Alberta Beef Finds a New Home in Costco Mexico
A milestone in North American meat trade has Alberta beef stepping onto a new stage: Costco stores across Mexico are now stocking Canadian cuts. The move follows a year-long effort by JBS Canada to partner with Costco Mexico, expanding access to premium Alberta beef such as porterhouse and New York prime cuts in an upscale area just outside Mexico City. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and the cooler full of beef signals more than a product launch; it marks a strategic shift in how Canadian beef competes in a market long dominated by U.S. imports.
What This Means for Canadian Beef Exports
Fresh, boneless beef is Canada’s fourth-largest export to Mexico, and the Costco deal could bolster that position under the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). With about 20,000 tonnes already moving through Brooks, Alberta, to 41 Costco locations across Mexico, the partnership exposes Canadian beef to a broader consumer base while demonstrating the reliability of cross-border supply chains. Industry observers say the deal represents a “new frontier” for Canadian producers and for the North American beef supply chain as a whole.
Industry Support and Local Reception
Officials present at the ceremony stressed the importance of trusted markets and consistent quality. Salvador Hernandez, director for JBS Mexico, described the Costco arrangement as a pivotal development that extends Canadian beef’s reach in a country that places high value on product standards. Claudia Herrera-Blanc, senior director for Mexico and Latin America for Canada Beef, noted that Costco’s reputation for quality helped open doors that had been difficult to unlock for Canadian suppliers. The store’s official confirmed that Canadian products already perform well there, with weekly sales reaching roughly $60,000 US in that location alone.
Broader Trade and Regulatory Context
Beyond the Costco news, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald highlighted ongoing discussions with Mexican authorities on reducing trade frictions. One outcome under consideration is the introduction of digital phytosanitary certificates to speed the movement of organic products like wheat and canola, potentially cutting red tape and expediting shipments. In parallel, Mexico’s government announced a lift on its roughly 18-month ban on Canadian pet foods made with bovine meal, a move that could broaden Canada’s footprint in a country that imports hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of pet nutrition annually. While pet food represents a smaller share of overall trade than beef, the regulatory signal matters for Canada’s broader agri-food strategy.
Implications for Consumers and Producers
For Mexican consumers, the presence of Alberta beef at Costco translates into greater access to high-quality Canadian cuts and a broader price competition against U.S. imports. For Canadian producers, the deal underscores the need for resilient logistics and continued alignment with international standards. The expanded trade relationship sits within a framework where digital certificates, streamlined inspections, and predictable supply chains can accelerate cross-border commerce, benefiting both farmers and retailers.
Looking Ahead
Minister MacDonald’s trip, including a stop in Guadalajara, hints at a busy period of diplomacy and trade talks aimed at diversifying Canada’s export destinations. As markets like Mexico grow more open to Canadian beef and other agri-food products, the strategic emphasis remains on maintaining product quality, navigating regulatory requirements, and leveraging partnerships that can sustain long-term growth in North America’s integrated supply chain.
