Alberta Beef Enters Mexico’s Costco Market
In a high-profile step for Canadian beef, Alberta prime cuts are now available in Costco stores across Mexico. The move marks a notable shift in North American meat trade dynamics, with Canada expanding its footprint in a market long dominated by U.S. beef. A ribbon-cutting ceremony in a Costco near the western edge of Mexico City showcased porterhouse, New York strip, and other Alberta offerings, signaling a new frontier for cross-border meat commerce.
Government and Industry Support Drive the Change
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald attended the event, expressing optimism about the long-term potential of the partnership. “Days like today open the doors for the future and we’ll just see this grow, without a doubt,” MacDonald told CBC News. The partnership, he noted, reflects a growing, tangible collaboration across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Under the agreement, JBS Canada supplies Canadian beef to Costco Mexico, with about 20,000 tonnes of meat processed in Brooks, Alberta, moving to 41 Costco locations nationwide. Salvador Hernandez, director for JBS Mexico, described the move as a “new frontier” for Canadian beef in a market traditionally dominated by U.S. products. Claudia Herrera-Blanc, senior director for Canada Beef for Mexico and Latin America, confirmed the milestone as a crucial step in strengthening supply chains across North America.
Canada’s Beef Exports to Mexico Grow
Fresh, boneless beef is Canada’s fourth-largest export to Mexico and is supported by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). The new Costco arrangement complements other Canadian goods already present in Mexico, including maple syrup, rolled oats, ice wine, and chicken nuggets. A Costco official at the launch site noted that roughly $60,000 USD (about $84,000 CAD) in Canadian products were sold weekly at that store, underscoring strong demand for Canadian brands in the Mexican market.
Broader Trade Talks and Future Opportunities
The announcement comes on the heels of additional negotiations and policy decisions aimed at smoothing cross-border trade. In a separate development, Mexico announced the lifting of an 18-month ban on imports of Canadian pet foods made with bovine meal, a decision seen as part of broader efforts to diversify imports and bolster domestic demand for high-quality Canadian products. “At any time, we will accept the protocol to facilitate the importation of pet food so Mexican families can feed their little animals with Canadian foods of very high quality,” said Mexican Secretary of Agriculture Julio Berdegué Sacristán.
Canada’s agricultural ministers and industry executives also discussed digital phytosanitary certificates as a potential accelerant for trade in organic products like wheat and canola. The move could reduce processing times and cut red tape, helping Canadian producers reach more markets quickly while maintaining strict health and safety standards.
What This Means for Producers and Consumers
For Canadian producers, Costco Mexico represents a notable gateway into a significant retail channel that can scale quickly. For Mexican consumers, the presence of Alberta beef alongside other Canadian goods offers more price and selection options, potentially elevating the profile of Canadian meat in a market where U.S. products have long been dominant. The broader narrative is one of diversification—of markets, supply chains, and consumer choice—made possible through cross-border collaboration and streamlined regulatory processes.
On the Ground in Mexico
Minister MacDonald’s recent trip to Mexico, including a stop in Guadalajara, reflects ongoing diplomatic and trade-building efforts to broaden Canada’s agri-food footprint. He emphasized that “people want to do business and they want to build relationships, they want to diversify,” framing Canada’s strategy as a long-term investment in resilient trade networks.
Conclusion
Alberta beef in Costco Mexico is more than a retail debut; it’s a signal of evolving North American agri-food trade. As protocols improve and markets expand, Canadian beef could gain a durable foothold in Mexico, complementing existing exports and contributing to a more integrated North American supply chain.
