Mondelēz Snacking Mexicodedicated to the production of snacks and part of Mondelēz International, focuses on increasing its exports, targeting mainly the United States market where they see the opportunity to capture the consumption of 60 million Hispanics residing in that country, beyond the current political uncertainty.
“The plant (Toluca, State of Mexico) exports more or less 25% (of its production) to the United States and Latin American countries. Today, where our focus is is on the United States and Central America because they are countries with a history. where the Payaso Palette and other products in our portfolio have had a penetration among consumers,” said Santiago Aguilera.
The vice president of Public Affairs, Government and Communication Mondelez International for Mexico and Latin America stressed that his focus is on the countries where they are registering growth, such is the case of the United States where a year and a half ago, after the purchase of Ricolinoopened a business unit that distributes their products manufactured in Mexico, such as Paleta Payaso and other brands in their confectionery portfolio.
He highlighted that, despite the virtual victory of Donald Trump in the United States presidential elections, and his statements about the possibility of imposing tariffs of between 25% and 100% on imports from Mexico, the commercial relationship between both countries has has been very solid and continues to offer great opportunities for growth, even in the face of these challenges.
“With the situation today, and the statements that can be made, whatever there may be on the horizon in terms of challenging scenarios, we turn it into an opportunity. We firmly believe that we have to continue growing, that there are ways to continue growing in exports and that this commercial relationship will always give us a great opportunity for growth,” he considered.
He recalled that last year, Mexico became the number one trading partner of the United States.
This has allowed them to maintain a solid presence in the US market and even start new businesses, such as Ricolino US, which is why they continue to see exports as an opportunity to continue their expansion in the United States.
They will continue to bet their investments on Mexico
Santiago Aguilera highlighted that for Mondelez International, Mexico is one of the engines of business growth worldwide and a country where they continue to place their investments, regardless of the political and economic moment that the country is going through. Proof of this is the 75 million dollars invested in 2023.
“It is a country where we are focused on growing because there are many opportunities for growth and our brands have great potential that has been demonstrated for many years,” he said at a conference on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Palette Payaso.
In fact, he added, last year’s investments are focused on increasing the production capacities of its plants in the country to meet regional consumption and demand expectations. As an example is the Toluca factory where they produce 3.2 million Payaso Palettes every week and seek to strengthen their operations.
Regarding the economic outlook in Mexico, Aguilera commented that they see it from a long-term perspective, “beyond the current moment” and “regardless of the government or political color.” He assured that they comply with the law and regulations, adapting to new scenarios and the needs of Mexican society and the situation in general.
“Under any context that exists in the United States, in Mexico, inflationary, elections, we trust in Mexico, we trust in its potential and we trust that Mexican consumers will continue choosing us as their favorite snack,” concluded Santiago Aguilera.
