Logistics in Mexico’s Food Industry
The food industry is one of the most dynamic and essential sectors of the Mexican economy. It not only supplies the domestic market with national and imported products, but also receives goods from countries seeking to position their food products in Mexico; from grains and seeds to beverages, processed foods, canned goods, raw materials, and perishables.
Because of its nature, this sector demands high sanitary standards, rigorous logistics processes, and a highly controlled supply chain, especially when products cross international borders. Given this level of complexity, third-party logistics providers become an indispensable partner for food companies looking to import products into Mexico safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulations.
What Does the Food Industry Do in Mexico?
The food industry is a complex and highly specialized network involving production, transportation, storage, and distribution to ensure the timely and safe delivery of products, especially perishables. It includes companies involved in:
Food production and processing
Preservation, packaging, and distribution
Import and export of perishable and non-perishable goods
Commercialization of products for industrial use and human consumption
From a logistics perspective, this industry faces challenges that few companies can manage internally, such as:
Strict food safety and traceability protocols
Constantly changing sanitary requirements
The need for controlled-temperature transportation
The risk of shipment holds due to incomplete documentation
Fast inventory turnover requirements
Importing food products into Mexico involves complying with a strict regulatory framework. Failure to meet any of these requirements can result in holds, penalties, or even rejection of the cargo.
What Logistics Services Does the Food Sector Require?
Food companies require highly specialized logistics solutions, including:
Ground, ocean, or air transportation with specific conditions (refrigeration, temperature control, reduced transit times)
Special handling for sensitive items, from perishables to packaged goods
Inventory management and warehousing, including cold storage or facilities with certified sanitary controls
Document control and customs processing to meet regulatory requirements
National distribution and cross-border logistics to connect with consumption centers across Mexico
How Can Integración Aduanal Help?
Integración Aduanal offers solutions designed specifically for the needs of the food industry, including:
Full 3PL Services
Comprehensive coordination of domestic and international transportation via truck, ocean freight, or air freight.
Customs Brokerage Specialized in Food Products
Regulatory compliance, documentation management, and coordination with COFEPRIS, SENASICA, and applicable NOM inspections.
Enhanced Security and Cargo Protection
24/7 monitoring, GPS-equipped fleet, route control, and cargo insurance options.
Document Management and Personalized Advisory
Ensuring full compliance to prevent delays, holds, or regulatory issues.
Multimodal and Intermodal Logistics
Optimized transit times and cost-effective supply chain design.
End-to-End Support
From logistics planning and regulatory requirements to final delivery.
With Integración Aduanal, food industry companies can import and export with confidence, complying with Mexican sanitary regulations while maintaining a safe, efficient, and uninterrupted supply chain.
Referencias:
Gasca, José, & Torres, Felipe. (2014). El control corporativo de la distribución de alimentos en México. Problemas del desarrollo, 45(176), 133-155. Recuperado en 28 de noviembre de 2025, de http://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0301-70362014000100007&lng=es&tlng=es.
Henco_Global. (2023, 27 abril). Logística alimentaria y su optimización. HENCO. https://www.henco.com.mx/logistica-alimentaria-y-su-optimizacion/
Las soluciones para la logística de Alimentación y bebidas. (s. f.). https://www.dematic.com/es-mx/industries/food-and-beverage/
PreHeated. (2025, 21 julio). Las 10 principales empresas de logística que atienden restaurantes en México en 2025 - PreHeated. https://thepreheated.com/las-10-principales-empresas-de-logistica-que-atienden-restaurantes-en-mexico/