertilizer market in Mexico is around 450,000 to 500,000 tonnes per year, of which 60 percent is concentrated in fruit and vegetable production.
Source: Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agrícolas/Anacofer.
FACT From 2016 to 2023, the area of protected agriculture has grown 31 percent, with states such as Coahuila (+350%), Guanajuato (+240%) and Jalisco (+60%) leading the expansion. However, regions such as Sonora, Michoacán and Sinaloa have seen reductions in their cultivated area due to limited water availability.
FACT Mexico has approximately 63,000 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of berries, with a total production of close to one million tonnes per year. The main varieties grown in the country include strawberry, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry, an agribusiness that is growing by an average of 10 percent per year.
FACT In 2024, Mexico remains the world's largest producer and exporter of avocados, with an estimated production of 2.5 million tonnes. Of this volume, approximately 1.18 million tonnes were exported to the United States, representing 89.3 percent of total U.S. avocado imports.
KEY DATA I Mexico is the world's leading exporter of fresh peppers, with a 29 percent share of the global market. In addition, it produces around 3.3 million tonnes of chilies and peppers per year, often grown under glass.
KEY DATA II Habanero and Yahualica chilies have a Denomination of Origin in Mexico, in addition to tequila and five other regional beverages; and in terms of food, coffee from Veracruz and Chiapas, cocoa from Grijalva, rice from Morelos, Ataúlfo mango from Soconusco, Chiapas, and vanilla from Papantla.
KEY DATA III The United States started the so-called ‘tomato war’ against Mexico by announcing a 20.91 percent tariff on tomatoes that will come into effect on 14 July 2025. This, despite the fact that U.S. producers do not even supply 40 percent of their market, while they purchase more than 80 percent of their needsfrom Mexico.
UPL and Provivi to deliver pest control solutionsfor Mexican agriculture
UPL Corporation Ltd. and Provivi are collaborating to bring pest control solutions to Mexican farmers. This partnership will see the commercialization of Provivi's second-generation FAW Eco-Dispenser for combating fall armyworm (FAW).
The agreement will allow Provivi's pheromone-based technology to reach a wider audience, empowering Mexican maize growers to adopt sustainable pest management practices that improve crop yields while preserving the environment.
Since 2020, Provivi's first-generation FAW Dispenser has gained significant traction, with more than 5,000 growers across 28 Mexican states adopting the solution.
The FAW Eco-Dispenser is crafted from eco-friendly materials, ensuring long-lasting efficacy with minimal environmental impact. It directly targets FAW by disrupting the moths’ mating process, reducing egg-laying and preventing the emergence of destructive caterpillars. ●
Efficient use of fertilizers has been key to the growth of agriculture in Mexico; the country has a great diversity of expanding crops, especially in high-value fruit and vegetables.
The use of biostimulants has grown in recent years, and in Mexico there has been significant progress … adoption currently stands at 12 percent.
Logistical and trade uncertainties have created additional challenges for the industry, reinforcing the importance of domestic production options…
Good grapes and wines are produced in Mexico, thanks to the so-called ‘wine belt’ that runs through the northern part, although places like Chapala produce excellent wines as well.
Grape and wine production in Mexico has gained prominence in recent years, with states such as Baja California, Querétaro and Coahuila leading the industry. Ribera de Chapala, in the state of Jalisco, is emerging as a new area of cultivation and wine production, driven by winemakers such as Carlos Pantoja Rojas and pioneers such as Serapio Ruiz, who has been developing vineyards in the region for more than 30 years.
In an interview, Pantoja Rojas shared that, although he is a beginner in the world of wine, he has cultivated around 60 plants in his small vineyard, with varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Merlot, as well as white grapes such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Malvasia.
Ribera de Chapala has approximately 40 to 50 hectares dedicated to grape growing, with vineyards such as El Tejón and Cava Silvia Pérez, which have begun to position themselves in the market. Although some producers still send their harvest to Querétaro for processing, more and more winemakers are seeking to consolidate local production.
The main vineyards of Ribera de Chapala is located in the regionof San Luis Soyatlán and Tuxcueca, south of the lake, and among some of the most prominent are Viñedo El Tejón, founded by Serapio Ruiz, and Finca La Estramancia, located onthe slopes of Cerro de laMujer Dormida.
Wine industryAt the national level, Mexico devotes more than 30,000 hectares to grape growing, with production supplying only 30 percent of domestic demand. Yet wine consumption has grown significantly, reaching almost one litre per capita.
