Frozen preserved vegetables market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

The Mexican market for frozen preserved vegetables showed notable shifts between 2018 and 2023. Consumption began at 252 thousand tons in 2018, fell to 212 thousand tons in 2019 and 176 thousand tons in 2020, then recovered strongly to 225 thousand tons in 2021 and reached 254 thousand tons by 2023.

The initial decline coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which disrupted supply chains but also boosted demand for frozen vegetables as a practical, long‑lasting food option. From 2021 onward, growth was driven by urbanization, busier lifestyles, and greater health awareness, which increased consumer preference for convenient frozen products. Regulatory changes, including the 2022 implementation of mandatory front‑of‑pack warning labels (NOM‑051‑SCFI/SSA1) and the NOM‑173‑SE‑2021 standard for beverages containing frozen vegetables, also reshaped product formulations and market access.

The market expansion in 2022‑2023 was further supported by the entry of new competitors, wider retail distribution, growing e‑commerce channels, and investments in cold‑chain infrastructure. Innovations in packaging and a focus on healthier frozen options helped meet evolving consumer demands during this period.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico held the fourth position globally in the production of frozen preserved vegetables.

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2018-2021

World map of production of frozen preserved vegetables, 2018-2021

Mexico's production of frozen preserved vegetables fell for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 22,131 tonnes, a sharp drop of 25.8% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 53.1%, which translates to an annualized decline of 22.3%.

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

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from Mexico

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2020, with a sevenfold difference between these years. In 2021, Mexico exported 6.1 thousand tonnes of frozen preserved vegetables, showing an intense year-over-year decline of 85.6%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2020 at 42.6 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase of 1.0% also occurring that year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States dominated the partner structure of exports in kind, consistently accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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, M $ US

Frozen preserved vegetables exports from Mexico declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 16.0 million US dollars, marking a sharp decrease of 82.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2019 and 2021, exports fell by 82.8%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 44.4%.

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

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, the United States concentrated almost all exports in value terms of frozen preserved vegetables from Mexico, with a share of 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports frozen preserved vegetables to Mexico

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Mexico imported a total of 209.2 thousand tonnes of frozen preserved vegetables, marking a robust increase of 11.0% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2020 at 188.4 thousand tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 220.3 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 14.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United States and Canada consistently accounted for 91.9% of total imports in kind, indicating a high degree of concentration alongside a long tail of smaller markets.

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

World map of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Mexico's imported frozen preserved vegetables volumes were recorded at 232.3 million US dollars, up by 18.2% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 12.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 196.5 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 233.0 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the United States and Canada remained the principal destinations for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 92.3% of total flows; other partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021