Mexico produces more peaches but remains reliant on cherry imports

Mexico’s peach industry has responded to growing consumer demand in the country by establishing better agricultural practices and introducing improved varieties.

According to a report by the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, this year’s crop is forecast at 266,400 tonnes, around 3 per cent more than in 2023.

While imports have shown little growth, consumption of domestically grown peaches has shown growth on the back of increased local supply and favourable weather conditions.

“Mexico’s peach consumption is covered primarily by domestic production and supplemented by minimal imports mainly from the US and Chile,” says report author Manuel Mandujano. “US peach exports to Mexico are primarily from May to October.”

The report also notes an expected 6 per cent increase in Mexico’s fresh cherry production, to 139 tonnes, but suggests imports will continue to play a major role in the market.

Production ins Puebla and Chihuahua, the country’s only cherry producing states, has been steady since 2015.

“The US provides over 90 per cent of Mexico’s cherry imports, followed by Chile as a distant second place exporter, and exports are growing steadily,” Mandujano added.