Mérida, Yucatán — The company behind the Tren Maya railway project clarified Monday that it will not produce or sell beer, after reports sparked controversy that the state-run venture was entering the brewing industry.
In a statement, the company said it signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement on June 11 with Cervecería de Yucatán, S.A. de C.V., allowing the Yucatán-based brewery to develop, produce, market and distribute a product called “Cerveza Artesanal Tren Maya” for one year.
The beer may be sold across Mexico, including at Tren Maya stations and aboard the trains, as part of the passenger experience.
The company emphasized that it does not operate any production plants and is not involved in the manufacturing or sale of beer, rejecting claims that the railway project was diversifying into the beverage industry.
According to the statement, the license aims to introduce a thematic product tied to the tourist experience of the route — a practice the company said is common among tourism projects both in Mexico and abroad.
The controversy began after reports emerged about plans to offer craft beer aboard the “Janal” restaurant trains, which are designed to complement journeys with culinary experiences inspired by southeastern Mexican cuisine.
The company also said it is inaccurate to claim that Tren Maya will compete directly with local restaurants or producers, as the restaurant trains have not yet begun commercial operations and their final format is still being defined.
Tourism and restaurant industry leaders in the region have expressed concern about the growing commercial offerings linked to Tren Maya and the potential impact on independent businesses, especially in destinations where the railway project already concentrates hotels, restaurants and other tourist services.
The company reiterated that the license is part of a strategy to strengthen the region’s tourism offerings by involving regional businesses and said it will continue to promote products developed by local suppliers.
