From January 13 to 15, we welcomed representatives from Real Milk California from 13 different countries to San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, as part of the 2026 Reps Meeting.
This event is held annually in different countries where the California Dairy Council has representative offices, with the aim of presenting industry trends, innovations, and the activities and results of strategies implemented in each country to promote the consumption of California dairy products.
Through intensive planning of all logistics and meticulous attention to detail, we successfully hosted 35 attendees from the United States, Taiwan, Cambodia, Chile, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and China.
In addition to the meetings, where we fostered dialogue, shared ideas and proposals, and bonded through fun activities, we gave all the representatives a deeper insight into Mexican culture, traditions, and cuisine.
“The reps meeting in San Miguel was truly unforgettable […] —it was beautifully done.” —Theeravee Ungkuvorakul, Real California Milk representative in Thailand.
“I see this global representative meeting as more than just a moment to align goals—it’s an opportunity to truly understand one another’s perspectives and strengthen how we work together across regions. When we bring diverse voices to the table with openness and respect, we don’t just share updates—we build trust, spark better ideas, and create solutions that are more inclusive and effective. I’m looking forward to meaningful discussions, honest insights, and leaving this meeting with a stronger sense of shared purpose.” —Janet Arellano, International Director of Business Development
In coordination with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), Imalinx successfully organized a trade mission in Mexico City and Monterrey, bringing together 16 U.S. companies from the grocery, pet products, and alcoholic beverages sectors. The mission also welcomed buyers from Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Peru, and El Salvador.
Throughout the mission, a total of 380 one-on-one business meetings were held across both cities, enabling direct engagement between U.S. exporters and Mexican and Latin American buyers. As part of the agenda, participants took part in a product showcase hosted at the facilities of one of the industry’s leading importers, where products were presented and samples were submitted for potential opportunities in the retail and foodservice channels.
The program also included strategic visits to key supermarket chains such as HEB, City Market, Chedraui, Costco, and Walmart, as well as market educational sessions focused on the Latin American market and import processes, delivered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This trade mission strengthened commercial ties between the United States and Latin America while creating valuable market expansion and growth opportunities for the participating companies.
Imalinx participated in a strategic event organized by the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, bringing together 40 key figures from the U.S. food and beverage industry. The main objective of the dinner was to strengthen trade relations and promote the US agri-food supply. The presence of Imalinx was crucial to facilitate networking between Mexican executives – including major importers and foodservice leaders – and representatives of U.S. products. This meeting functioned as a high-impact business platform, where concrete opportunities for the expansion and distribution of products in the Mexican market were discussed.
The dinner was conceived as a culinary and functional display of high-quality U.S. ingredients. The menu highlighted Idaho potatoes in various preparations, along with a variety of California cheeses, butters and ice cream, showcasing the excellence of its dairy and fresh produce industries. In addition, other essential products such as beef and rice of American origin were served. This tasting served as a practical demonstration of the versatility and quality of the ingredients, providing Mexican industry leaders with clear ideas for incorporation into their supply chains and gastronomic offer.
In partnership with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA), Imalinx coordinated a trade mission to Bogotá, Colombia, involving 10 companies from the grocery, pet care, and alcoholic beverage sectors.
During the mission, 101 one-on-one meetings were held over a two-day period, facilitating direct contact between U.S. exporters and Colombian buyers. Participants also attended ExpoIALIMENTOS and conducted a showcase at Grupo Éxito to present their products and send samples for future opportunities.
The program included visits to supermarkets such as D1, Alkosto, Éxito, and Carulla, as well as educational sessions on the Colombian market and its import process, conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture.
This mission successfully enhanced commercial relations between the two countries and created meaningful growth prospects for the participating companies.
On June 27, 2025, we participated as sponsors in the U.S. Independence Day celebration at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, through the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and American Pistachio Growers (APG). We contributed a variety of California cheeses and pistachios that were featured in the event’s menu.
The celebration provided an excellent opportunity to promote U.S. products, increase their visibility in the market, and strengthen commercial ties. It also allowed us to connect with new partners and reinforce existing relationships in Mexico.
On March 24, four distinguished companies from the southern United States members of SUSTA and specialists in grocery and dairy products participated in the event, showcasing their product offerings. The participating companies were:
Their participation was key in highlighting the quality and diversity of Southern U.S. products, generating new business opportunities and establishing valuable connections with potential buyers.
