Imalinx successfully represented the United States Popcorn Board at the prestigious Expoalimentaria trade show in Lima, Peru, which took place from September 23 to 26. The objective of the mission was to assess market opportunities and engage with key industry players. During the event, the United States Popcorn Board hosted a dedicated booth that served as a central point for interaction, allowing Imalinx to distribute product samples directly to consumers and generate interest in high-quality U.S. popcorn. Furthermore, the delegation conducted several targeted meetings with relevant members of the Peruvian food and distribution industry, gathering critical insights into the local supply chain and consumer preferences.
The visit underscored the significant and growing demand for popcorn (or canchita) in the Peruvian market. Local trends, particularly the post-pandemic surge in home entertainment and the increasing adoption of streaming platforms, have driven a robust “movie night at home” culture, directly boosting consumption. The market analysis confirms that while there is domestic production, it does not fully meet the total demand, creating a clear opportunity for high-quality imported products like U.S. popcorn. The expansion of e-commerce and the established network of both supermarkets and wholesale distributors provide clear and accessible channels to introduce and scale the U.S. product offering.
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.
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.
On October 19th, 2024, CMAB participated at TEDx San Ángel “Evolution”, both as a sponsorship and with Michael Boccadoro as speaker, as a sustentability expert.
TEDx San Ángel is a independent program of local events, part of TED Talks, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading ideas.
The event was in Teatro Centenario Coyoacán, around 400 people with very specific profiles, high educational and socioeconomic level, including professionals, entrepreneurs, students, artists attended.
As sponsors we gave samplings of 10 varieties of cheese and 2 of ice cream, we gave a special gift to all the speakers and different gifts to the attendees.
Michael Boccadoro, our speaker, has participated in California’s environmental policy arena for more than 35 years. As president of West Coast Advisors, he specializes in public affairs consulting and has distinctive expertise in environmental, climate, natural resources, and sustainability issues. During his talk “Evolution of Planet-Smart Dairy”, he exposed the efforts and programs that are carried out in California within the dairy industry on issues of sustainability. California is recognized as a world leader in planet-smart dairy farm practices, investing over $2 billion in more than 300 methane reduction projects on the state’s dairy farms.
Imalinx, in collaboration with WUSATA, organized a seafood tasting and technical demonstration event on October 16, 2024, showcasing nine varieties of wild-caught and sustainable seafood from the United States, provided by three companies and served in twelve canapé-style dishes. The event was supervised and supported by the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association. Among the 18 attendees were 12 importers and distributors, along with five guest chefs.
The event’s objective was to capture the attention of potential clients and business partners, increasing visibility for the 3 participating companies. During the activity, booklets and a detailed presentation highlighted the characteristics and certifications of the various seafood options, emphasizing that all were from sustainable fishing practices. At the conclusion, special interest was noted in the Petrale sole, and a significant opportunity was identified for Coho salmon.
On October 1, 2, and 3, 2024, Imalinx, together with the California Milk Advisory Board, participated for the third time in the Espacio Food & Service event in Santiago de Chile, Chile to continue developing relationships with key members of the dairy industry and generate new opportunities for different products such as cheese, butter, ice cream, among others.
The execution of the event included activities such as a presentation of the Chilean market by the United States Agro-Commercial Office in Chile, a visit to the most relevant supermarkets in the region and an area within Espacio Food & Service to do tastings of specialty cheese boards and pizza, appointments with more than 15 interested companies and the follow-up and presentation of promotional programs that the California Dairy Council can manage once the products are on the market.
“The participation of the California Milk Advisory Board in the show, together with the new trends that we see among consumers, will enhance the opportunity for new and specialty products to the Chilean market where we do not have such unique and differentiated varieties.” Dairy Importer in Chile.