Background on the Jalisco Food Industry and its Leaders
Jalisco’s food industry is facing a significant downturn, with certain subsectors experiencing sales declines ranging from 30% to 40%. Fernando Acosta, the president of the Cámara de la Industria Alimenticia de Jalisco (CIAJ), has highlighted these challenges. The CIAJ represents a crucial sector in Jalisco, contributing substantially to the region’s economy and employment.
Who is Fernando Acosta?
Fernando Acosta is the president of CIAJ, an organization that brings together key players in Jalisco’s food industry. With over 45 years of experience, Acosta has been instrumental in shaping the region’s food manufacturing landscape. Under his leadership, CIAJ has promoted collaboration and innovation within the sector.
Reasons for Sales Decline
- School Restrictions: The prohibition of high-calorie foods in schools has directly impacted sales for subsectors like panificación (bakery), golosinas (confectionery), and bebidas azucaradas (sugary drinks).
- Increased IEPS Tax: The rise in the Impuesto Especial Sobre Producción y Servicios (IEPS) for soft drinks, as well as the potential extension of this tax to “light” and “zero” beverages, has further strained the food industry.
- Potential Tariffs under T-MEC: The renegotiation of the Tratado de Libre Comercio entre México, Estados Unidos y Canadá (T-MEC) has raised concerns about possible tariffs on certain inputs, adding uncertainty to the sector’s future.
Impact of Imported Products and Tariffs
Acosta emphasized that the food industry in Jalisco is struggling with competition from imported products entering the market without tariffs, particularly affecting confitería (confectionery) and processed foods like salsas or fruit purees. He also urged against taxing deficit grains, as it would increase production costs.
Recognition and Achievements in Jalisco’s Food Industry
In celebration of CIAJ’s 83rd anniversary, the organization will bestow the Alimentario 2025 Award on November 27 to distinguished companies and entrepreneurs in various food industry specializations.
Premio a la Trascendencia Industrial CIAJ 2025 Recipient
This year, Ignacio Pérez Morett, General Director of Grupo Oleomex, will receive the Premio a la Trascendencia Industrial CIAJ 2025. Grupo Oleomex comprises ten food industry companies, including Oleofinos, a leading provider of oils and fats in Mexico.
- Oleofinos: A major supplier of oils and fats in Mexico, Oleofinos is part of Grupo Oleomex and contributes significantly to the country’s food manufacturing sector.
- Productos de Trigo (Galletas Maribel): Another company under Grupo Oleomex, this entity focuses on baked goods, specifically cookies.
- Tecnoglobal: A leader in personal care products, Tecnoglobal produces gels and hair treatment solutions.
- Agave-Tequila Chain: Grupo Oleomex participates in tequila, agave syrup, and agave inulin production.
- Primary Sector: The company is involved in palm oil production and has recently ventured into floriculture.
With over 45 years in the Mexican market, Grupo Oleomex employs more than 6,500 people across the country. The company has a strong presence in Jalisco and several southeastern Mexican states, where it operates plants, refineries, and extraction facilities.
