Can you discuss your or your company’s efforts relating to renewability, sustainability, or other environmentally friendly activities?  

At Grupo Modelo, part of AB InBev, our commitment to sustainability is deeply integrated into our business strategy and operations, aligning with our vision to create a future with more cheers – a future where we make a positive, lasting impact in our communities. 

Our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy is central to this vision. We adhere to the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, and since 2018, we have introduced our 2025 sustainability goals.  

These goals are designed to drive environmental and social impact across our entire value chain on a global scale. These include ensuring communities, especially in high-stress areas, have improved water access and quality. In packaging, we commit to 100% returnable or recyclable materials. For climate action, our ambition is for 100% of our electric energy to come from renewable sources and reduce our carbon emissions by 25% along our value chain. In agriculture, we fully support and empower our farmers through training and financial aid. Lastly, our entrepreneurship initiatives drive local economic growth, particularly among owners of mom-and-pop shops, for which beer represents between 30 to 40% of their income according to the National Statistics Institute.  

Our responsibility within the Legal and corporate affairs team is to build lasting partnerships to address challenges. In Mexico, a key market for AB InBev, we have responded to local challenges proactively. For instance, in Mexico City, we addressed a water scarcity crisis by donating three million cubic meters of water from to the city, as well as working with civil organisations on projects to preserve Mexican beaches and coastal lines. Regarding climate action, last year we inaugurated the first charging station for heavy-duty electric vehicles in Mexico to fuel 135 electric vehicles in our fleet, including 55 heavy-duty trucks. 

And to encourage entrepreneurship, we launched a training program for small retailers to improve their business skills, reaching five thousand entrepreneurs nationwide. These actions underscore our commitment to, not just internal sustainability practices, but also to supporting the communities we are part of. 

It can be challenging to measure a company’s track record in environmentally friendly behaviour. What, in your opinion, has mostly been missed in discussions about how green a company is? 

Measuring a company’s environmental impact often focuses narrowly on direct emissions, overlooking the broader picture. A comprehensive assessment should encompass the entire value chain, from raw material sourcing to the product’s end-of-life. This includes not only emissions but also water usage and the social aspects of sustainability, which are frequently underrepresented in discussions about a company’s environmental footprint. 

We understand that achieving these goals is not a solo endeavour but requires collaboration through initiatives. That is why in 2021, Grupo Modelo set an ambitious dream to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040, extended to our entire value chain, including our suppliers. This target is not just about meeting international standards but leading our industry towards a more sustainable future. We invite our entire value chain to join us in this journey, sharing best practices and collaborating to realise this vision. Sustainability is not just a part of our business; it is our business. 

In 2023, Grupo Modelo launched AB-InBev’s global initiative Eclipse 2040 in Mexico, a platform to decarbonise the company’s value chain by 2040 by providing training and tools to help suppliers reduce their carbon emissions in the country.  

We are committed to creating a sustainable, local, natural, and inclusive industry, understanding the challenges ahead but also the significant positive impact we can have on Mexico and its communities.