Mexican Wine Consumption Surges as National Labels Gain Popularity

Mexico is experiencing a significant rise in wine consumption. The local market shows a strong preference for national wines, although challenges remain. The number of Mexicans turning to wine has grown rapidly, viewing it as a sophisticated choice among alcoholic beverages. Mexican wines have achieved notable success in global competitions. For instance, a Mexican white wine won top honors at the 13th Concours Mondiale de Bruxelles, and Don Leo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva was named the best Cabernet in the world at the Concours International Des Cabernets.

Luis Gómez, CEO of Vid Mexicana, a platform specializing in wine sales in Mexico, highlights the privileged position of Mexican wine. This is due to the growth of wineries and efforts to bring these products to more Mexican tables. Approximately 208 million bottles are consumed annually in Mexico. Although only 5% of the population drinks wine, this translates to about 6.5 million consumers, averaging 20 liters per person per year. This is roughly two bottles a month. A decade ago, per capita consumption was 250 milliliters, but it has now increased to 1.2 liters.

At least 16 Mexican states have wine producers, with projects emerging in places like Tlaxcala, Puebla, and Jalisco. Baja California, Guanajuato, Querétaro, and Coahuila lead the industry, followed by Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, and Chihuahua, which are also promoting this business. Some states even receive government support for wine promotion. The industry faces challenges due to limited land for wine production. Currently, 7,000 to 8,500 hectares are used for cultivating wine grapes, which limits production capacity. As a result, unmet demand is fulfilled with imported wines.

Vid Mexicana aims to provide quality information about the wine market. It has become a valuable tool for customers seeking quality wines, breaking down barriers for newcomers to the industry. The platform started from a report in Entrepreneur magazine about Mexican wine. Luis Gómez identified around 1,000 Mexican wine labels available a decade ago, but consumers could only recall a few producers. This led to the creation of an online store and wine club to promote Mexican products. Vid Mexicana connects producers with consumers in a friendly and trustworthy manner, encouraging people to explore the wine world without hesitation.

In a competitive market, Vid Mexicana's goal is to become the go-to source for wine and gourmet products. They aim to be a reference for wine information, selection, and purchase, ensuring optimal delivery conditions. Gómez notes that once consumers discover Vid Mexicana, they enjoy the experience. The platform offers a catalog of over 3,000 wines, including 1,600 Mexican labels from 280 national producers, along with distilled and gourmet products. Vid Mexicana's business model has grown from an online store and wine club to include marketplaces like Amazon, Mercado Libre, and Walmart, as well as traditional channels like consumption centers and direct sales. Their omnichannel presence allows them to reach a wide audience. E-commerce provides access to the wine world, offering limitless business opportunities.