Market Overview
The Mexican Restaurant Industry grew by 2.5 percent in 2008. Despite the economic slowdown, the industry experienced decent growth and represents 2.2 percent of the national GDP and 24 percent of the tourism GDP, according to estimates provided by the National Chamber of the Restaurant Industry (CANIRAC). The restaurant industry in Mexico consists of approximately 35,000 restaurants in Mexico City and 250,000 nationwide, of which 96% are micro and small enterprises; and the remaining four percent consist of large restaurants. The industry generates more than 850,000 jobs throughout Mexico.
The Mexican restaurant industry is constantly evolving and therefore there is a constant demand for new technology. The industry reported annual sales of roughly USD $16 billion, although this figure probably understates actual sales. The lack of technology (especially in cold chain equipment) in Mexico and the increasing sophistication of the Mexican consumer generate business opportunities for U.S. restaurant equipment exporters. Competition for this market does exist from Chinese, Italian, and Spanish manufacturers.
In 2008, the total market for this sector surpassed USD $1.7 billion. Imports from the United States during 2008 decreased 0.8% compared to 2007.
In Mexico, a limited number of ovens and refrigerators are manufactured. However, most specialized manufacturing equipment is imported from the United States and other countries. Local production mainly consists of meat grinders, slicers, refrigerators, freezers, coffee makers, ovens, kitchen furniture and utensils, and generally lack the quality and technological level of U.S.-made equipment. These Mexican manufacturers are mainly small to medium-sized companies that employ less than 50 people. More complex, large scale, and specific machinery is not produced locally, therefore providing a market for U.S. exporters.
The industry is spread across the northeastern to the central part of the country; almost 45 percent of the industry is concentrated in Monterrey, Guadalajara and Mexico City.
The economic outlook for 2009 is conservative with less growth than experienced in the last few years. It is expected that the hotel and restaurant industry will reduce its growth path during the first months of 2009, but will recover its dynamism during the last quarters (III and IV).
Market Research
Restaurant Industry
The restaurant industry grew two percent in 2007, despite temporary closures of some businesses due to natural disasters. This sector consists of approximately 35,000 restaurants in Mexico City and 243,000 nationwide. Furthermore, it generates approximately 2.2 percent of the nation’s overall Gross Domestic Product and more than 850,000 jobs. In 2006, the total market for this sector surpassed USD 1.7 billion dollars. In addition, the US has maintained 48 percentage of the total import market share into Mexico.
Hotel Industry
Mexico ranks as the world eighth top tourism destination. Last year, USD10 billion were generated by the tourism sector, which had around 20 million foreign visitors. Market latest estimation shows that a total of 13,060 hotels were registered in 2004. Approximately 85 percent are small and medium-sized hotels. The industry is spread out from the northeast to the central part of the country and almost 45 percent of it is concentrated in Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara and beach tourism destinations such as Cancun and the Gulf coast.
Best Products/Services
- Food warmers
- Food – temperature measurers
- Stainless steel utensils Catering equipment
- Tabletop centerpieces Smoke extraction and air purifiers systems
- Cooking fume extraction and air purifiers systems
- Energy saving devices (lamps, chimneys, etc)
Market Opportunities
Under NAFTA, most equipment for hotels and restaurants manufactured in the United States can be imported duty-free into Mexico. U.S. companies offering products for the hotel and restaurant equipment sector should develop efforts to introduce new products into the Mexican market. Interested companies should be aware that certain segments of the market are price sensitive.
Resources
National Chamber of Restaurants
National Bank of Foreign Trade (Bancomext)
Testimonials
Hatco Corporation Testimonial
“Mike Whiteley and I wish to thank you the U.S. Commercial Service for all your support and assistance in making our very first Dealer School in Mexico City an overwhelming success! Based upon the success of this first international school, we are looking forward to adapting this successful platform to many other international markets in the future.”
Upcoming Buyer Delegations to the United States
NRA Show 2009: May 16 - 19, 2009 - McCormick Place, Chicago
The U.S. Commercial Service recruits one of the largest Buyer’s Delegations to the NRA with approximately 180 buyers from Mexico. Please contact us, if you want to know ahead of time the products of interest from these buyers and set up business appointments with them.
Further Information, Comments or Questions
If you wish to write us regarding these reports, please contact Mónica Martínez, Trade Specialist on Restaurant and Hotel Industry in Mexico Sector of the US Commercial Service Mexico City Office.