required report public distribution date 9 3 2003 gain number mx3319 mexico retail food sector approved by bruce zanin ato city prepared john leonard condessa consulting highlights the market in continues to offer excellent opportunities us suppliers retailers invested about 1 2 billion new outlets and increased floor space 2002 are increasingly developing sophisticated systems posted a six percent increase sales from 2001 though success was uneven among major includes psd changes no trade matrix annual mx2 mx section i summary there approximately 4 255 stores selling beverages figure that for chains government convenience but excludes mom pop shops net growth four leading as follows wal mart 13 comercial mexicana 5 gigante soriana 8 despite s same store top dropped one