Have you ever wondered what drives millions of tourists to choose Mexico as their destination?
Beyond its beaches and landscapes, the answer is clear: its gastronomy.
In fact, nearly half of international tourists say that food was a key reason for visiting us.
Mexican gastronomy is not just about flavor and tradition; it is an economic engine that impacts tourism, jobs, investment, and the country’s competitiveness.
In this article, we invite you to reflect on the opportunities this market offers Mexico —and how, with the right strategy, it can become one of the most profitable investments of the next decade.
🌍 Gastronomy Worldwide: A Multi-Trillion Dollar Engine
In 2024, the global restaurant and foodservice industry reached $3.48 trillion, and by 2025 it is projected to grow to $4.03 trillion (Restroworks).
That’s about 3–4% of the world’s GDP spent on dining out.
The multiplier effect is remarkable:
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🏨 Gastronomic tourism: in some countries, up to 30% of tourist spending goes to culinary experiences.
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👩🍳 Employment: in the U.S. alone, the sector employs 16 million people, adding 200,000 new jobs in 2025.
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💸 Investment: every dollar spent at a restaurant activates a chain of farmers, fishers, distributors, and local suppliers.
The conclusion is clear: where there is more gastronomic spending, there is more investment and job creation.
🇲🇽 Mexico: Tradition, Resilience, and Opportunity
Mexican cuisine is among the most recognized in the world—and for good reason.
It originates from the fusion of pre-Hispanic roots (corn, chili, beans) with colonial heritage, giving rise to a diverse culinary tradition that varies by region.
In 2010, UNESCO declared traditional Mexican cuisine an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Mexico was a pioneer, joining only France, Japan, and the Mediterranean diet in this distinction.
Numbers That Speak for Themselves
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🍲 Over 640,000 restaurants and eateries, representing 12.2% of all businesses in the country.
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👩🍳 More than half of workers are women, making it an inclusive economic engine.
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💵 3 out of every 10 tourist dollars in Mexico are spent on food.
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👨👩👧👦 The sector generates more than 5.5 million direct and indirect jobs.
Although the 2020 pandemic caused a historic 29.3% drop in restaurant GDP, the sector has bounced back quickly thanks to resilience, tourism, and innovation in business models such as delivery and personalized culinary experiences.
📊 Mexico vs. the World: A Global Comparison
| Country | Contribution to GDP | Jobs Generated | Distinguishing Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 27% of GDP (2023) | 7.2 million | Integrated gastronomic ecosystem with global recognition |
| 🇫🇷 France | €61.8 billion in sales (pre-pandemic) | ~800,000 | Most Michelin-starred restaurants worldwide |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 25% of GDP (agro-gastronomic chain) | ~1 million | Mediterranean tradition & world-famous DOP products |
| 🇺🇸 U.S. | $1.5 trillion (2025 projection) | 15.9 million | Largest gastronomic market in the world |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | 2% of GDP (MXN 183B in 2016) | 5.5 million | UNESCO Heritage, tourism and social driver |
Spain, France, and Italy have turned gastronomy into a national economic and branding strategy.
Mexico already has the cultural prestige and tourist appeal—the next step is to turn that prestige into greater economic impact and strategic investment.
💡 A Thought for Investors
Gastronomy is more than culinary pleasure; it’s a strategic asset.
Each restaurant, each dish, and each experience is an opportunity to:
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Differentiate a brand.
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Create added value in tourism.
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Strengthen local economies.
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Develop sustainable supply chains.
At LAMARCALAB, we believe that Mexico’s moment is now. With the right vision, gastronomy can become a powerful lever for profitability and competitiveness, for both companies and investors seeking impact.
🎙️ Be Inspired
This Thursday on the LAMARCALAB Podcast (Spotify & YouTube), we’ll host an interview with Paco Ruano, chef of Alcalde, who has elevated the name of Jalisco and Mexico through his culinary vision.
An unmissable episode for anyone who wants to learn how cuisine can become a brand and profitability strategy.
👉 Ready to explore how your business can seize the opportunities of Mexico’s gastronomic market?
Let’s talk at LAMARCALAB.
💌 contacto@lamarcalab.com
