According to information released by Jalisco's Ministry of Rural Development (Seder), Jalisco ranks fifth in pepper production nationwide and accounts for 4.3 percent of the nation's total production, with about 100,000 tons a year, valued at about 800 million pesos, 5.3 percent of the country's total.

The Ministry stated that Jalisco has over 4,300 acres devoted to this vegetable and that its yields ranged between 85 tons per hectare, in the pepper plantations in greenhouses and under controlled environments, and 45 tons per hectare from pepper productions in the open, with cutting edge technology and systems to apply fertilizers through irrigation.

The state mainly produces the serrano, jalapeño, bell, poblano, anaheim, and Caloro pepper varieties. The serrano and jalapeño varieties, which are grown in the open, account for 70 percent of the state's total production. The peppers produced in greenhouses, which are destined primarily for the export market and, to a lower extent, to the domestic market, account for 15.5 percent of the production.

According to the Seder, 52 municipalities in the state produce this vegetable but most of the production comes from five municipalities. In order of importance: Mascota, San Gabriel, Cihuatlán, Etzatlán, and Tomatlán.

Yahualica and its neighbouring municipalities, which are also important because of their traditional Yahualica pepper, have begun the process to obtain the designation of origin.

Consumption of this vegetable is estimated at nine kilos per year per capita.

Growing social unrest in Mexico culminated in a mass protest on the streets of its capital Thursday, with reports of fierce clashes between demonstrators and police.

The incident marks yet another example of months of popular anger against the government, with analysts signaling that the unrest has weighed on consumption and investment at a time of falling oil prices.

Tina Fordham, a political analyst at Citi said Thursday's clashes were an important development and said tensions were an example of "vox populi risk" - changing public opinion that is becoming increasingly volatile.

The troubles followed on from three separate marches in Mexico City during the day, with protesters then descending on the central square of Zocalo in the heart of the city, according to Reuters.

Police used tear gas to disburse the crowds after rocks and Molotov cocktails were thrown at the presidential palace, according to the reports. This followed on from similar clashes seen close to the city's airport.

The government is facing a growing backlash over the fate of 43 missing students who have not been seen since late September. There have been accusations that corrupt officials handed over the students over to members of a drug gang with the country's attorney general saying that that the students were allegedly killed with their bodies then burned.

Carlos Capistran, a Mexico economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, believed that Mexico has entered a new period of social unrest, even before the news of Thursday's protest became apparent.

"This is weighing on consumption and investment, contributing to a weaker-than-expected recovery. We expect unrest could continue ahead of the elections in 2015," he said in a research on Thursday morning.

Capistran predicts that any escalation will not turn into a full-blown crisis with Mexico having a relatively stable and mature democracy, but added that he could not dismiss the possibility either, explaining that the popular mood could deteriorate quickly.

Unrest has slowly been building in the country for 20 years, with some citizens upset at reforms that have changed the economic landscape of the Latin American nation. These structural changes have run alongside a war against the drug cartels that are ferrying narcotics to the U.S.. Because of the drug trade, Mexico suffers from relatively high homicide rates and the police force is also being increasingly seen as ruthless and overbearing.

Mexico's central bank cut its growth forecast outlook for 2014 this week and Marc Ostwald, a strategist at ADM Investor Services is estimating that new quarterly economic data - released Friday - will show a slowing of growth due to lower domestic demand and mining output.

There are significant positives for the country, though. It's seen as having the ability to piggy-back on the U.S. recovery with a blossoming car industry and oil reforms in the country are set to increase the amount of foreign investors coming to its shores.

Ostwald wrote in his note on Friday morning that the economy is becoming more diverse, specifically mentioning the industrial sector, while Andre Loes, chief Latin America economist at HSBC, believes that the government has been active in insulating the country against oil's fall.

"Exports of oil have reduced a lot their importance over time," he told CNBC on Tuesday. "The government has a very smart strategy of hedging oil prices around the levels that they have been assumed for next year's budget."