In 2023, Mexico had a total trade exchange of fresh grapes of USD 731 million, with USD 402 million in exports and USD 329 million in imports. The main sources of grapes were the United States (USD 134 million), Peru (USD 112 million) and Chile (USD 17.5 million), according to figures from the Mexican government.
As for wine, the quality of the wine produced in Ribera de Chapala has attracted the attention of international experts and tasters, who highlight the balanced acidity of the soil, which makes it possible to
obtain natural wines without the need for chemical additives.
Sector strength The wine boom in the Chapala Lakeside has gained momentum in recent years, with more producers betting on viticulture in the region. According to Carlos Pantoja Rojas, the growth of vineyards in the area reflects a new perspective for Jalisco's agri-food sector, consolidating the production of table grapes and high quality wine.
It should be noted that Lake Chapala is the largest body of water in Mexico, located in the state of Jalisco, a key tourist and ecological destination, 48 km from the state capital, Guadalajara, and 436 km from Mexico City, the country's capital, with an estimated travel time of five to six hours by road
Pantoja Rojas explained that the natural acidity of the soil has made it possible to obtain balanced wines without adding chemicals, which gives them a special added value, a balance that allows the wines of Ribera de Chapala to age well, i.e., they can be stored for years without losing their properties.
Production has advanced to such an extent that local vineyards are now successfully selling their wine. There are currently six main vineyards in Ribera de Chapala, including Viñedos El Tejón and Cava Silvia Pérez, with registered labels and well-established processes.
One of the pioneers in the area, Serapio Ruiz, has been a key player in the development of winemaking in Jalisco. His production includes varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, with wines such as a high-end Merlot that has reached prices of up to 700 Mexican pesos (US$36.27) per bottle, demonstrating the quality and potential of regional wines.
In addition, the area has started to produce rosé wines, such as Palo de Rosa, diversifying its offer to the national and international market, with good quality ratings.
Wine advancesOverall, Mexico has made progress in the wine industry, with states such as Baja California, Querétaro and Coahuila dominating production. However, Jalisco has begun to stand out with areas such as San Gabriel and other regions in the south of the state, where vineyards are expanding with new plantings.
Another interesting aspect is the development of table grapes, where producers from Sonora have made inroads in Jalisco, particularly in San Gabriel, with large vineyards that seek to supply the national and international market.
International identityThe growth of the wine industry in Ribera de Chapala has not only allowed for strengthened production, but also to disseminate its quality at an international level. According to Carlos Pantoja Rojas, some wines from the region are already considered in European publications, which reflects their recognition beyond Mexico.
Comparing these wines with commercial labels is complex, as each region has its own identity. However, Ribera de Chapala wines stand out for their unique terroir, which distinguishes them from other producing areas such as Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe, whose mineral soils influence characteristics such as a slightly saline mouthfeel.
The quality of the wine in Ribera de Chapala has been recognized by international experts and tasters, who highlight the balanced acidity of the soil. This allows for the production of natural wines without chemical additives, a characteristic that allows the wines to be stored for years without losing their properties, consolidating their prestige among connoisseurs.
The Wine BeltThe Wine Belt is a geographical area that crosses the world between the parallels 30° and 50° north latitude and 30° and 40° south latitude, where the climatic conditions favour the cultivation of vines for wine production.
In Mexico, this strip crosses Baja California and part of Sonora; and the state of Baja California is the state with the greatest wine growing tradition and wine production in the country, where the most outstanding region is the Guadalupe Valley, in Ensenada, where the oldest and most renowned wineries in Mexico are located.
The main vineyards of Ribera de Chapala are located in the region of San Luis Soyatlán and Tuxcueca, south of the lake, and among some of the most outstanding are Viñedo El Tejón, founded by Serapio Ruiz, and Finca La Estramancia, located on the slopes of Cerro de la Mujer Dormida.
FACT Mexico devotes more than 30,000 hectares to grape growing, with production supplying only 30 percent of domestic demand. Yet wine consumption has grown significantly, reaching almost alitre per capita.
FACTIn 2023, Mexico had a total trade exchange of fresh grapes of USD 731 million, with USD 402 million in exports and USD 329 million in imports. The main sources of grapes were the United States (USD 134 million), Peru (USD 112 million) and Chile (USD 17.5 million), according to figures from the Governmentof Mexico. ●
