From Quito to the World: Ecuador’s Beer Excellence

For the second consecutive year, Ecuador celebrates having “the best brewery in America and the second-best in the world,” a testament to Cervecería Nacional’s commitment to quality and innovation.

Nestled in the picturesque valley of Cumbayá in Quito, Cervecería Nacional, Ecuador’s largest brewery, is a monument to the country’s rich brewing heritage and innovative spirit. This year, the brewery once again achieved recognition as the best in America and the second-best globally within the AB InBev group, the world’s largest beer producer. This accolade was awarded after thoroughly analyzing over 300 breweries worldwide, including over 90 in the Americas.

Cervecería Nacional’s Quito Facility Earns ‘World Class’ Status

Cervecería Nacional’s Quito facility scored 927 points, placing it in the ‘World Class’ category, only second to a brewery in Pujiang, China. The evaluation criteria encompassed a range of indicators, including safety, sustainability, innovation, and operational best practices.

The celebration of this distinction was attended by Quito’s mayor, Pabel Muñoz, and representatives from the Ecuadorian government, such as the Deputy Minister of Production and Industries, Fernando Pérez, and the Director of Cooperation and Foreign Relations from the Ministry of Tourism, Christian Norris.

José Luis González, the CEO of Cervecería Nacional, expressed immense pride in this achievement, “This recognition is undoubtedly a significant reason to celebrate and a great source of pride for all Ecuadorians, especially for the city of Quito.”

Quito is considered the cradle of beer in South America, where the first beer in the region was brewed in 1566 by Friar Jodoco Ricke at the historic San Francisco Convent. This deep-rooted history is a cornerstone of the brewery’s identity.

Sustainability Efforts and Global Benchmark

Among the factors that have set Cervecería Nacional’s Quito plant apart as a global benchmark are its sustainability efforts. González highlighted the plant’s achievement in water efficiency, utilizing just 2.3 liters of water to produce one liter of beer, significantly below the global average of 7 liters. The plant has implemented various recycling and water reuse initiatives, where water that cannot be reused is allocated for irrigation and cleaning and supplied to other industries like cement manufacturing.

Looking to the future, González outlined ambitious plans for the brewery to achieve a carbon-neutral footprint by 2040, with strategies including self-generated power through solar panels.

Another significant contribution to the brewery’s acclaim is its ‘Contract Farming’ program, which supports the development of the country’s agricultural sector through technological and financial assistance, boosting farmers’ productivity by 20% to 30%. This initiative aims to use entirely Ecuadorian and locally sourced ingredients for their beers, with potential future exports to supply other factories internationally.

Mayor Pabel Muñoz praised the brewery’s local impact: “It is a pride that what is made in Quito is done well and raises Ecuador’s flag high globally.” He also acknowledged the company’s commitment to job creation and sustainable production.

The Quito plant, which EFE visited during a special tour for journalists, focuses production on Club, the Ecuadorian brand whose premium version has won numerous international awards and inspired the motto ‘Taste of a job well done.’

Embracing Ecuadorian Work Ethos

José Pérez-Vargas, Vice President of Marketing at Cervecería Nacional, reflected on the cultural characteristics that define Ecuadorians’ approach to their work. “Ecuadorians are known for their desire to grow, innovate, and work hard to achieve their goals. However, in recent years, there has been a shift in finding a balance between enjoying work and personal life,” he noted.

“The ‘Taste of a job well done’ is about delighting in the process of doing things right. Being the second-best brewery globally and having the country’s most-awarded beer are just the results of enjoying our daily work,” Pérez-Vargas concluded, underscoring the company’s role as a major employer with over 2,000 staff.

Also read: Ecuador Faces Energy Crisis and Suspends Workdays

Cervecería Nacional’s recognition on the global stage is a celebration of its achievements and a beacon of Ecuador’s potential in the worldwide marketplace, demonstrating how traditional practices can blend with modern innovations to craft products that compete with the best in the world.