Matt ClinchAssistant Producer, CNBC.com

[readon1 url="http://www.cnbc.com/id/102207563"]Source:www.cnbc.com[/readon1]

The leaders of Mexico's fourth largest bank Banorte resigned on Wednesday after a power struggle, and the board named a new chairman who analysts believe could push through a merger with a smaller Mexican bank.

Grupo Financiero Banorte said on Thursday that its chairman and chief executive had resigned. The move followed a dispute between the two that had upset the bank's largest shareholder, the Gonzalez family.

Banorte said CEO Alejandro Valenzuela was replaced by Jose Marcos Ramirez, who had run the wholesale bank and has been on the board since July 2011. Chairman Guillermo Ortiz, former governor of Mexico's central bank, will step down at the end of the year. He will be replaced by Carlos Hank Gonzalez, a member of the family that owns most of Banorte's shares.

Gonzalez had recently joined the Banorte board from bank Grupo Interacciones where he was chief executive.

A source with knowledge of the matter said Ortiz and Valenzuela had been at odds over how to manage the bank, upsetting the shareholders from the Gonzalez family.

"The changes determined by the board today will contribute to the strengthening of corporate governance at Grupo Financiero Banorte," Hank Gonzalez said in a statement. His powerful family is from the state of Mexico, home of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto.

Analysts at Banamex on Tuesday said in a research note that a move to make Hank Gonzalez chairman would feed speculation that Banorte and Interacciones could merge. Market players expect a tie-up could dilute Banorte profits in the short-term, Banamex said.

Banorte is the biggest bank still owned by Mexicans. Global giants like Spain's BBVA Bancomer and Citigroup swept in to buy the country's biggest banks as Mexico recovered from a devastating financial crisis in the mid-1990s.

Mexican media began speculating in August that Ortiz could leave the company. On Tuesday, the shares sank to a 16-month low due to worries over the possible shake-up. Shares rose after the news, and Banorte closed 2 percent firmer on Thursday.

Hank Gonzalez, whose appointment is still subject to shareholder approval, had asked Ortiz to stay on as chairman of the bank's advisory committee, the bank said.

[readon1 url="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/mexicos-banorte-replaces-ceo-chairman-201445071.html;_ylt=AwrTWf0AY29UrQYAVEnQtDMD"]Source:finance.yahoo.com[/readon1]

The government of Puerto Vallarta reported on Wednesday afternoon that the disposal of the military authorities of the the Forty-First Military Zone, and following instruction, the commemoration of November 20 the CIV anniversary the beginning of Mexican Revolution are suspended in the town of Puerto Vallarta

This, is a provision that was adopted at the federal level. the military authorities are in charge of the logistics and military protocol of this celebration, and the municipal government provides some facilities, hence also adopted this measure for the city.

At the same time, the activities will be suspended on this occasion in various township offices and communities.

The 29 schools, institutions and organizations participate in the parade, and the actions to be carried out tomorrow, have already been notified of the cancellation.

Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto and China's President Xi Jinping meet at the Great Hall of the People
in Beijing . AFP PHOTO / POOL / JASON LEE

Chinese President Xi Jinping has met with his Mexican counterpart Enrique Pena Nieto in Beijing Thursday. The two leaders discussed a $2.4 billion investment fund to support infrastructure, mining, and energy projects in both countries. A $5 billion oil deal was also on the agenda. CCTV America’s Su Yuting reported this story from Beijing.

Mexico is seeking deeper business ties with China. Since President Xi Jinping made his visit to Mexico more than a year ago, the two countries have reached consensus on many issues including consolidating the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two leaders have witnessed signing of 14 agreements including scientific and high-tech research, tourism as well as trade cooperation by Mexican and Chinese delegates.T he deals include several agreements ranging from export deals for Chinese citrus fruit and Mexican tequila, to agreements to promote tourism in Mexico.

