On the occasion of International Beer Day, which is celebrated today August 1, 2025 in Latin America and the world. Cerveceros Latinoamericanos presents three key perspectives on our regional industry:
- History and tradition: We explore how a celebration born in 2007 became the key moment to recognize an industry that transcends borders in 23 countries in our region.
- Regional Beer Innovation: Latin America and the Caribbean lead the world's low or non-alcoholic beer revolution with 17.4% growth in 2024, doubling the global average of 8.5%.
- Voices that Build the Future: Six national brewery associations share their perspectives on regional collaboration and sector development opportunities.
History
Since 2007, the first Friday of August marks International Beer Day on the world calendar, a celebration that transcends cultural and economic borders. For Latin America and the Caribbean, this date represents much more than a celebration: it is the recognition of an industry that in 23 countries - from Mexico to Argentina, including the Caribbean nations - contributes $88.7 billion to the regional GDP (1.3%) and generates 3.9 million jobs (1.4% of total employment).
Celebration: Latin America and the Caribbean lead the revolution in low and non-alcoholic beer options
Beer in our region transcends the industrial to become part of the social and cultural fabric that unites from the Pacific to the Atlantic coasts, from the Andes to the Caribbean beaches. The beer industry generates economic value in economies as diverse as Brazil, Belize, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Nicaragua, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Panama.
International Beer Day celebrates both the millenary tradition and the constant evolution of beer towards diverse consumption experiences, where responsible consumption is positioned as a fundamental pillar.
The region is consolidating its position as a world leader in beer innovation, especially in low or non-alcoholic beers, which will grow by 17.4% in 2024, doubling the global average (8.5%) and ranking among the three fastest-growing regions. This innovation drives the overall growth of the regional beer market, projected to expand above 12% by 2030.
Regional collaboration has built an industry that generates $58.9 million in fiscal contribution, strengthening local economies and creating sustainable development opportunities throughout the region.
Regional Collaboration: Strengthening the Latin American and Caribbean Industry
"On International Beer Day we celebrate an industry that reflects the diversity of Latin America and the Caribbean. From traditional beers to non-alcoholic options that are leading global growth, we offer alternatives for every lifestyle and preference. Through Cerveceros Latinoamericanos, 23 countries collaborate to strengthen an industry that contributes significantly to our economies.
Together, we drive innovation, responsible consumption and sustainable development, demonstrating that when we work together, the entire region thrives."
Tania Elizabeth Ramos Beltrán, Directora Ejecutiva de Cerveceros Latinoamericanos
National Perspectives: Voices of Collaboration
National brewing associations share their vision of achievements and future opportunities by collaborating through Cerveceros Latinoamericanos:
🇦🇷 ARGENTINA - Argentine Chamber of the Brewing Agroindustry (Argentine Brewers)
"Argentina contributes significantly to the regional brewing value chain as a producer of quality barley and malt. Through Cerveceros Latinoamericanos we strengthen productive integration, sharing knowledge and best practices that benefit the entire industry. This collaboration allows us to face common challenges and build a more competitive and sustainable sector throughout Latin America."
Alejandro Berlingeri, Director General
www.cervecerosargentinos.org
🇧🇷 BRAZIL - National Union of the Beer Industry (SINDICERV)
"Regional collaboration strengthens our unified voice in the face of regulatory and tax challenges, allowing us to share best practices in sustainability and responsible consumption. Brazil leads innovation with the exponential growth of 0.0% beers, responding to new consumer trends. Through Cerveceros Latinoamericanos, we are building a more inclusive industry that is prepared for global challenges, generating thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the regional economy".
