Heat and Drought Are Good and Bad for Mexico’s Beer Industry

It’s a paradox: The heat wave that has hit Mexico in the past few weeks has been a great boon for the country’s beverage industry, particularly beer producers, as thirsty consumers seek solace from record temperatures. At the same time, the near-drought conditions present a huge challenge to Mexico’s beverage industry, as water supplies become increasingly scarce.

All 32 Mexican states registered temperatures of at least 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) this week, with nine expected to exceed 45 Celsius (113F), the country’s weather service said. The heat wave is aggravating recurrent water shortages, with Mexico receiving 30% less rain so far this year and almost two-thirds of its reservoirs less than half full, according to the National Water Commission.