en.Wedoany.com Reported - Mexico's beer industry has announced an investment of $6.357 billion between 2024 and 2028 to enhance competitiveness, consolidate the agro-industrial sector, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate the advancement of environmental projects.
This investment plan was unveiled by Cerveceros de México (the Mexican Beer Brewers' Association) at an industry event. In her remarks, the association's Director General, Karla Siqueiros, stated that beer is one of Mexico's most domestically integrated industries, with 73% of its production inputs sourced from within the country, which both strengthens local suppliers and generates a multiplier effect on the economy. She noted that more than 5,000 families in the value chain are engaged in barley cultivation, which, together with malting, production, distribution, and sales, ultimately delivers the product to points of sale.
Mexico is currently the world's fourth-largest beer producer, behind only China, the United States, and Brazil; it also remains the world's largest beer exporter, with one in every five bottles of beer consumed globally being produced in Mexico. The industry generates approximately 715,000 jobs and maintains its position in the international market through three pillars: competitiveness, sustainability, and a commitment to participants in the production chain.
Karla Siqueiros said that the industry's competitiveness is accompanied by a long-term sustainability agenda. She stated that the goal is for Mexican beer to continue gaining recognition in international markets, not only for its quality but also for its sustainable production practices and the promotion of responsible consumption.
On the environmental front, representatives of the major brewing companies agreed that efficient water management and the circular economy are priorities for the industry's future. Andrea Sánchez, Director of Reputation and Communications at Grupo Modelo, stated that the company has launched several projects aimed at reducing water consumption in production, increasing water reuse, and promoting nature-based solutions to facilitate aquifer recharge. She highlighted the Aguas Firmes (Solid Waters) project, whose promoted measures have achieved the infiltration of 15.5 million cubic meters of water, in addition to supporting an accelerator for startups focused on water management innovation and university programs.
Luis Herrerías, Director of Communications and Reputation at Heineken Mexico, noted that the company has been operating in Mexico for 135 years, with 17,000 employees, seven breweries, one malt house, and a network of 17,000 points of sale. Its sustainability strategy revolves around three pillars: smart consumption, environmental responsibility, and social development. In 2025, the company will allocate 20% of its communications budget to smart consumption awareness campaigns. The company has also set 2030 environmental targets, including achieving 86% water balance; one of the main benchmarks is its Meoqui plant in the state of Chihuahua, which uses only 1.6 liters of water per liter of beer produced, one of the most outstanding water efficiency indicators in the industry.
The event also featured representatives from the food and beverage service industry and craft beer producers. Enrique Escandón, National Treasurer of CANIRAC (the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry), pointed out that the chamber represents 750,000 restaurants and more than 2.5 million jobs, and is currently promoting responsible consumption through training programs in better service practices. Luis de la Reguera, Vice President of the Craft Beer Industry at Cerveceros de México, discussed the growth and collaboration within the domestic industry, arguing that the integration among large producers, craft breweries, and the agricultural chain strengthens the sector's development.
