Cancún Supply Center Faces Soaring Prices & Drought Crisis

Cancún's Central Supply Center is grappling with a surge in the cost of products, particularly fresh produce, which is affecting consumers. Carlos Almeira, president of the Central Supply Center, has identified drought as a key factor driving up prices.

A stark example of this price hike is the cost of cilantro imported from Puebla. Typically, it ranges from 20 to 30 pesos, but prices have soared to as high as 500 pesos. Almeira acknowledged that this price surge is unusual and extends beyond cilantro to lettuce, chard, spinach, celery, and onions. The knock-on effect is felt by suppliers who must absorb these higher costs, which then impacts their selling prices.

The Central Supply Center, a key commercial hub, receives locally produced goods from Quintana Roo, including avocados, pineapples, lemons, oranges, and papayas. These products are then sold to hotels.

In response to these challenges, the Center is promoting direct links between producers and suppliers, specifically within the hotel industry. The goal is to eliminate middlemen and ensure fairer payment for those selling the products. Almeira noted that this approach has been in place since last year, with collaboration agreements signed with most hotels not only in Cancún, but also in the Riviera Maya, Tulum, and Costa Mujeres.