K-pop, Ramen and Cosmetics All in One Place: K-Expo to Be Held in Mexico

[Financial News] A comprehensive expo where visitors can experience K-pop and Korean food and cosmetics all in one place will be held in Mexico. The government plans to support entry into Latin American markets by linking consumer experiences with export consultations between companies.
On the 22nd, the MCST announced that it would hold the '2026 Mexico K-Expo' in Mexico City from the 24th to the 27th. The event was organized by the MCST, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA), the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, together with relevant agencies including the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).
According to KOCCA, Mexico's content market is valued at $30 billion, making it the world's 14th-largest. It is forecast to grow by an average of 6.4% annually through 2029.
The Ministry of Industry reported that exports of five major consumer goods—including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, household goods and fashion apparel—to Latin America totaled $779 million in the first half of this year, up 28.1% from the same period a year earlier.
According to MAFRA, K-food exports to Latin America rose 19.5% year on year during the same period. The Ministry of SMEs and Startups reported that exports of cosmetics by small and midsize companies to the region increased by 131.9%.
The export consultation event on the 24th and 25th will bring together 120 South Korean companies and 258 Mexican buyers. The initiative is designed to promote Korean products through a consumer exhibition while helping companies find local sales channels through export consultations.
The consumer exhibition will take place at the Mexico World Trade Center from the 25th to the 27th. Nongshim, CJ CheilJedang, Binggrae and Cheong Kwan Jang will showcase ramen, banana milk and seaweed crisps.
Amorepacific and LG Household & Health Care will showcase AI-powered personalized product recommendations and scalp diagnosis. Visitors will also be able to experience Spanish-dubbed versions of popular Korean content on Netflix, as well as a Stray Kids photo zone and video displays.
Samsung Electronics, Kia and LG Electronics will also exhibit content incorporating AI. Exhibition halls introducing Korean tourism, snack foods, taverns and street food stalls will be operated as well. Makeup and food shows, along with K-pop cover dance events, will also take place.
The 'Korea Spotlight' concert, scheduled for the 26th at Pepsi Center WTC, will feature WINNER, ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1), Soyou, Dayoung and Touched.
Choi Hwi-young, minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "I hope this expo will serve as an important springboard for opening new markets for K-culture while also providing an opportunity to bring it one step closer to everyday life in Latin America."


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