Tequila has seen remarkable growth, built on great US demand. It has transitioned from a traditional Mexican spirit to a growing global phenomenon. From cocktails like the much-loved Margarita and The Paloma to neat consumption of oak barrel-aged tequilas such as Añejo. From celebrities jumping on the bandwagon with countless tequila brands to more refined, thoughtful and sustainable approaches. IWSR data suggests this versatile spirit is showing potential with growth in Asia/Pacific and Africa/Middle East, as well as other markets such as the UK and Australia shifting their perspectives from a low-quality shot to a premium spirit.
When sourcing in bulk to create a tequila brand or an RTD, ensuring the reliability and quality of supply is essential. It is worth noting that Mexico does not export 100% Agave Tequila in bulk, and only Mixto is legally permitted for bulk export. Mixto must be legally produced from a fermentation substrate or ‘must’ containing no less than 51% blue agave sugars and a maximum of 49% non-agave sugars, the most common of which are cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.
At Ethimex, we understand the intricacies of securing high-quality bulk tequila.
Challenges in sourcing quality bulk tequila:
Import regulations
Import regulations are high on the list of challenges for sourcing bulk tequila. As with any other spirit, tequila is subject to specific import requirements, including licensing, taxes, and excise duties. Working through these complex rules and ensuring your product complies with them can consume a lot of time and be very costly. The cost of shipping can be a significant barrier, especially for smaller quantities (anything less than 20,000 litres), where freight expenses become particularly high.
Certifications
Ensuring the quality of bulk tequila is another factor to keep in mind. Tequila is produced according to stringent standards set by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) in Mexico. This private, non-profit organisation certifies production, bottling, and labelling in accordance with the Official Mexico Standard of Tequila or Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM). Even bulk exports destined for bottling in the country of consumption requires the bottler to be certified by the CRT. The CRT aims to promote and protect the location, climate and cultural traditions of a specific, delimited geographical area within Mexico. On the Mexican side, trying to navigate the CRT can be a minefield when trying to source directly.
Different Classifications of Tequila
Not all tequila is created equal and there is a lot of word play that confuses buyers. To simplify things – here are some definitions to ensure you are getting what you pay for.
100% Agave: Top of the line high-quality tequila known for its pure, authentic agave flavor. This must be made exclusively from Blue Weber Agave sugars – with no additional sugars added prior to fermentation. 100% agave tequila is produced, bottled and labeled in Mexico under the strict CRT regulations.
Mixto: Translates directly to ‘mixed’ and is industry shorthand which can’t appear on the end-label. A type of tequila that contains at least 51% Blue Weber Agave sugars, with the remaining 49% coming from other sugar sources (e.g., cane sugar or corn syrup). It may contain additives like flavoring or coloring. Mixtos are simply labelled as ‘tequila’ so if the label does not specify ‘100% agave’ – it’s a mixto.
Agave Spirit: Bulk “agave spirit” is not legally tequila, so beware! But it is a broad catch-all category fraught with ambiguous, non-standardised grade descriptions, sometimes intentionally misleading. In some cases, ‘agave spirit’ can denote a product technically identical to tequila (either 100% agave or mixto) but which simply lacks the paperwork required to legally use the denomination “tequila” on the final label. In other cases, the term ‘agave spirit’ (or ‘destilado de agave’ in Spanish) can cover a whole range of inferior products including spirit blends where, for example, ‘tequila’ has been diluted down with pure ethyl alcohol, resulting in a far more neutral profile with a very weak agave flavour. While this is not illegal (so long as the name ‘tequila’ is not used), it is underhand at best, if the producer or wholesaler does not declare the true composition. Sometimes these weak blends with pure ethyl alcohol are even described as “100% Agave Spirit”, a term which is intended to mislead the bulk buyer: this really means the product is “entirely agave spirit (blend or mixto)” as opposed to “produced entirely from agave (100% agave)”.
Partnering with a reputable supplier
Building a relationship with a reliable supplier who can consistently provide quality bulk tequila can also be challenging. Research, due diligence, and trial runs to guarantee the quality and consistency of product are unavoidable. The right supplier should have a proven track record in delivering tequila with a stable taste profile, aroma, and overall quality across large volumes. However, this is no easy feat. Tequila production depends on the availability of Blue Weber Agave, a plant that takes 6-8 years to mature before it can be harvested. Due to its long growth cycle, aligning supply with fluctuating market demand presents a significant challenge. On top of that, supply shortages can cause price volatility, adding complexity to the sourcing process. A reliable supplier with a broad network and deep industry expertise can help mitigate these risks, ensuring a steady supply while maintaining product integrity. It is also vital that the supplier has both the experience and established network to be able to navigate CRT and the Mexican ministry bureaucracy on the bottler’s behalf.
Final words on the challenges of sourcing bulk tequila
To recap, bulk tequila can only be imported as Mixto. Sourcing bulk tequila poses a unique set of challenges, from export controls (CRT), import regulations, quality control concerns, supplier reliability, to cost considerations. By understanding and addressing these challenges, businesses can enhance their chances of successfully sourcing premium tequila to meet demands.
At Ethimex, we leverage our network with local producers and industry expertise to source premium bulk tequila that meets the highest quality and compliance standards. With strong relationships in Mexico and an experienced logistics team, we help clients navigate the challenges of sourcing tequila (and agave spirit) efficiently and reliably.
Whether you’re looking to develop a new tequila brand, expand your portfolio, or secure a steady supply, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to discuss your bulk tequila requirements.
