SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Microbreweries, referred to as designer beer makers in Tijuana, are reporting a 40 percent loss in business since 2023.
“It’s been a struggle since the COVID-19 epidemic began,” said Ximena López, president of the beer industry in Tijuana. “In spite of all the obstacles, brewers from Tijuana continue to win medals on the national and international stage.”
López says it’s been a tough stretch for beer makers in the region with two brewers going out of business since 2023 and with others on the brink of bankruptcy.
She blames the insecurity felt by many potential tourists who are hesitant to visit Tijuana due to its dangerous reputation.
“We find ourselves worried about security, everyday we make a big effort to make our customers feel safe so they come back and recommend us,” said López. “Our neighbors from San Diego have stopped coming for the most part, we have to find ways to get them back.”
According to López, if it wasn’t for the caliber of the beer brewed in Tijuana, they would have all gone out of business a long time ago.
“Thanks to the quality of the local product, we’ve been able to keep most breweries open.”
She is hopeful the summer brings consumers back to artisan beer establishments especially people from north of the border.
“The summer for us is the best season, the warm weather makes people want to consume more beer, after the pandemic years, I believe we’re due for a good season.”
San Diego residents don’t have to travel far for craft beer. The region is home to over 150 breweries, and San Diego has even been called the “Craft Beer Capital of America.
In 2022, 15 San Diego-area breweries won awards at the Great American Beer Festival.
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