Economist Podcasts Bubbles in the market: Mexico’s Coca-Cola obsession
Dec 22, 2020
In this engaging discussion, Richard Enzor, The Economist's Mexico City Bureau Chief, sheds light on Mexico's deep-rooted Coca-Cola obsession, revealing its impact on health and culture. Meanwhile, Sophie Petter, Paris bureau chief, shares insights from a remote French village, exploring the complex themes of solitude and community during the pandemic. The conversation navigates how Coca-Cola integrates into daily life and contrasts this with the resilience found in rural isolation, offering a thought-provoking look at modern challenges.
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Coca-Cola in San Juan Chamula
- In San Juan Chamula, Coca-Cola is deeply ingrained in daily life and even religious rituals.
- People constantly carry bottles and use Coke in ceremonies to dispel bad spirits.
Mexican Demand for Coca-Cola
- Unlike other countries, Coca-Cola's arrival in Mexico was driven by Mexican businessmen, not American diaspora.
- They saw Coke in American magazines and demanded its introduction to Mexico.
Coca-Cola's Economic Impact
- Coca-Cola's supply chain is vast, employing over a million people and contributing significantly to Mexico's GDP.
- Former Mexican president Vicente Fox even worked for Coca-Cola in his early career.