The Mexican President, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa, presented the 2011 National Export Award, the highest honour granted by the government to the Mexican companies, institutions and organisations that have distinguished themselves for their export activities.

Accompanied by the Secretary of Economy, Bruno Ferrari, the Chief Executive presented the award that recognised achievement in 12 categories.

During the ceremony, which took place at the closing ceremony of the XVIII Congress of the Mexican Council of Foreign Trade, the President said that while Mexico continues to position itself as an exporting country, opportunities remain if there is a rise in productivity and value-added products.

The Secretary of the Economy said that due to the efforts of the companies and organisations being recognised, Mexico has become the 10th largest exporter in the world, thanks to its innovative business models which have positioned the country as a leading exporter of value-added products in Latin America.

IASA

Investigacion Apilcada SA (which means Applied Research) received the National Export Award as Medium Industrial Export Company.

IASA is part of the Grupo IDISA, which belongs to a family of poultry and pig production companies. IASA is of 100 per cent private Mexican ownership, and it manufactures veterinary pharmaceuticals.

The orgnaisation started in 1963, when Dr Miguel Romero joined the Grupo Romero to provide a scientific and technical base that would allow for further growth in the family's poultry and swine activities.

IASA manufactures biological products, pharmaceuticals, disinfectants and premixes for poultry, pigs and cattle. Along with distributing their products throughout Mexico, IASA exports to 20 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa.

IASA participates in the main international animal agriculture events, including the International Poultry Expo in Atlanta, and, for the first time this year, in the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa.

Also receiving a National Export Award was the Grupo Porcícola Mexicano, (Mexican Pork Group) as Large Agribusiness Export Company.