As part of the WUSATA program for Mexico in 2024, an inbound trade mission focused on agricultural products was coordinated, which was led by Imalinx-Mexico, acting as the representative in the country. The mission took place from July 7 to 12, 2024.
The main objective of this trade mission was to educate suppliers from the western United States about the Mexican market. Attendees had the opportunity to meet key contacts within the Mexican import industry and establish one-on-one relationships. Trade visits included tours of the facilities and fields of American companies. The final delegation consisted of five Mexican importers from different regions of Mexico. They met with ten suppliers and visited seven packing plants.
Key Points:
California Raisins was part of the second edition of the cooking class for children 6 and 8 years old, where they learned how to prepare two recipes where the star ingredient was the California Raisins.
The event took place in the city of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon in the outstanding workshop of our beloved Chef Irving Quiroz “Amasijo”, where we had the company of 6 children who participated in the class where they made oatmeal cookies, butter and raisins and raisin pancakes.
During the class, the children showed their love for raisins and their emotion for making the recipes using California raisins.
At the end of the class, the children received recognition for their participation and kits as a thank you for attending.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that this activity was followed on social networks where we obtained a total reach of 107,044 people and a total of 139,792 impressions.
As part of IPC’s retail support efforts, we held l Potato Lover’s Month from April 8, 2024, to May 17, 2024, with the goal of increasing the supply and sales of Idaho potatoes in participating stores.
POS materials were sent out and used for displays. Store staff were assisted with setting up and maintaining the displays. The stores with the highest increase in sales were the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. The displays were posted on the Idaho Potato Facebook Page and were put to a vote based on the number of likes to determine a winner.
The Potato Lovers Month at HEB in 2024 was a success with unit sales increasing over 50%, thanks to the participation and enthusiasm of the managers and associates at each store.
Sunmaid Growers of California listed 12 SKUs in the Mexican Market delivering the first purchase order for 800 cases with an estimated export value of 28,000 USD in March 2024 and available to Mexican consumer on April 1st, 2024. Raisin Administrative Committee provided industry-wide consultations during 2023 providing market information, importers contacts and facilitating communication for the first contact.
The listing process into the country took over one year and RAC was able to provide industry information to Mexican Retailer “La Comer” with 15% national market share with 13 high-end retail stores named “City Market”, where the product will be immediately made available, to eventually distribute in the rest of 72 stores with potential sales of 200,000 USD for full distribution in this retail chain, with the potential to increase volume once other retailers list the product portfolio in 2024.
Product listing will be complemented by a generic Retail Marketing campaign managed by RAC and it is expected that this will be the first step to develop raisin individual packs as a snack category in Mexico that has been a part of the U.S. Culture for many years, opening the way for more uses of California Raisins in that country.
Expo ANTAD, that took place from March 12 to 14, is a trade show focused on the retail sector with more than 1,100 exhibiting companies and an estimated 10,000 professional visitors.
This year IMALINX coordinated a total of 17 booths for 6 of our clients, organizing logistics, business meetings and follow-ups with importers, distributors and supermarkets of various categories of food and beverages; from fresh produce such as Idaho Potatoes, grains and nuts such as Popcorn and California Raisins, dairy products with California Milk and various companies from the South and West of the United States.
The show was a success and has allowed us to see products in the supermarket in a short period of time after the show.
From January to March, American Pistachio Growers activated a campaign with Cocina Vital called Academia de Pistache where information was shared about the history of pistachios, the health benefits they provide, downloadable recipes, and articles.
The academy consisted of 3 different modules where users could register and get certified. The campaign was amplified on Cocina Vital’s different digital channels such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and Website.
In total, 3,418,308 impressions and 42,683 clicks were obtained. User interaction confirms the interest that exists in pistachios and multiple options to integrate them into recipes
Video recap: https://vimeo.com/988643086/0499d6d1d8?share=copy
On February 26, Pistachio Day is celebrated worldwide. This year, American Pistachio Growers did different activities to celebrate and let the world know why pistachios are everyone’s favorite snack.
Campaigns were carried out with different media in order to spread the message through digital platforms, including reels, recipes, posts, and detailed editorial notes. One of the favorites was the pistachio butter that Gastronauta DF made with a spectacular production, where in addition to having the pistachio as the protagonist, it included green elements to combine it with the product.
In total, 36 articles were published about Pistachio Day, impacting 685,000 people. Media such as Cosmopolitan, Selecciones and Kena highlighted the benefits of American pistachios, as well as their versatility in food.
Zoofari is a zoo located in central Mexico that receives around 75,000 visitors annually. A popcorn machine was lent to Zoofari Park for a 4-week trial period to promote the profitability of having a popcorn machine and offering American popcorn to its visitors.
Additionally, promotional materials from Popcorn USA, including water bottles, bags, and cardholders, were sent to be distributed among their visitors to increase sales. At the end of the promotional campaign, Zoofari expressed great interest in acquiring a popcorn machine. Imalinx provided information, and Zoofari agreed to purchase the machine at the end of January.
We start the year with new desserts!
At the beginning of 2024 we launched 14 different First Street ice cream flavors at Chedraui nationwide in Mexico. From the classic vanilla and chocolate flavors, to new combinations such as our rainbow sorbet with orange, pineapple and raspberry ice cream.
We also launched the creamy French Petit Pot dessert at Costco Mexico, also nationwide. This dessert is a must, with simple ingredients, organic and super creamy, made with 72% cocoa. Its size is ideal to enjoy any day of the week, alone or with whipped cream, nuts and raspberries.
The launch of Petit Pot was accompanied by 4 demo days, as well as a publication on Real California Milk Mexico’s social networks announcing the new product, achieving a 53% increase in sales.
Throughout the year, campaigns were carried out with different influencers with the objective of sharing relevant information about California Raisins, from its use, benefits, applications, recommendations, etc. In addition, the key messages of nutrition, versatility and quality were highlighted.
Each influencer has a different essence in which they communicate with their followers, but they all did it in a very good way. Thanks to them we have reached our most complicated segment, “the antipasitas” who little by little have considered giving California raisins another chance, including them as an ingredient in different styles of recipes or as a snack.
As a result, we obtained 5,837,670 impressions and reached 4,350,008 people.
We are grateful to all the influencers who have been part of this great California Raisins family, let’s keep highlighting the benefits, uses and applications of California Raisins.