Introduction to the Caribbean’s Tourism Boom
The Caribbean is experiencing one of its most dynamic periods in recent history. Following the recovery of international tourism post-pandemic, the region has not only returned to its previous hotel occupancy levels but surpassed them in several destinations. Countries like the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Curacao have strengthened their international promotion through active participation in specialized tourism trade fairs and forums.
The Caribbean’s Diverse Tourism Offerings
For international tourism, the Caribbean islands have become a true space for experiences, offering a combination of all-inclusive hotels, luxury resorts, cruises, theme parks, convention centers, and an increasingly sophisticated, multicultural, and demanding culinary proposal. This growth presents a key operational challenge for hotels and tourism operators: ensuring consistent supply throughout the year with traceability, quality, taste, and service.
Mexico’s Strategic Advantage
In this context, Mexico naturally positions itself as a strategic supplier. On average, Mexican products take only five days to reach the main Caribbean ports, compared to over 22 days required by many current suppliers, except for the United States, which also has direct and fast routes.
Beyond food and beverages, Mexico can supply a wide range of products demanded by the Caribbean tourism industry, such as textiles, furniture, office equipment, air conditioning machinery, and specialized equipment, significantly expanding the business potential.
Challenges and Opportunities
However, there are structural challenges to address. The lack of a trade agreement between Mexico and the Caribbean region means Mexican products enter with an average tariff close to 20%. Despite this, many buyers still choose Mexican suppliers due to the scarcity of reliable alternatives in the region.
According to Trade Map figures from the International Trade Centre, the potential remains largely untapped. Mexican exports to Caribbean countries amount to only $650,215, placing Mexico as the tenth trading partner of the region, a position that does not reflect its geographical proximity, production capabilities, or export orientation.
Mexico’s Historic Opportunity
Mexico finds itself at a historic opportunity. Its geographical proximity, cultural affinity, gastronomic prestige, and industrial capacity place it in a privileged position to become a strategic supplier in key sectors like food, beverages, hotelery insumen, gastronomic experiences, and entertainment solutions for the Caribbean.
At COMCE, we actively work with Mexican suppliers to bring national cuisine to Caribbean hotels and tourism operators. Products like salsas, marinades, adobos, beans, tortillas, nachos, and tamales generate high interest as they are crucial for presenting authentic and standardized dishes highly valued by international consumers.
Beyond tariffs, it’s essential to establish specific sanitary protocols in each island, especially for meat-containing prepared foods, which are currently in high demand but face restrictions.
For instance, at COMCE, we work on opening protocols in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica to advance direct exports of fruits, vegetables, and meat-containing prepared foods from certified TIF plants.
Mexico’s Market Diversification Plan
Looking ahead to 2026, our work plan includes a structured market diversification project towards the Caribbean, focusing on:
- Supplying hotels, resorts, and all-inclusive chains;
- Meeting the growing demand for international cruises;
- Providing both products and solutions to restaurants and foodservice operators.
The goal is clear: open the Caribbean as a natural market for Mexico’s agri-food sector, with viable export models, sanitary compliance, logistical efficiency, and value propositions aligned with the market’s real needs.
The Caribbean is no longer a niche market; it’s a strategic market with significant opportunities for Mexican companies to explore more closely ongoing initiatives, identify development projects, and accompany a phase of increased Mexican presence in the region. The institutional support and experience of COMCE can be an ideal complement to achieve this goal.
Mexico has the talent, products, and experience to succeed.