During the news conference, President Xi Jinping said China would like to further develop the relationship with Mexico and continue to work towards world peace and prosperity.

Ahead of Nieto’s state visit, Mexico revoked a high-speed rail contract from a China-led consortium after lawmakers alleged the railway contract was rigged.

China has expressed shock at the revocation, and Li told Nieto this week that the bidding result is just and legitimate, adding that Chinese firms should be treated fairly.

Nieto arrived in Beijing on Sunday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and held talks with Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang on Wednesday.

Story compiled with the information from CCTV America, the Xinhua News Agency, and AP. [readon1 url="http://www.cctv-america.com/2014/11/13/china-mexico-to-establish-2-4b-investment-fund"]Source:www.cctv-america.com[/readon1]

In Mexico, diabetes is an epidemic. It affects almost 50 percent of the Mexican population. It is partially caused by the fact that 30 percent of the country is obese.

A lack of exercise, finances and healthy eating options contribute to the issue. Tens of thousands of Mexicans die each year because they cannot afford proper care for diabetes.

Game Changer and social entrepreneur Javier Lozano is working to fix that. He is the founder of Clinicas de Azucar, or Sugar Clinics. By bringing in a high volume of patients and using new technology, he’s able to reduce fees and costs for those who suffer from diabetes.

The entrepreneur spent time in the Sierra Tarahumara, an impoverished region with little or no access to health care professionals, in order to figure out what the people of Mexico actually need in a treatment facility. He emerged with the understanding that most require a place that serves as a “one-stop shop” for basic health care needs and provides a low cost for treating diabetes.

Meet Game Changer Javier Lorenzo who is putting people back in control of their lives, one clinic at a time.

[readon1 url="http://www.cctv-america.com/2014/11/16/game-changer-javier-lozano-fights-diabetes-epidemic-in-mexico"]Source:www.cctv-america.com[/readon1]

Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto and first lady Angelica Rivera salute during the military parade celebrating Independence Day at the Zocalo square in downtown Mexico City

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's first lady said on Tuesday she would give up a house at the center of a scandal that created a potential conflict of interest between President Enrique Pena Nieto and a company bidding for a lucrative rail contract.

The Mexican government this month abruptly cancelled a $3.75-billion high speed rail contract awarded to a consortium led by China Railway Construction Corp Ltd that featured a Mexican company known as Grupo Higa.

It then emerged that a subsidiary of Grupo Higa owned a luxury house that Pena Nieto's wife Angelica Rivera was in the process of acquiring, raising questions about the tender.

In a televised statement, Rivera, who was one of Mexico's most popular soap actresses before marrying Pena Nieto in 2010, said she had paid off about 14.3 million pesos ($1.05 million) of the value of the house and would sell her stake to settle any outstanding questions about the matter.

"Because I don't want this to continue being a pretext to offend and defame my family," Rivera said.

Rivera noted in her address that she had earned millions of dollars while working for Mexico's biggest broadcaster Televisa, and had the means to pay for the home. She had also acquired a separate luxury home while working for Televisa, she added.

"I have nothing to hide," Rivera said. "I've worked all my life and thanks to that I'm an independent woman."

The revelation about the house has aggravated discontent about the government's handling of the disappearance and apparent massacre of 43 trainee teachers by a drug gang working with corrupt police in southwest Mexico nearly two months ago.

Despite saying the gang had very probably incinerated the students, the government has yet to offer definitive proof, and sporadic protests and civil unrest have broken out.

On Tuesday, the president had asked his wife to explain how she acquired the house. But neither he nor Rivera have explained why one of the winning team from the rail consortium was also the owner of his wife's house.

Rivera also posted on her website a copy of a contract she had signed for the house in January 2012. The house was purchased for 54 million pesos ($3.98 million), paying a 9 percent rate of interest over eight years, it showed.

