Mérida Markets Maintain Meat Sales Despite Price Pressures

Mérida, Yucatán — In the traditional markets of Mérida’s center, such as San Benito, Lucas de Gálvez and Santiago, the sale of beef, chicken and pork maintains a central role in Yucatecan family purchases, despite significant challenges from price changes during the beginning of the year and competition from supermarkets.

During visits to these supply centers, it can be observed that fresh meat offerings remain active, but with significant differences according to protein type and consumer market.

In places like San Benito market, one of the busiest centers for local buyers, prices reflect the variation experienced nationwide, though with some local control. For example, beef is offered at around 170 pesos per kilogram, while other cuts like tripe are near 80 pesos, and meat from this animal for traditional dishes reaches 139 pesos.

A little over 15 days into 2026, poultry such as chicken, hen and turkey has remained the most economical protein, despite the latter having high demand during December. However, when compared with pork or beef prices, it remains cheaper, at least in Mérida’s markets, because in supermarkets the cost can be similar or even slightly higher.

Vendors indicated that prices have remained relatively stable thanks to much of the product coming from local farms, and not suffering the increases seen in other states.

Additionally, in several Mérida markets it was observed that fresh chicken per kilogram ranges between 55 and 58 pesos.

Regarding pork, which is fundamental in Yucatecan cuisine for dishes like cochinita pibil, vendors explain that it has high demand, though it has also experienced varied prices according to cut and season. In some central locations, the price per kilogram fluctuates between 100 and 120 pesos.

Although traditional markets have “more humane” prices than some self-service stores, butchers in Mérida’s center recognize that competition with supermarkets and general inflation in food products pressures their daily activity.

“We strive to maintain freshness and fair prices, but sometimes meat costs rise from the producer and that is reflected in what we have to charge,” explained doña Susana Cano, a vendor with over 15 years in the sector.

It was observed that the balance between offering fresh meat at an accessible price and sustaining a profitable business remains the principal challenge for those working in the center’s markets.