Dos Equis, a renowned Mexican beer brand, is under the ownership of Heineken International, a global brewing leader. This transition of ownership came about when Heineken acquired the Mexican brewery Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, the original producer of Dos Equis, in 2010. The brand, which first came into existence in 1897, has since become a staple in the beer industry under Heineken’s stewardship.
Dos Equis is a popular Mexican beer brand known for its Lager Especial and Ambar varieties, owned by Heineken International.
The Genesis of Dos Equis
Originating from the visionary brewing techniques of German brewer Wilhelm Hasse, Dos Equis was first introduced in 1897. Hasse, who moved to Mexico in the 1890s, established the Moctezuma Brewery in Veracruz and launched Dos Equis (Spanish for “two x’s”) to mark the approaching 20th century. This beer has seen its ownership evolve through a series of mergers and acquisitions, leading to its current proprietorship by Heineken International.
Ownership Evolution
Heineken’s journey with Dos Equis began in 1985 when it acquired a minority stake in Moctezuma Brewery, gradually increasing its ownership until it fully acquired the brewery’s parent company, FEMSA, in 2010. Prior to Heineken’s total acquisition, FEMSA, a prominent Mexican multinational beverage and retail company, merged Cervecería Moctezuma and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc in 1985, thereby consolidating their beer production under Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, which included Dos Equis among its key brands.
Heineken and Dos Equis Today
Under the aegis of Heineken Group, Dos Equis has flourished, becoming a globally recognized beer brand. Heineken’s stewardship has not only expanded Dos Equis’ market presence worldwide but also preserved its rich Mexican heritage, continuing to win over beer aficionados everywhere.
The Architect behind Dos Equis
Wilhelm Hasse, born in 1846 in Germany, is credited with founding Dos Equis. His vision brought German brewing excellence to Mexico, culminating in the establishment of Moctezuma Brewery in Monterrey and the creation of Dos Equis, a beer initially known as “Siglo XX” to celebrate the forthcoming century. Despite initial challenges, Hasse’s resilience ensured the brewery’s success, laying the groundwork for Dos Equis’ enduring legacy.
Read more here.
