The Story of Indio Beer and its Success at Vive Latino

Indio beer, originating from Monterrey, has become a cultural icon thanks to its sponsorship of the Vive Latino festival since 2011. With over 130 years of history, this Vienna Lager has evolved and grown in popularity, becoming an important part of festive identity in Mexico.


The Story of Indio Beer and its Success at Vive Latino

In 2015, Indio beer launched Pilsner Plata, a light beer. Since 2011, Indio has become one of the official sponsors of the Ibero-American Musical Culture Festival Vive Latino. Rodrigo Mendoza, brand manager, highlights that Indio has been present at Vive Latino for 14 years, organizing the popular 'Indio Moments' with surprise shows.

Femsa announced that the Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery, owner of Indio, became part of Heineken in 2011. Thus, Grupo Heineken became the owner of the brand, selling it throughout Mexico and exporting it to some cities in the United States. Businesswoman Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, great-granddaughter of the founder of Heineken, is the owner of the brewing group.

Regarding the reason for the name change to Cerveza Indio, it is due to the growing popularity of the brand. Although it was initially known as Cerveza Cuauhtémoc, the public began to refer to it as 'the one from Indio,' leading to the officialization of the name in 1905. The original Indio recipe combines golden malt with notes of toasted caramel, typical of Vienna lagers.

The history of Indio beer dates back to 1893, when it was founded in Monterrey, Nuevo León, by José Calderón Penilla, Isaac Garza Garza, Joseph María Schnaider, and Jose A. Muguerza. Initially launched as Cerveza Cuauhtémoc, it honored the last Aztec emperor, Cuauhtémoc. Guillaume Duverdier, CEO of Grupo Heineken México, oversees Indio's operations.

Indio beer, a dark Vienna Lager, underwent a name change in honor of the tlatoani Cuauhtémoc and has passed through various hands throughout its 132 years of history. Rodrigo Mendoza explains that the tradition of Indio continues to be relevant today, being an iconic brand in the Mexican beer market.