In 1846, the prominent ship-builder Joseph Cunard constructed two ships specifically for the transport of goods between Liverpool and Veracruz, a voyage of about six weeks. These ships were named the "Rafael" and the "Beraza", after Rafael Beraza, who spent many years in the service of the British Legation to México, as special courier.

One hundred and seventy five years ago, the trading company Watson Phillips was founded. This astonishing record of longevity and continuity places this business, basically importers, exporters and manufacturers, as the oldest commercial firm in México.