Did you know Heineken México has roots stretching back to the 19th century? This brewery stands as a testament to Mexico’s rich brewing history and its connection to the world’s largest brewing company. Let’s dive into the story of this iconic brewery.
Heineken México was formerly known as Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma. It was a major Mexican brewery founded in Monterrey in 1890. The founders were José A. Muguerza, Francisco G. Sada Muguerza, Alberto Sada Muguerza, Isaac Garza Garza, and Joseph M. Schnaider. They started with a capital of 150000 pesos.
Carta Blanca was their first brand. The Cuauhtémoc brewery produced its first beer barrel in 1893. It even won first prize at the Chicago and Paris world fairs.
In 1909 Cervecería Cuauhtémoc began to grow. It founded Vidrios y Cristales de Monterrey S.A. to make glass bottles. Later it became Grupo Vitro. Fábricas de Cartón Monterrey was founded in 1900. It produced boxes bottle caps and packaging.
During the Mexican Revolution the founders supported Victoriano Huerta. Venustiano Carranza seized the brewery. The families fled to Texas but later regained it through U.S. and Russian diplomats.
The Sociedad Cuauhtémoc was founded in 1918. It provided medical and educational services to the workers’ families. This welfare system helped avoid strikes. The working day was reduced from twelve to nine hours in 1907.
By 1936 the Garza Calderón and Sada families divided their holdings. This created the Cuauhtémoc brewery group and the Vidriera glass group. Valores Industriales S.A. VISA was created as a holding company. It controlled the shares of Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc and Famosa.
José Calderón Muguerza and brothers Eugenio and Roberto Garza Sada headed Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma in the 20th century. Eugenio Garza Sada helped found the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education ITESM in 1943. In 1973 the Mexican Professional Baseball Hall of Fame opened at the company headquarters.
After Eugenio Garza Sada’s assassination VISA split into two units. Visa retained the brewery business and its stake in the Banco de Londres. Eugenio Garza Lagüera became CEO of Cerveceria Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma.
In 1985 the Moctezuma brewery was integrated. This added brands like Dos Equis Superior Sol and Noche Buena to the lineup.
In 1988 Fomento Económico Mexicano S.A. de C.V. FEMSA was formed. In 1994 FEMSA sold 22 percent of its beer business to John Labatt Ltd. of Canada.
In 2010 Heineken International acquired the beer activities of FEMSA. This included Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery. The Dutch brewing company paid billions for this deal.
Today Heineken México operates plants in Monterrey Guadalajara Toluca Tecate Orizaba Navojoa and Meoqui. The company produces brands like Dos Equis Sol Bohemia Superior Carta Blanca Noche Buena Indio Casta and Tecate.
In 2023 Heineken México reported sales of 187 billion pesos. The company employs 18000 people.
Heineken México also invests in sustainability. A new brewery in Yucatán will focus on improved water processes and circular economy practices. This shows a commitment to brewing a better world.
Heineken México is more than just a brewery. It’s a story of Mexican heritage innovation and global collaboration. It produces well-known brands enjoyed throughout Mexico and beyond. From its humble beginnings to its current status as part of Heineken International the brewery continues to shape Mexico’s beer industry. So raise a glass to Heineken México.