Mexican Craft Brewing Buyers Group Solidifies Relationships With U.S. Maltsters

For years, the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) has shown its commitment to the Mexican brewing industry and the U.S. barley growers who provide high-quality malt being used in the brews there. As the craft beer sector in Mexico has grown, so has the Council’s scope of programming to assist those buyers specifically.

Several Mexican craft brewers are back in the U.S. this week to attend BrewExpo America in Las Vegas with the goal of closing on their first shipment of malt barley.

“After several missions, years of education and solving price and logistics constraints, we have gotten one step closer to closing on the first barley malt shipment for Mexico’s craft brewers this week,” said Javier Chavez, USGC senior marketing specialist.

The event offered the opportunity to discuss the potential for the first malt shipment with six malt producers. Additionally, the Council’s full delegation met with seven different malting companies while on-site, further developing relationships for the buying group.

During the 2022/2023 marketing year (MY), Mexico reigned supreme as the top U.S. barley and barley products customer, purchasing 152,242 metric tons (3,314 bushels). The country currently holds on to that title, having purchased 164,341 metric tons (3,578 bushels) between September 2023 and February 2024.

This program, in addition to the Council’s other engagements with Mexico’s craft brewers, is a direct follow-up from a commitment made with Cerveceros de Mexico to contribute to a direct procurement program.