Alberta beef from Canada has made its way to Costco stores in Mexico. Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald participated in a ribbon-cutting event at a Costco store near Mexico City, showcasing various cuts of Alberta beef. MacDonald expressed optimism about the future growth potential of this partnership between JBS Canada and Costco Mexico, which has already resulted in approximately 20,000 tonnes of Canadian beef being distributed to 41 Costco locations across Mexico.
Salvador Hernandez, the director for JBS Mexico, highlighted the significance of this deal in providing Canadian beef with a new opportunity in a market traditionally dominated by U.S. beef. The collaboration between the two companies marks a milestone in the North American beef supply chain.
The negotiations leading to this agreement took nearly a year, involving visits by Costco Mexico officials to the processing plant in Brooks, Alberta. Claudia Herrera-Blanc, senior director for Mexico and Latin America at Canada Beef, emphasized the importance of Costco’s reputation for quality in Mexico and the long-awaited opportunity this agreement represents.
Apart from Alberta beef, Costco Mexico also offers other Canadian products like maple syrup, rolled oats, ice wine, and chicken nuggets. The store where the beef announcement took place reported weekly sales of Canadian products worth approximately $60,000 US (or $84,000 CAD).
In a separate development, following a meeting between Minister MacDonald and Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development Julio Berdegué Sacristán, Mexico announced the lifting of a ban on importing Canadian pet foods made with bovine meal. This decision aims to allow Mexican families access to high-quality Canadian pet foods.
MacDonald also discussed the implementation of digital phytosanitary certificates with his Mexican counterpart to facilitate the trade of organic products such as wheat and canola. These certificates are crucial for ensuring compliance with importing country regulations regarding disease-free organic products.
The ongoing discussions and collaborations between Canada and Mexico reflect a shared interest in expanding trade relationships and diversifying business opportunities. Minister MacDonald’s visit to Mexico includes a series of meetings, including a trip to Guadalajara in Jalisco state, scheduled until Friday.
