Mexico’s 10 most successful fruit and vegetable exports.
Mexico’s climatic and geographic diversity provides an ideal environment for growing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. These conditions have helped Mexico develop a thriving agricultural industry and become a key player in the international fresh produce market.
From juicy berries to the incomparable taste and quality of its avocados and tomatoes, Mexican growers have built a reputation as reliable sources of high-quality fresh produce. (Fresh produce you can buy and sell in our Marketplace!)
The critical importance of the fruit and vegetable sector in Mexico
Mexico produces approximately 22.2 million metric tons of fruit annually, including 8.6 million tons of subtropical fruits, 8.6 million tons of citrus, 970 thousand tons of berries and 380 thousand tons of grapes.
The highest volume vegetables include tomatoes at 3.3 million metric tons, chili peppers at 3.1 million tons and onions at 1.4 million tons.
This abundant production is destined for domestic and international markets and creates tremendous economic value for the country. In 2022, Mexico reached a record agro-export figure of $50 billion.
Fruit exports accounted for 18% of this total, and vegetable exports generated another 18%, for a total collective value of $18 billion. The remaining $32 billion came from agro-industrial products, such as meat and beverages, including tequila.
Mexico’s most exported fruits and vegetables
Mexico is the world’s largest exporter of avocados and tomatoes, the two most in-demand fresh produce products in international markets.
In 2021, Mexico exported more than 1.4 million metric tons of avocados, valued at $3,546 million, and over 1.7 million metric tons of tomato, valued at $1,965 million.
According to figures from Mexico’s Agrifood Trade Balance, avocado exports in 2022 reached a value of $3,550 million, a slight increase of 0.1% over the previous year. On the other hand, tomato exports closed 2022 with a value of $2,433 million, showing a surprising increase of 23.8%.
Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries also rank in the top ten of most exported fruits and vegetables. Together, they generated an economic value of $3,561 million in 2021, surpassing the value of avocado exports.
Outside of the top ten, Mexico has had success with other fruit and vegetable exports including cucumbers ($469 million), asparagus ($353 million), grapes ($330 million), bananas ($277 million), onions ($272 million), lettuce ($261 million), zucchini ($204 million), watermelon ($168 million) and papaya ($104 million).
The biggest markets for Mexican produce
Mexican agro-exports reach approximately 130 countries, with the United States serving as the biggest buyer of Mexican fruits and vegetables. In 2021, it spent $2,976 million on avocados, representing 83.8% of the total annual value of the crop.
But it is not only avocados that have become a favorite in the United States. The US purchased $1,965 million of tomatoes, $1,175 of raspberries and $1,178 of strawberries in 2021.
Additionally, peppers ($1,108 million), limes ($632 million), blueberries ($563 million), blackberries ($511 million), broccoli ($523 million), and mangoes ($406 million) also enjoyed significant sales.
Other major buyers of Mexican produce include Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Australia.
As the agro-export industry continues to grow, it is essential to recognize the importance of these international markets and their role in the success of Mexican exports. Diversification is critical to maintaining a steady flow of fresh produce exports and further strengthening Mexico’s position as a major player in the global agricultural trade.
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