Introduction to Expo Lac del Bajío
The National Chamber of Dairy Industries (Canilec) has officially announced the sixth edition of Expo Lac del Bajío, a crucial event for Mexico’s dairy production chain. This significant gathering will take place on June 5 and 6, 2025, at the Poliforum León, Guanajuato.
In its 2024 edition, Expo Lac del Bajío generated an economic impact exceeding 3.5 million pesos. This year, the event is expected to attract around 2,000 attendees with over 90 brands and 116 booths. Notable participants include suppliers of agricultural machinery, analytical laboratories, automated milking systems, specialized packaging companies, and Guanajuato-based businesses with the “Marca Guanajuato” distinction.
New Features in 2025
A new addition to this edition is a business-meeting pavilion in collaboration with OXXO and Mercado San Juan. This initiative aims to establish distribution agreements with local producers, as well as restaurant, hotel, and supermarket chains.
In terms of training, the event will offer affordable technical workshops focusing on innovation and dairy quality. Since its first edition in 2020, Expo Lac del Bajío has attracted 8,500 visitors, facilitated business deals among over 300 national brands, and created 5,000 direct and indirect jobs linked to the dairy sector.
Guanajuato ranks second nationally in goat milk production value and fifth in pecuary production volume. Marisol Suárez Correa, Secretary of Agriculture, highlighted that the sector has provided technical assistance and training to more than 35 Guanajuato-based cattle groups, benefiting over 700 production units.
Current Scenario and Challenges
The Mexican dairy sector ranks 14th globally in bovine milk production, with an annual volume of 13.3 billion liters, according to data presented at Expo Lac 2025. Since 1990, the sector has consistently shown steady growth, averaging 2.4% annually. Although the increase was 1.7% in 2024, historically it has fluctuated between 2% and 3%. Ricardo Villavicencio, Canilec president, provided this context.
The Mexican dairy sector faces a significant challenge due to drought affecting northern states, impacting both the agricultural sector (providing necessary forage for livestock feed) and directly affecting the pecuary activity, threatening national milk production.
During the event, the sector’s active participation in the Water Forum was emphasized, a federal government initiative to coordinate efforts for ensuring both human consumption and productive activities’ water availability. Proposed measures included awareness campaigns on efficient water use, infrastructure development, and technology adoption for optimized irrigation systems.
“Public-private collaboration is crucial to overcome these challenges,” stressed sector representatives, stressing the need for coordinated and immediate actions to ensure sustainable dairy production and national food security.
Nationally, milk production accounts for 17% of the total pecuary production value, making it the third most important activity after beef and poultry. Production is concentrated in five states, contributing 60% to the national total. Jalisco leads as the primary producer, followed by Coahuila, Chihuahua, and Durango.
Mexico’s annual per capita milk consumption is approximately 130 liters. The country imports 30% of its internal demand, mainly powdered milk valued at 360 million dollars and cheeses. However, Mexican product exports have strengthened, shipping to over 50 countries, with the United States remaining the primary destination. The dairy sector generates around 100,000 direct jobs and one million indirect jobs, with a total market value estimated at 360,000 million pesos.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Expo Lac del Bajío? Expo Lac del Bajío is a significant event for Mexico’s dairy production chain, focusing on innovation, business opportunities, and technical training.
- When and where will the sixth edition take place? The sixth edition of Expo Lac del Bajío will be held on June 5 and 6, 2025, at the Poliforum León, Guanajuato.
- What are the new features in 2025? A business-meeting pavilion in collaboration with OXXO and Mercado San Juan has been introduced, aiming to establish distribution agreements with local producers and various chains.
- What challenges does the Mexican dairy sector face? The sector faces significant drought-related challenges in northern states, impacting both agricultural activities and pecuary production.
- What is the current scenario of milk production in Mexico? Milk production accounts for 17% of the total pecuary production value, with Jalisco being the leading producer. Mexico imports 30% of its internal demand, mainly powdered milk and cheeses, while exporting to over 50 countries.
