Mexican Dairy Industry Faces Challenges from Sugary Drink Consumption
The Mexican dairy industry is currently facing significant challenges due to changing consumer preferences and structural issues within the sector. Recent meetings in May 2026 highlighted the vulnerability of the dairy chain in Mexico, as industry leaders from the Confederation of National Livestock Organizations (CNOG) and the National Chamber of Dairy Industry (Canilec) discussed the concerning shift from milk to sugary beverage consumption among Mexicans.
Homero García de la Llata, president of CNOG, called for societal and governmental action to address the negative portrayal of the dairy sector. He pointed out that misleading opinions and unfounded claims about nutritional myths and environmental impact are harming the industry. The CNOG emphasizes the nutritional benefits of raw milk and its importance for food sovereignty and rural economy.
The statistical reports presented show a significant production gap. Mexico's dairy farms produce 13.8 billion liters of milk annually, yet the internal market demands at least 15 billion liters, resulting in a deficit of 1.2 billion liters that must be covered through imports.
Jorge Lozano Garza, president of Canilec, highlighted that the per capita consumption of milk is 148 liters per year, while sugary drinks consumption has risen to 166 liters per year. This shift poses a public health concern, as sugary drinks offer lower nutritional value compared to milk.
The dairy industry is advocating for state policies to counter the competitive edge that sugary drinks have gained over traditional dairy products. They argue that replacing protein and calcium-rich foods with ultraprocessed drinks exacerbates public health issues related to chronic metabolic diseases.
The CNOG and Canilec's report underscores the urgent need for Mexico to address these challenges in its agro-food agenda. Failure to do so could lead to increased reliance on imports, affecting the profitability of local dairy farms and the socio-economic development of rural communities.
