Introduction to Chihuahua’s Wine Industry
Chihuahua, a state in Mexico known for its diverse agricultural production, is preparing to host the 2025 World Concours d’Elevage de Bruxelles (Wine Producers’ Competition) on November 17-18. This prestigious event will gather approximately 100 international judges in the state capital, stimulating a series of activities called “El Mes del Vino” (Wine Month) to promote the 53 vineyards and 12 urban wineries in Chihuahua.
Local Wine Production
As of August 21, 126 Chihuahuan wine labels have registered to participate in the competition, highlighting the quality of local production. Julio Chávez Ventura, Director of the Chihuahua Tourism Promotion Trust, expressed his satisfaction with this figure.
Approximately 70% of Chihuahua’s grape production is exported to other states in Mexico, with Casa Madero being a significant client. The remaining 30% is used for local bottle production, a growing segment with an annual growth rate of 2%. This sector aims to improve its price competitiveness against foreign wines, with support from the federal Secretaría de Economía (SE) and the Sistema Producto Vid cluster.
Challenges Faced by Local Producers
Out of the total vineyards, 45 are family-owned businesses, still small but attracting interest from larger corporations. These producers struggle to compete with foreign wines priced at 100 to 150 pesos per bottle. Chávez Ventura acknowledged, “I would like to see more local bottle production in Chihuahua, but I understand that it’s a business, and entrepreneurs need cash flow from grape sales.”
Impact of the World Concours d’Elevage de Bruxelles
The Wine Producers’ Competition serves as a massive promotional platform, equivalent to a 40-million-peso advertising investment, attracting national and international media attention.
Tourism of Meetings in Chihuibahua
Chihuahua’s goal for conferences in 2025 is to reach 500 million pesos in economic impact, a record for the state and a significant leap from the 400 million pesos received in 2024.
At the recent IBTM (International Budget Travel Market) fair in Mexico City, crucial for attracting international events to Chihuahua, the state aims to secure 60 meetings per municipality. This positive balance in the business agenda sets the stage for replicating last year’s success, having closed approximately 25 events from IBTM, already agreed for 2025.
The recent authorization by the Chihuahua governor for a convention center in Ciudad Juárez, along with the soon-to-be-inaugurated center in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, will enhance the state’s infrastructure for large events.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the World Concours d’Elevage de Bruxelles? It’s an international wine producers’ competition that will take place in Chihuahua in 2025, promoting local vineyards and wineries.
- Why is Chihuahua’s wine industry significant? The state produces approximately 70% of its grapes for export to other Mexican states and aims to strengthen its local bottle production segment.
- What challenges does Chihuahua’s wine industry face? Local producers struggle to compete with cheaper foreign wines, and the industry seeks to improve its price competitiveness.
- What is the impact of hosting the World Concours d’Elevage de Bruxelles? The event serves as a massive promotional platform, equivalent to a 40-million-peso advertising investment.
- What are Chihuahua’s goals for tourism of meetings in 2025? The state aims to generate 500 million pesos in economic impact from conferences, a record figure.
