By American Peanut Council

The American Peanut Council Aug. 30 concluded a trade mission in Mexico City where it led a group of peanut industry leaders and U.S. suppliers to meet with Mexican customers and stakeholders. More than 80 people from the U.S. and Mexico took part in the two-day summit.

Mexico is the top export market for U.S. peanuts. Nearly 150,000 metric tons, valued at $212 million, was exported to Mexico in 2022. By volume, total U.S. exports of peanuts to Mexico have increased by 36% since 2018. 

“Mexico is an extremely important market for U.S. peanuts,” said APC President and CEO Richard Owen. “The U.S. represents 88 percent of the country’s peanut import share. It’s important that we continue to reinforce those valuable trading partnerships and meet with new potential customers as we continue to expand opportunities for peanut products.” 

During the trade mission, attendees heard from all sectors of the peanut industry on topics of peanut research, food safety and traceability, sustainability, nutrition, market insights and a 2023 crop update. Speakers included:

John Slette, director of USDA’s Agricultural Trade Office in Mexico City, and other USDA trade staff also took part in the summit.

Peanuts are a favorite among Mexican consumers and remain their top snack of choice, ahead of chips, fruits, vegetables and popcorn. Mexico’s estimated retail sales of peanuts reached $408 million in 2022, larger than the UK, Germany, Canada and France. Further, Mexican peanut butter sales shot up to a record-high $28 million in 2022, a 5% increase over the previous year. 

“The U.S. has a great product to export and, as market research demonstrates, Mexico is hungry for more peanuts as peanut butter and other peanut products are on the rise,” continued Owen. “This Mexican trade mission was a huge success in showing we can deliver a safe, nutritious, delicious and sustainably grown product.”