The Significance of the Grito de Independencia for Mexico’s Restaurant Industry
On September 15, the Grito de Independencia not only holds national symbolic importance but also marks the beginning of the high season for Mexico’s restaurant industry. This event triggers a surge in consumption, generating an economic spillover that exceeded 23 billion pesos in 2023, a 12.2% increase from 2022, according to Concanaco Servytur.
Regional Impact
- In the Mexico City area, an estimated 8,420 million pesos were generated during the Patriots’ Day weekend in 2024, with 100,000 businesses benefiting from full hotel occupancy.
- The State of Mexico saw a 40% increase in sales during September, while Querétaro anticipates a 70% rise, with a spillover of nearly 70 million pesos over the Patriots’ Day weekend.
Industry Growth and Trends
The restaurant industry continues to expand, with a projected 4% growth in 2024. This includes the opening of 80,000 new establishments and a value close to 300 billion pesos. For 2025, the growth is expected to be between 3.5% and 4%, driven by gastronomic tourism and technology adoption.
- In 2024, 45% of restaurants reported increased sales, compared to the 32% that experienced a decline. This represents an improvement from 2023, when one-quarter of businesses still showed declines.
Economic Impact of Traditional Dishes
The chiles en nogada trend exemplifies the economic significance of this season. In Puebla, over 4.5 million pieces are expected to be sold in 2025, potentially generating a 2 billion pesos spillover involving 28,000 producers, 600 restaurants, and 600 traditional cooks.
Septembers’ Transition to a Productive Month
For the restaurant sector, September is no longer just a celebration month; it’s the prelude to their most productive cycle of the year. The festive atmosphere and household spending drive sales figures until the end of December.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Grito de Independencia? The Grito de Independencia, or Cry of Independence, is a Mexican national holiday commemorating the start of the Mexican War of Independence on September 16, 1810.
- Why is the Grito de Independencia important for Mexico’s restaurant industry? The Grito de Independencia marks the beginning of a high season for Mexico’s restaurant industry, leading to significant sales increases and economic spillover.
- What is the growth trend in Mexico’s restaurant industry? The industry is experiencing steady growth, with a projected 4% expansion in 2024 and continued growth of 3.5-4% in 2025, driven by gastronomic tourism and technology adoption.
