Water-Intensive Agriculture and Industry in Mexico
Mexico consumes an annual 475,000 million cubic meters of water, with 90% allocated to agriculture and industry, according to the National Water Commission (CONAGUA). With projected water demand set to rise by 56% by 2030, the country faces a critical juncture where innovative water usage becomes as crucial as food production to ensure economic and food security.
Cleaner Processes and Less Water Consumption
Currently, water consumption in vegetable and fruit cleaning processes for supermarket sales can be reduced by up to 53% through the adoption of dual-purpose products (cleaning and disinfecting without rinsing) and ready-to-use solutions that eliminate microorganisms on fruits and vegetables without additional intervention.
Expert Insights from Ecolab Mexico
In an interview with Bistronomie from El Economista, Talía Gálvez, leader of the Food Retail Services division at Ecolab Mexico, explained that these products not only prevent diseases but also extend the shelf life of fresh foods, directly combating waste and saving water.
Gálvez emphasized the direct link between water efficiency and food security: “Without clean and safe processes from the point of sale, there are no guarantees for the end consumer. Today, more than ever, it is crucial to avoid cross-contamination, monitor water quality, and ensure good practices.”
From Farm to Supermarket
In Mexico, 77% of freshwater is used for agricultural irrigation, and 86% of an average citizen’s water footprint comes from food and beverages. However, what happens in supermarkets is equally important.
Gálvez mentioned that these technologies are already being implemented in commercial establishments across the country, from self-service stores to regional chains. “We are working directly with retail points to improve their operations, reduce their water footprint, and ensure that foods arrive in optimal conditions at Mexican homes,” she explained.
Currently, most companies dedicated to water consumption efficiency and cleaning do not collaborate directly with the government but work with businesses integrated into Mexico’s food chain. “These solutions help preserve food safety from farm to table. When a family shops at a supermarket, they trust that proper sanitation will prevent illness. This trust is built from behind, in every process,” Gálvez affirmed.
Promoting hygiene and reducing water consumption in the food industry also involves changing habits. Educational campaigns around proper handwashing, safe water use, and separating raw and cooked foods are reinforced on key dates such as World Handwashing Day (May 5) and the upcoming World Food Safety Day (June 7).
Gálvez anticipates that one of the global objectives for 2030 is to save 300 billion gallons of water, contributing to the safe nourishment of over 2 billion people. Although there’s no precise figure for impact per country, it is estimated that Mexico’s reach will be progressive as more companies integrate these solutions into their operations.
As Mexico debates achieving food self-sufficiency, efforts towards a cleaner, more efficient, and secure food chain have already begun. From farms to supermarket refrigerators, every drop counts.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current water consumption in Mexico? Mexico consumes an annual 475,000 million cubic meters of water, with 90% allocated to agriculture and industry.
- Why is water efficiency crucial in Mexico? Water efficiency is not only an environmental challenge but also an economic imperative and a necessity for ensuring food security, given the projected 56% increase in water demand by 2030.
- How can water consumption in food processing be reduced? By adopting dual-purpose cleaning and disinfecting products and ready-to-use solutions that eliminate microorganisms without additional intervention.
- What role do cleaner processes play in food security? Cleaner processes ensure food safety from farm to table, building consumer trust and preventing contamination.
- What are the key dates for promoting food safety habits? World Handwashing Day (May 5) and World Food Safety Day (June 7) are crucial dates for reinforcing educational campaigns around proper hygiene practices.
- What are the global objectives for water conservation by 2030? One of the global objectives is to save 300 billion gallons of water by 2030, contributing to the safe nourishment of over 2 billion people.