[readon1 url="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-mexicos-first-lady-says-will-sell-house-at-center-of-scandal-2014-11"]Source:www.businessinsider.com[/readon1]

Details of the Second International Festival of Celtic Music in Vallarta, to be held on 6 and 7 March 2015, now consolidated adopt the name "Celtic Vallarta" were announced Sergio Zepeda, director of the Institute of Culture Vallarta, welcomed the commitment of the organizers to Puerto Vallarta; authorities will provide all facilities to further strengthen the already the only festival of Celtic music of Mexico by starting the second "International Celtic Festival Vallarta."

With the successful experience of last year event, the result of will and joint efforts between authorities and organizers, bring to Mexico new account cultural expressions of the so-called Celtic nations, the British Isles (Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man Ireland), the French Brittany and Spain (Galicia and Asturias).

About a hundred pipers, drummers and a flow of three thousand visitors, of which five hundred would from Canada, US and Europe. The groups participating in this issue represent the broad range of sounds featuring Celtic music are expected.

Will participate from Argentina, Anam Keltoi of Rosario, fusing pop ballads to Celtic folk traicional: Empreinte Vagabonde France, interesting music for film screenings proposal twenties with Breton music; "Los Angeles Fifes and Drums" emanating from the spirit of the American Revolution, will bring Vallarta military fife and drum rhythms.

"The Cultural Association of Galicia in Mexico", like last year, will share costumes and sounds from the Iberian Peninsula; Ogham Ensemble, Scandinavian music and project organizers, Pipe Band San Patricio Battalion.

Besides the parade along the boardwalk and the subsequent free concert in the amphitheater of the arches, there will be new features traditional Celtic festival called "Ceilidh".

[readon1 url="http://celticvallarta.mx/alistando-la-segunda-edicion-del-festival/"]Source:celticvallarta.mx[/readon1]

• Premiering on November 21 in new york, and mexico on February 12.

Just a few months after the presentation and a few days of its commercial release in new york, the Mexican film "Four Moons” (“Cuatro Lunas”) has been critices, and already won various awards.

This recently film took the prize of the public (audience award) at the festival of Fort Lauderdale (flglff 2014) as best debut film, and was nominated for the award Latin Sebastiane, of san sebastian festival in Spain. In addition, has performed at the festivals of Morelia, Monterrey and Guadalajara.

having been the only Mexican film nominated to Premio Maguey in the international film festival in Guadalajara 2014; cramming the rooms locations in Quito Ecuador, as well as the recognition of the soundtrack performed by pate de fua, make that "Four Moons” (“Cuatro Lunas”) causes greater expectations for the premieres of the year 2015.

It is the Nayarit director sergio tovar velarde second feature film has managed to attract attention not only in mexico but also in other countries, since it tells four stories of gay love, from different ages, perspectives, scenarios and situations completely different.

A child who is attracted to his cousin; a couple of young people who come to the school and where is complicated to accept his love; a couple who starts to have problems in the relationship when a third party; and, an old man, married with children, who have to see the way to retain a young man who only interest is money.

Juan Manuel Bernal, Karina Gidi, Monica Dionne, Gabriel Santoyo, Alonso Echánove, Antonio Velázquez, Alejandro de la Madrid, Alejandro Belmonte, César Ramos, Gustavo Egelhaaf, Sebastián Rivera, Martha Aura, Hugo Catalán y Jorge Luis Moreno, are some of the players that stand out in this movie.

Tovar Velarde said that he is proud of the reception of his latest work and hopes to continue giving more satisfaction, because it is a work well done despite trying as controversial issues in our society.

This is the first time a Mexican film addresses the issue of child sexual preference was the same sex as well as the experience of their parents to understand and cope with their child's gay condition.

The filmmaker said the commercial release of "Four Moons” (“Cuatro Lunas”) will take place on November 21 in New York, as the company Breaking Glass Pictures has acquired the distribution rights in the US, while in Mexico it will be released on February 12, 2015 in different theaters.

