Concentrated not sweetened milk and cream market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

The Mexican market for concentrated not sweetened milk and cream remained stable between 2018 and 2020, with volumes hovering around 129 000 to 134 000 t. This stability occurred despite rising production, as exports grew from 2.7 thousand t in 2018 to 13.2 thousand t in 2020. Regulatory measures played a foundational role: the implementation of NOM-155-SCFI-2012 in 2018 set quality and labeling standards for all milk types, including concentrated products, while government programs aimed at stimulating national bovine milk production supported the supply base.

From 2021 onward, the market volume expanded steadily, reaching 145 500 t in 2023. The growth was primarily driven by shifting consumer demand toward dairy derivatives like cream and healthier options. In 2021, manufacturers reported increased demand for cream, cheeses, and butter, alongside a focus on sustainable packaging and low-sugar varieties. The trend continued in 2022, with rising preference for lactose-free and low-fat products, fueled by high lactose intolerance prevalence in Mexico and updated labeling rules under NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010.

Further support came from the development of functional dairy products with added vitamins, prebiotics, and probiotics in 2023, which enhanced product appeal. Simultaneously, regulatory updates such as NOM-243-SSA1-2010 for sanitary specifications and NOM-222-SCFI/SAGARPA-2018 for powdered milk and cream ensured market clarity. Although exports fluctuated, the domestic consumption push, coupled with consistent regulatory framework, underpinned the market's expansion.

Production concentrated not sweetened milk and cream in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico ranked 8th globally in the production of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream.

Top producers of concentrated not sweetened milk and cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of concentrated not sweetened milk and cream, 2018-2021

Mexico's production of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream grew for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 149.8 thousand tonnes, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production rose by 10%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The value of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream production in Mexico increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 243.4 million US dollars, a significant 11.4% rise compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production value grew by 6.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 214.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 5.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports concentrated not sweetened milk and cream from Mexico

Exports in kind, t

Exports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream from Mexico rose for the third consecutive year. In 2021, shipments totaled 15 577 tonnes, up 17.9% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports surged by 485.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 80.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States consistently represented 87.3% of Mexico's total exports in volume, highlighting a strong reliance on this market, with the remaining share distributed among other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream exports from Mexico increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, Mexico exported 25 306 thousand US dollars worth of these products, a 24.7% jump compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 468.3%, with a CAGR of 78.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, the United States was the top buyer of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream from Mexico, accounting for 88.4% of total export value, while the rest was spread across numerous other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021

Imports concentrated not sweetened milk and cream to Mexico

Based on desk research, Mexico did not import any concentrated unsweetened milk and cream from 2018 to 2021.