Engaging, learning, and networking were top of mind for attendees at the International Association of Operative Millers’ (IAOM) 49th Latin American Region Annual Conference and Expo, held in February in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Lisa Nemeth, Cereals Canada director of market support and training, was among the presenters at the event, which attracted over 280 milling professionals from twenty-five countries. Nemeth presented on the quality of Canadian cereals, the Canadian quality assurance system, and the market support that Cereals Canada delivers to its customers. Nemeth shared that customers were happy to see Canadian cereals represented at the conference.
On average, Canada exports 5.9 million tonnes of non-durum wheat to Latin America per year. Over the last five years, the largest markets in the region for Canadian cereals were Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico.
“Latin America loves Canadian cereals,” said Nemeth. “Mexico is an important market for Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat, as well as oats, durum, and soft wheat from eastern Canada.”
Over the last five years, Canada exported on average 695,000 tonnes of non-durum wheat to Mexico representing 4 per cent of Canada’s average annual non-durum wheat exports. Large industrial bakers in Mexico prefer CWRS due to its high protein content and versatility. It is frequently used as an “improver wheat” for blending with lower-protein wheats from other origins. This crop year, it is expected that Mexico will be continuing its imports of Canadian durum.
“Mexico is typically a key producer and exporter of durum wheat, but they have recently faced severe drought conditions,” said Matilda van Aggelen, market and trade specialist with Cereals Canada. “This could lead to an uptick in demand for Canadian durum which is recognized for its consistently high quality.”
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