"Four Moons” (“Cuatro Lunas”) is a Atko Films production in co-production with The Güeros, supported Kinómada (Québec), ColorSpace and Skyflak Studio.

After being held for two consecutive years in Peru, Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2015 awards will be moving to Mexico next year.

The move marks both a physical and figurative shift that highlights what top chefs around the world are predicting will become the most influential cuisine around the world: the foods and flavors of Mexico.

For the past few years, Peruvian cuisine has been the darling of the Latin American food world, with international chefs becoming enamored with the rich, cross-pollination of Japanese, Chinese and South American flavors.

The Peruvian capital of Lima was also chosen to host the inaugural event last year.

The Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants is an offshoot of ‘Restaurant’ magazine’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

At a chef’s forum held in New York last month, Mexican cuisine was top of mind among influential US food figures including chef April Bloomfield and Food & Wine magazine’s restaurant editor Kate Krader.

“It’s delicious, it’s soulful, it’s local. They don’t buy any of their produce from anywhere else, it comes from their plot of land and it’s super delicious, complex, diverse and spicy,” Bloomfield had said.

On an international scale, Krader noted that the pendulum is swinging away from Nordic and Scandinavian cuisine towards Latin America, a decidedly different culinary landscape punctuated by bold, complex flavors and spices.

Mexico currently has 10 dining addresses listed on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants that includes Enrique Olvera’s Pujol, the highest-ranking Mexican eatery in the No. 6 spot.

The title of best restaurant in Latin America last year went to Central, in Lima.

Mole Poblano is pictured. (JuanSalvador/Shutterstock.com)

[readon1 url="http://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/latin-america-s-50-best-restaurants-awards-to-move-to-mexico-in-2015-1.2093136"]Source:www.ctvnews.ca[/readon1]

MEXICO CITY (AP) –  Fabricio Werdum won the interim heavyweight title when he stopped Mark Hunt in the second round on Saturday night at UFC 180.

Werdum (19-5-1) got off to a slow start, but hit Hunt with a right knee to the face to secure the win in the UFC's debut in Mexico. It was the fifth consecutive victory for the Brazilian fighter.

"I respect Mark Hunt, he hit me hard, but I stayed here a long time in Mexico to win this title, this one is for my family and all of Brazil," Werdum said.

The event was supposed to be a showcase for Cain Velasquez, the Mexican-American champion who has a strong following in Mexico. Instead, the oft-injured Velasquez hurt his right knee and dropped out of his bout against Werdum last month, sending the UFC scrambling for something to show the 21,000 fans who sold out the Arena Cuidad de Mexico in eight hours.

Hunt (10-9-1), a 40-year-old Australian brawler with a history of thrilling fights, got the call from the UFC one month after he stopped Roy Nelson in Japan for his fifth win in seven fights, losing only to former UFC champion Junior Dos Santos in that stretch.

But Hunt was unable to continue his positive stretch.

"I didn't see that one coming," Hunt said of the knee that ended the fight.

Velasquez was part of a sold-out crowd at the raucous Arena Ciudad de Mexico. The Mexican fans, who had waited for years for the UFC to come to their country, sang the Cielito Lindo, a tradition for any big event, and chanted "oles."

Prior to the main event, rising Mexican-American welterweight Kelvin Gastelum (11-0) took care of veteran title contender Jake Ellenberger (29-9) by submission in the first round.

"This is the biggest victory of my career, I*m so happy to get here with all of you guys," an emotional Gastelum said in Spanish. "Viva Mexico, thanks for everything."

In the undercard fights, Mexico City*s Augusto Montano had a strong UFC debut by defeating Chris Heatherly (8-3-0) by TKO in the first round of their welterweight fight. Hector Garcia defeated Edgar Garcia by tapout in the first round, also in the welterweight division. Featherweight Ricardo Lamas also won.

