Turkey meat (turkey) imports to Mexico from Brazil amounted to 16,056 tons in 2023, a year-on-year drop of 3.7 percent.
Mexico was the main destination for these foreign sales, according to information from Brazil’s Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade and Services.
Mexican turkey meat market
Turkey meat consumption in Mexico is low compared to consumption of chicken meat, which is cheaper.
In 2023, Mexican production of turkey on the hoof was 25,202 tons, with an average price of 43.50 pesos per kilo.
Each of the turkeys produced in Mexico weighed an average of 7.76 kilos and the combined value of production was 1,097 million pesos, according to data from the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (Sader).
Turkey meat imports
Turkey meat is a source of protein, rich in fatty acids, low in calories and cholesterol, high in iron, zinc and selenium, and provides vitamins B6 and B12.
Of all turkey meat production in Mexico, 55% is produced in backyard or small-scale conditions.
Listed below are the main destinations for external sales of turkey meat from Brazil in 2023, measured in tons:
- Mexico: 16,056.
- South Africa: 12,966.
- European Union: 10,833.
- Chile: 4,490.
- Peru: 4,432.
- Benin: 2,181.
- Congo: 2,115.
- Gabon: 1,908.
- Equatorial Guinea: 1,716.
- Dominican Republic: 1,586.
History and tradition
The Aztecs domesticated the guajolote and this bird was taken by the Spanish to Europe.
In Mexico, guajolote is consumed during certain celebrations such as Christmas, patron saint festivities or weddings.
It is also consumed in processed meats such as sausages, sausages and hams.
Brazilian exports of turkey meat to the world grew 17.8% year-on-year in 2023, to 69,833 tons.
In the last 10 years, Brazilian production of this meat had its highest level in 2017, at 390,480 tons, and its lowest level in 2023.