As we rapidly approach the one-year mark of the Trump presidency, it’s hard to argue against him being one of the most controversial heads of state in recorded history. Given his focus on “the wall” and his recent decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, immigration – particularly that from Mexico and across the southern border – is a hot button issue.

In the face of uncertainty, prospective illegal immigrants are being urged to stay in Mexico and become franchisees. AB InBev-subsidiary Grupo Modelo, brewers of Mexican beer brands including Corona and Modelo, are suggesting that these people instead stay in their homeland and open a Modelorama. What is a Modelorama I hear you say?

Modeloramas are a chain of liquor stores selling only AB InBev products and those of their affiliated partners (such as CocaCola). Grupo Modelo typically provide the location, electricity and other general infrastructure, leaving the franchisee (know as an empresario and generally supported by family members) buys the beer from the brewer and sells it on at profit.

Modeloramas are rapidly expanding. There are approximately 8,000 of them in Mexico with around 3 per day being opened. 3. PER. DAY. That’s 900+ this year alone.

Estimates suggest that the cost of being smuggled into the U.S. ranges from about $4,000-$20,000 USD. Conversely, purchasing a Modelorama franchise costs about $5,000.

AB InBev is also focusing on the expanding craft market, opening a number of Modelorama Premium boutiques. These outlets sell craft beers and “premium” brands such as Stella.

This border-related beer suggestion is a fair bit more realistic than the one presented by Brewdog:

The Modelorama model will not make its way to the U.S. due to laws protecting the three-tier system, such as this one.

So There You Have It

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