Craft breweries in Mexico aim to boost their production by 12% this year, leveraging the World Cup as a catalyst, though their plans are hindered by supply chain challenges.
With the FIFA World Cup approaching, several craft breweries in Mexico, including Cervecería Minerva, Colima, Wendlandt, Icono, La Legendaria, Heroica, Insurgente, and Allende, are looking to increase their annual production by 12%. They see this global event as a significant opportunity to attract new customers and enhance their market presence. Nevertheless, these ambitious plans are contingent upon the availability of essential supplies such as bottles and hops, both of which have encountered challenges in procurement due to rising costs and import dependencies.
One of the critical challenges facing these breweries is the supply of hops, a fundamental ingredient in beer production. Over 90% of the hops used in Mexican beer production are imported, which makes local breweries vulnerable to disruptions in the global supply chain. Additionally, the rising costs of aluminum and glass containers threaten their ability to produce and distribute their products effectively. As warned by industry expert Matías Vera-Cruz Dutrenit, a potential risk exists that larger industrial breweries could monopolize production capacity, as seen during the pandemic when they prioritized clear glass production, impacting the availability of amber bottles typically used by craft brewers.
This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the craft beer sector in Mexico as it seeks to expand in a competitive market. With the World Cup providing a temporary boost in demand, these breweries will have to navigate significant supply constraints to convert this opportunity into sustained growth. The industry is at a critical juncture, as increased production will not only cater to local enthusiasts but could also enhance their standing in the international market, making their success crucial for the future of craft brewing in Mexico.
