Alberta beef is now being sold at a local Costco in Mexico. Heath MacDonald, the Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a Costco store in an upscale suburb near Mexico City, showcasing various cuts of Alberta beef. MacDonald expressed optimism about the partnership between JBS Canada and Costco Mexico, which has led to the shipment of approximately 20,000 tonnes of beef from Brooks, Alberta to 41 Costco locations in Mexico.
Salvador Hernandez, the director of JBS Mexico, highlighted the significance of this agreement, stating that it has opened up new opportunities for Canadian beef in a market traditionally dominated by U.S. products. The deal was the result of a year-long effort, involving Costco Mexico officials visiting the processing plant in Brooks, according to Claudia Herrera-Blanc, a senior director at Canada Beef.
Canadian beef joins other products on Costco Mexico’s shelves, such as maple syrup, rolled oats, ice wine, and chicken nuggets. The store reportedly sells around $60,000 US (or $84,000 CAD) worth of Canadian goods weekly. Additionally, following discussions between MacDonald and Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture, Julio Berdegué Sacristán, Mexico announced the lifting of an 18-month ban on the importation of Canadian pet foods containing bovine meal.
Mexico, which heavily relies on pet food imports due to domestic production limitations, imported about $402.7 million worth of pet food in 2024, with Canada holding a 0.5% market share. Discussions between MacDonald and his Mexican counterpart also touched on streamlining trade processes, including the introduction of digital phytosanitary certificates for organic products like wheat and canola to facilitate smoother trade transactions.
MacDonald’s visit to Mexico includes engagements in Guadalajara, Jalisco, to further strengthen trade relationships and explore new opportunities.
