Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionCulinary Seasoning / Soup & Broth Preparation
Market
Beef broth powder in Mexico is a shelf-stable seasoning used in home cooking and professional kitchens to build beef flavor in soups, stews, and sauces. Retail products such as Knorr Caldo de Res en polvo are sold through modern grocery channels (e.g., Soriana), while bulk “consomé de res” formats are marketed to foodservice buyers (e.g., Knorr Professional). Product formulations in Mexico commonly include salt, starch or maltodextrin carriers, flavor enhancers (e.g., MSG), and nucleotide flavor boosters (e.g., disodium inosinate/guanylate) alongside beef ingredients. Market access and commercialization depend heavily on Mexico’s labeling requirements under NOM-051 and, where applicable, SENASICA import controls for products containing ingredients of animal origin.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with domestic manufacturing presence and imports of bouillon/seasoning preparations
Domestic RoleWidely used culinary base/seasoning for household and foodservice cooking
SeasonalityYear-round availability; shelf-stable dry products are distributed continuously through retail and foodservice channels.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Free-flowing powder/granules designed for fast dissolution in hot water
- Anti-caking systems may be used (e.g., silica/silicon dioxide declared on labels)
Compositional Metrics- Formulations commonly emphasize salt and umami flavor systems (e.g., MSG; disodium inosinate/guanylate) alongside beef ingredients
Packaging- Retail pack sizes (e.g., ~200 g beef broth powder packs)
- Foodservice jars/tubs (e.g., ~1.6 kg consomé/bouillon formats)
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Ingredient sourcing (salt/starches/flavor system/beef inputs) → dry blending → screening/sieving → packaging (retail packs or foodservice tubs) → ambient distribution → retail/foodservice use
Temperature- Ambient storage and transport; protect from heat and humidity to avoid caking
Atmosphere Control- Moisture control (sealed packaging; dry handling) is critical for flowability and shelf stability
Shelf Life- Shelf-stable dry formats; Mexico foodservice listings for beef consomé products indicate shelf-life on the order of ~12 months to 18 months depending on SKU/label and listing section—confirm against the specific pack label
Freight IntensityLow
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIf the product contains regulated ingredients of animal origin (e.g., bovine inputs), failure to meet SENASICA import requirements and obtain/clear the necessary zoosanitary import process can block entry or trigger detention at OISA inspection points.Before contracting production or shipment, verify the exact product classification and animal-origin ingredient profile; consult SENASICA commercial import guidance and the relevant requirements modules for the specific product and origin, and align supplier veterinary documentation accordingly.
Labeling HighNOM-051 front-of-pack warning seals and mandatory labeling elements are a commercialization gatekeeper; imported products that require NOM-051 labeling and do not comply cannot legally be placed into commerce and may be subject to enforcement actions.Build NOM-051 compliance into label artwork and regulatory review; if importing finished packs, arrange compliant stickering prior to commercialization with an experienced importer.
Food Safety MediumAllergen and ingredient-declaration accuracy is critical; Mexico-market bouillon/consomé products may declare allergens such as gluten and nuts, and mislabeling can trigger withdrawal or enforcement.Implement a label-to-formula verification step, including allergen cross-contact review and finished-pack label audits for each SKU.
Documentation Gap MediumImport requirements can vary by product details and may require additional clarification when not listed in consultation modules; gaps can lead to delays at entry and disrupted service levels for retail/foodservice customers.Run a pre-shipment document checklist aligned to SENASICA guidance and importer/broker requirements; allow lead time for requirement clarification if the product is not clearly listed in modules.
Quality LowHumidity exposure during storage/transport can cause caking and loss of flowability in broth powders, increasing customer complaints and waste.Use moisture-barrier packaging, include desiccant where appropriate, and enforce dry-warehouse controls through distribution.
FAQ
What is a common Mexico tariff classification reference for beef broth powder products?Mexico’s SIAVI system lists tariff fraction 2104.10.01 for “preparaciones para sopas, potajes o caldos” (soup/broth preparations). Final classification should be confirmed for the exact formulation and presentation.
Can a non-compliant label prevent retail sale of beef broth powder in Mexico?Yes. NOM-051 front-of-pack labeling requirements apply to prepackaged foods sold at retail, and products that require NOM-051 labeling but do not comply cannot legally enter into commerce; the USDA FAS report notes imported products may be stickered before entering commerce, but non-compliant products cannot be commercialized.
What is the main import-control risk for beef-flavored broth powder entering Mexico?If the product contains regulated animal-origin ingredients, SENASICA import requirements and OISA inspection procedures apply; failure to meet the applicable requirements can lead to detention or refusal at entry, and SENASICA issues the Certificado Zoosanitario para Importación for regulated products after requirements are met.