[readon1 url="http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2014/11/16/brazilian-fabricio-werdum-gets-fifth-consecutive-win-as-ufc-debuts-in-mexico/"]Source:latino.foxnews.com[/readon1]

•  DishLATINO and Dish México team up to offer new customers in the U.S. a promotion which provides discounted TV service to family, friends in Mexico
•  Eugenio Derbez, award-winning Mexican actor and director, to promote the only brand partnership of its kind in the pay-TV industry

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

A new DishLATINO initiative is offering customers in the U.S. a chance to give their loved ones in Mexico discounted satellite television service. For a limited time, new subscribers to DishLATINO can provide friends and family pay-TV service for only $6 per month service through Dish México, a partner company offering pay-tv services in Mexico.

The cross-border promotion is a first of its kind for DishLATINO, a division of DISH Network L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of DISH Network Corp. (DISH), and is also a first for the pay-TV industry.

“The DishLATINO partnership with Dish México creates a unique benefit to Mexican consumers in the U.S. and a platform to further strengthen their cultural connection to home,” said Alfredo Rodriguez, vice president of DishLATINO. “Mexican consumers in the U.S. represent about two-thirds of the U.S. Hispanic population, and many have a strong desire to give back to their friends and family in Mexico. It’s only natural we find a way to create a television-viewing experience that crosses borders.”

Eugenio Derbez, award-winning Mexican actor and director and host of the upcoming Latin Grammy Awards, will serve as the spokesperson for the cross-border promotion.

“The first thing I did when I moved to Los Angeles from Mexico was find a way to stay connected to my roots, and DishLATINO’s expansive lineup of Spanish- and English-language programming has provided just that,” Derbez said. “Since I still have family and friends in Mexico, this offer is a terrific way for all of us to have a shared experience -- with DishLATINO and Dish México, entertainment has no borders.”

Derbez recently joined forces with DishLATINO as its first celebrity brand ambassador and will provide creative direction to the brand’s marketing efforts. Derbez is currently appearing in an integrated television, radio, print and online brand campaign for DishLATINO.

As part of the offer, new DishLATINO customers will receive their own discounts, such as service as low as $24.99 per month and free HD service for life. To participate, new customers who subscribe to DishLATINO between November 1, 2014 and March 1, 2015 will be provided a referral code that they can give to a friend or family member in Mexico. The code can be used to order certain Dish México programming services for 18 months at $6 per month. For more information about the program, visit http://www.dishmexico.com.

About DISH

DISH Network Corp. (DISH), through its subsidiary DISH Network L.L.C., provides approximately 14.041 million satellite TV customers, as of Sept. 30, 2014, with the highest-quality programming and technology with the most choices at the best value. Subscribers enjoy a high definition line-up with more than 200 national HD channels, the most international channels, and award-winning HD and DVR technology. DISH Network Corp. is a Fortune 250 company. Visit www.dish.com.

About DishLATINO

DishLATINO is the market-leading suite of English and Spanish language programming packages in the United States. It offers its customers more than 40 Spanish-language news, entertainment, and sports channels in combination with DISH’s broad English-language programming lineup of more than 200 channels. DishLATINO customers can receive the Hopper, the industry’s most awarded DVR, and take advantage of in-language customer service as well as payment options such as FlexTV, a no-term contract, prepaid pay-TV product.

About Dish México

Dish Mexico is a DTH system formed by MVS Comunicaciones, a head telecomm group in Mexico, and EchoStar Corporation, leader in satellite technology and services in the United States. It distributes its programming service to more than 2.5 million homes in all the Mexican territory, offering the best pay TV channels, with innovative technology and quality service at a low price to its subscribers.

[readon1 url="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/cross-border-promotion-dishlatino-proves-163100620.html;_ylt=AwrTWf1K1mhUKToA8vHQtDMD"]Source:finance.yahoo.com[/readon1]