Government Approves Corona Beer Imports, Sparking Local Industry Concerns

The government has greenlighted the importation of 1500 cases of Corona beer, sparking concerns from the country’s biggest brewing company. After months of deliberation, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Supplies Control Unit recently approved a permit for Goliath Investment to import the Mexican beer in 12-ounce bottles. The permit allows for the beer to be sold in the tourism sector and requires them to have “Belize Market” label stickers. The decision was months in the making; nonetheless, it has sparked concerns from Belize’s largest brewing company. In a statement, Bowen and Bowen says the importation may create an opportunity for thousands of illegal contraband cases, leaving Customs unable to differentiate between them. Additionally, the company believes the decision undermines the entire local industry, which has invested heavily in the country and provides jobs for thousands. However, Minister of Agriculture Jose Mai explained today that the company and other local breweries were consulted to ensure the decision had no impact on the local market. 

The company paid just over $175,000 in duties and taxes for the 1,500 cases.