The article includes findings from the World Brewing Alliance’s “Beer’s Global Economic Footprint” study and statements from the Executive Director of Cerveceros Latinoamericanos regarding the sector’s economic impact in the region.
August 4, 2025
Under the terms of the letter of intent signed between CAF—the development bank for Latin America and the Caribbean—and the Bavaria brewery (Colombia), Cervecería Nacional (Ecuador) and Backus (Peru), acommitmentwas announcedto lead the implementation of a regional alliance aimed at promoting financial inclusion and accelerating the digitalization of retailers and entrepreneursin the traditional retail channel.
This joint effort aims to build sustainable entrepreneurial capacity in small neighborhood businesses through training programs, access to digital tools, and financing models tailored to their specific circumstances.The initiative is emerging as a strategic initiative to revitalize the country’s productive base, bridge gaps in access to the financial system, and scale up economic development models with a local impact.
The first phase of the agreement involves conducting a comprehensive assessment to gain an in-depth understanding of the characteristics, challenges, and opportunities facing these microbusinesses in terms of financial capacity, use of digital tools, and access to formal financial services. Based on this analysis, specific solutions tailored to their context will be designed with the goal of improving their income, increasing their productivity, and reducing structural socioeconomic disparities in this segment.
Sergio Díaz-Granados, CEO of CAF, emphasized:“At CAF, we firmly believe that financial inclusion is an effective tool for closing structural gaps and promoting sustainable growth. This partnership with Bavaria, Cervecería Nacional, and Backus will allow us to make an impact on the financial and digital inclusion of thousands of micro and small businesses in the region, while also advancing the development of innovative solutions that address the realities of Latin American entrepreneurs, especially those who have been excluded from the financial system.”
The pillars of the partnership include the development of financial education solutions, active inclusion in the digital and financial economy, and collaboration with public and private institutions and fintech companies to facilitate access to products such as credit, savings, investments, and mechanisms designed to provide protection during retirement.
For CAF, this partnership is part of its institutional strategy to promote more inclusive and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The institution has prioritized the design of financial inclusion and education programs, as well as the digital transformation of vulnerable segments, such as microenterprises in the region.
The Beer Industry: A Socioeconomic Driver for Latin America
Oxford Economics, the world’s leading independent economic consulting firm, and the World Brewing Alliance (WBA) released the third edition of “Beer’s Global Economic Footprint,” a study that analyzes the economic impact of the global brewing industry.
The study shows that in 2023, the beer industry contributed US$88.7 billion to the regional GDP, representing 1.3% of the total. This impact is divided into two categories: brewing companies, which accounted for 65% of the total, and the extended value chain—which includes distributors, retailers, and hospitality establishments offering lodging, food, beverages, entertainment, travel, and tourism services—whose contribution accounted for 35% of the impact.
In addition,the industry generated 3.9 million jobs in the region, equivalent to 1.4% of all jobs in these diverse economies.In fiscal terms, it generated US$58.9 million in taxes, 63% of which came from beer consumption. “This analysis demonstrates the crucial role of beer in Latin American economies. The industry not only creates jobs but also drives tax revenue and economic development,” said Tania Ramos, Executive Director of Cerveceros Latinoamericanos.
The Case of Bavaria
In Colombia, businesses that spring up in neighborhoods are part of the local identity and a key pillar of economic development.Stores, mini-markets, bars, and restaurants invigorate commerce in communities, create jobs, and contribute to the well-being of thousands of families. These types of establishments are part of the Traditional Retail Sector, which, according to figures from Fenalco, comprises more than 500,000 businesses—representing 40% of all retail establishments—and employs nearly 575,000 people nationwide.
In this regard, Bavaria, the country’s leading brewery, has been at the forefront of this commitment to the sector since 2017. Through its “Bavaria Entrepreneurs” program, it has helped more than 80,000 small shop owners, establishing a comprehensive model of training, digitalization, and financial inclusion for the country’s microbusinesses. To date, the program has proven effective, with results showing an average 30% increase in participants’ daily income. With nearly a decade of experience, financial inclusion and digitalization have been identified as key drivers of growth.