Also participating in this 2025 edition were companies from the Western United States, represented by WUSATA. Eight companies showcased a wide range of products, including dairy, fresh produce, nuts, cocktails, and groceries. These companies included:
In addition, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), representing growers and packers of Russet potatoes in the state, actively participated in the ANTAD trade show, held in Guadalajara, Mexico. The main goal for all attending companies was to meet with key importers and distributors to build and strengthen commercial relationships that support their growth in the Mexican market.
American Pistachio Growers participated for the first time with its own stand at Expo ANTAD 2025 in Guadalajara, Jalisco. This trade show is a key meeting point for the retail sector, wholesalers, and distributors in Mexico and Latin America.
During the event, APG executives and the Imalinx team held successful meetings with key companies, consolidating strategic partnerships with:
These meetings helped strengthen the presence of American Pistachios in the Mexican market, both in traditional retail channels and in new value-added product offerings.
Imalinx was responsible for designing and building the booths for the three organizations within the U.S. Pavilion, as well as coordinating and supporting the business meetings between the companies and key retailers, importers, and distributors.
Participation in this year’s ANTAD show proved highly productive, helping companies advance their internationalization efforts and strengthen their presence in Mexico. Thanks to effective organization and a strategy focused on in-booth product tastings, SUSTA and WUSATA companies met with over 50 key contacts, while IPC connected with more than 10 new clients, with whom business relationships and agreements are already underway.
Real California Milk participated in Expo Carnes y Lácteos 2025 from March 1 to 6, marking the first edition to include the dairy sector in Mexico’s most important event for innovation and commercialization of meat and dairy products. This event was a key opportunity to strengthen the presence of its cheeses in the Mexican market, attract potential clients and business partners, and support distributors in the southern region.
During the expo, the Real California team distributed brochures with information about the product catalog, highlighting its superior quality. Additionally, meetings were held with interested clients and distributors, and cheese tastings featuring Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Cheddar, and premium cheeses received highly positive feedback on their flavor and quality.
On November 28th, 2024 the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) hosted an exclusive burrata brunch in Mexico City, bringing together three media outlets, two renowned influencers, and five distinguished chefs. This event, organized in collaboration with the regional importer, aimed to strengthen connections with chefs from five prestigious restaurants. Attendees included media representatives from Reforma, Cocina Vital, and Gastrolab, as well as influencers such as “La señora del súper MX” and “¿Y qué hago de comer?”.
The main goal of the event was to inspire attendees with new culinary ideas using California burrata, showcased in the preparation of two exceptional dishes: a roasted peach salad with arugula, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes, and a capricciosa pizza with burrata. This initiative highlighted the quality and versatility of this cheese, encouraging attendees to explore its integration into their menus and leverage its potential in haute cuisine.
We participated in the Food and Wine Festival at the Hipódromo de las Américas in Mexico City on Saturday, November 16, and Sunday, November 17, 2024 promoting Real California dairy products through tastings. This festival is recognized as one of the most important gastronomic events of the year, offering a diverse program of activities where over 1,100 attendees enjoyed food and beverage pairings, and learning about high-quality products.
Our booth was a highlight of the event, thanks to the tastings conducted by Chef Poncho Hernández, who captivated attendees with his innovative recipes such as mozzarella compote and appetizers. We also distributed promotional items, such as fans and tote bags customized with the Real California Milk seal, effectively capturing the public’s attention and strengthening brand recognition.
We had a presence in three key locations: the general tasting area, two VIP sections, and a Photo Opportunity spot, perfect for branded photo moments. Interest in our products was significant, particularly in the ice cream, as many attendees inquired about where to purchase it. This success underscores the value and quality of Real California products in the market.
The California Milk Advisory Board and Popcorn USA participated in Granjaween 2024, event organized by the Granja de las Américas, located in the western part of Mexico City. The event brought together children and influencers, who shared a joyful moment celebrating both Halloween and Día de Muertos within the venue.
The most exciting moment during the celebration was the costume contest, where participants wowed the audience with their creative outfits representing various characters and objects, competing for the prize for the best costume.
Throughout the event, attendees enjoyed a tasting of popcorn made with U.S. popcorn kernels, and chocolate and vanilla ice cream made with 100% California milk. Additionally, kits were given to all the children, and a special popcorn recipe was shared so they and their families could recreate it at home to celebrate Día de Muertos and Halloween together.