Seafood restaurant owners in Nuevo León (NL) have optimistic expectations for the Lenten season, which recently began. Kathia Guajardo Bosque, president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant Industry and Seasoned Foods (CANIRAC) in the state, indicated that an increase in sales of between 25 and 30 percent is expected during this period.
This increase is driven by the strong demand for seafood due to the tradition of avoiding red meat during Lent. It is estimated that these additional sales could generate between 400 and 416 million pesos (mdp) for the 839 seafood establishments in Nuevo León.
Guajardo explained that this growth represents a logistical and quality challenge for restaurant owners, who have taken steps to ensure the freshness and safety of food. Among these measures is a training course on food handling, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, to update food safety protocols and promote good practices in the restaurant industry.
In 2024, Nuevo León had 21,340 restaurants, of which 744 specialized in seafood, generating an economic impact of around 320 mdp. For this year, the sector is expected to maintain a positive trend, consolidating its importance in the gastronomic economy of the state, according to Guajardo.