Marcio Maciel, Presidente Ejecutivo sindicerv.com.br | @SINDICERV
🇨🇱 CHILE - Association of Beer Producers of Chile (ACECHI)
"Regional collaboration has been strategic for Chile, allowing us to contribute solid arguments in key regulations such as the law on labeling and advertising of alcoholic beverages. Through Cerveceros Latinoamericanos we anticipate trends and harmonize visions, sharing comparative evidence to develop modern regulatory frameworks, boosting the competitiveness of the sector with international best practices. "
Ximena Bravo, Gerente General
🇲🇽 MEXICO - National Chamber of the Beer and Malt Industry (Cerveceros de México)
"As the world's 4th largest beer producer, Mexico generates 715 thousand jobs -the best paid in the alcoholic beverage sector- representing 65% of the value added in beverages. Through Cerveceros Latinoamericanos, we are moving towards a more robust integration of our production chains with local inputs and sustainable agricultural practices. In the face of global challenges such as climate change and misinformation, we generate alliances that preserve the balance between economic development, public health and information of value to the consumer".
Karla Siqueiros, Directora General cervecerosdemexico.com | @CervecerosMX
🇵🇪 PERU - Peruvian Chamber of Breweries
"As a young association with two years of trajectory, regional collaboration is fundamental to create the foundations of a solid brewing value chain. Through Cerveceros Latinoamericanos, we have access to the experiences of countries with greater institutional maturity and better regulatory practices. This integration allows us to promote educational programs that address common challenges of Latin American youth, strengthening responsible consumption together with allied sectors such as tourism and gastronomy."
Carla Sifuentes, Gerente General
🇻🇪 VENEZUELA - Venezuelan Chamber of Beer Manufacturers (CAVEFACE)
"Venezuela has a unique beer industry in the region: 100% national production and capital, with more than 80 years of tradition. We generate 12 thousand direct jobs and 300 thousand indirect jobs, serving 90 thousand points of sale throughout the country. Through Cerveceros Latinoamericanos we strengthen our competitiveness, sharing experiences in self-regulation and responsible consumption. Collaboration in the region boosts our exports and sustainable growth: every time a beer is uncorked, we create a country".
Omaira Sayago, Directora Ejecutiva cervecerosdevenezuela.org | @Cervecerosdevenezuela
About Cerveceros Latinoamericanos
Founded in 1945, Cerveceros Latinoamericanos represents and leads the regional brewing industry, uniting its member companies:ABInBev,Cerveceria Ambev Guatemala,Backus,Balashi Brewery,Bavaria,Belize Brewing Company,CCU,Cervecería Hondureña,Cervecería Nacional de Ecuador,Cervecería Nacional de Panamá,Cervecería Nacional Dominicana,Compañía Cervecera de Nicaragua,FIFCO,Grupo Modelo,Heineken,La ConstanciaandCervecería Polar, together with the associations: Cámara de la Agroindustria Cervecera Argentina(Cerveceros Argentinos), Cámara Venezolana de Fabricantes de Cerveza (Cerveceros de Venezuela), Asociación de Productores de Cerveza de Chile(ACECHI), Cámara de la Cerveza y la Malta de México(Cerveceros de México), Sindicato Nacional de la Industria de la Cerveza de Brasil(SINDICERV) and Cámara Cervecera del Perú(CCP), covering 23 countries from Mexico to Argentina and across the Caribbean.
Revitalized in 2024 under the leadership ofTania Elizabeth Ramos Beltranas Executive Director, our united network actively promotes the interests of regional brewers, working to foster collaboration and sustainable growth of an industry that contributes $88.6 billion to regional GDP, generates 3.9 million jobs and contributes $58.8 billion in taxes.
Operating under the CRECE (Regional Brewers: Collaborative and Efficient Strategy) framework, we drive public health, regulatory and sustainability initiatives through our organizational structure that includes the Board of Directors, the Caribbean Brewing Network and "Cerveceros Unidos por Latinoamérica" (Brewers United for Latin America). As an active member of the World Brewers Alliance(WBA), we amplify our impact as we build together a prosperous future for the region's brewers on the global stage.
Sources:
- Economic analysis based on Oxford Economics 2023 study covering 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Belize, Suriname, Venezuela, Guyana, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Guatemala.
- Beer Market Growth and Innovation Data: Euromonitor International - Alcoholic Drinks from trade sources/national statistics, 2024