Who owns Dos Equis? The beer brand is owned by the Dutch brewing company Heineken International. Heineken acquired this brand when they purchased the Mexican brewing company, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, in 2010. Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma had previously owned and produced Dos Equis, which was first brewed in 1897. Therefore, Heineken International, as the parent company, holds ownership over Dos Equis.
Company History
Dos Equis, a popular Mexican beer, was first brewed by a German brewer named Wilhelm Hasse in 1897. He founded the Moctezuma Brewery, Cervecería Moctezuma, in Veracruz, Mexico, which started the production of Dos Equis. The name “Dos Equis” means “two x’s” in Spanish, and it is represented by the two red Roman numerals “XX” in its logo. The beer was initially called “Siglo XX” to commemorate the upcoming 20th century. Over the years, the ownership of Dos Equis has changed as a result of various mergers and acquisitions.
1. Heineken Group:
In 1985, the Dutch brewing company Heineken acquired a minority stake in Moctezuma Brewery. As the years went by, Heineken increased its share in the company, which eventually led to its full acquisition. In 2010, Heineken took over the Mexican beer operations of FEMSA, the parent company of Moctezuma Brewery, and as a result, Dos Equis came under the control of the Heineken Group.
2. Fomento Economico Mexicano (FEMSA):
Before Heineken took over Moctezuma Brewery, the brewery was a part of FEMSA, a Mexican multinational beverage and retail corporation. FEMSA was involved in various acquisitions and partnerships, including Cervecería Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma, which became the second-largest brewery in Mexico. Cervecería Moctezuma and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc were merged in 1985, creating a combined brewing operation and renaming it Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma. This entity was responsible for producing and distributing Dos Equis until Heineken took over.
Today, Dos Equis is owned and managed by Heineken Group, one of the largest and most recognized beer brands globally. Heineken continues to grow its brand and expand its market presence to various countries while maintaining its Mexican heritage.
Who was the original founder?
Dos Equis was originally founded by a German brewer named Wilhelm Hasse in 1897. Wilhelm Hasse was born in 1846 in Lübbenau, Germany. He started his career in the brewing industry working at different beer companies in Europe, including one in Belgium and another in his native Germany.
In the early 1890s, Wilhelm Hasse moved to Mexico, where he saw an opportunity to bring German brewing techniques and styles to the country. In 1894, he established the Moctezuma Brewery in Monterrey and started to produce a Vienna-style lager called “Siglo XX” to celebrate the coming 20th century. This beer later became known as Dos Equis, which is Spanish for “Two Xs.”Initially, the Moctezuma Brewery faced challenges due to the lack of modern infrastructure and difficulty in sourcing quality ingredients.
However, Hasse’s determination paid off, as his brewery’s success grew with time. Today, Dos Equis is one of Mexico’s most popular beers and is recognized around the world. The Moctezuma Brewery has gone through multiple ownership changes over the years.
It merged with Cervecería Cuauhtémoc in 1985 and later became a part of FEMSA, the largest beverage company in Mexico. In 2010, Heineken International acquired the beer operations of FEMSA, making Heineken the current owner of the Dos Equis brand.
A Blend of Heritage and Global Reach
Dos Equis stands as a symbol of cultural fusion, blending German brewing traditions with Mexican flavors. Wilhelm Hasse, a German brewer, brought his expertise to Mexico, creating a beer that resonates with local and global audiences alike. Heineken’s acquisition has expanded Dos Equis’ reach while preserving its rich heritage.
Today, Dos Equis competes globally, combining its storied past with modern branding strategies. The brand’s evolution showcases the power of cross-cultural innovation in shaping a globally beloved product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the owner of Dos Equis?
Dos Equis is owned by Heineken International, a Dutch brewing company that operates more than 165 breweries worldwide.
When was Dos Equis founded?
Dos Equis was founded in 1897 by Wilhelm Hasse, a German brewer who moved to Mexico and established a brewery.
What does “Dos Equis” mean?
“Dos Equis” means “Two Xs” in Spanish. The name is derived from the original name, “Siglo XX” (20th Century) – the two Xs representing the number 20 in Roman numerals.
What is Dos Equis known for?
Dos Equis is primarily known for its two flagship beers, Dos Equis Lager Especial and Dos Equis Ambar, which are both popular Mexican-style lager beers.
What was the famous Dos Equis advertising campaign?
The famous Dos Equis advertising campaign, “The Most Interesting Man in the World,” was launched in 2006. It featured Jonathan Goldsmith as the titular character alongside the tagline “Stay thirsty, my friends.”
