• RECORD: Mexico’s tequila production set a new annual record of 351 million liters in 2019 due to growing exports to the US and strong domestic demand, according to Mexico’s Regulatory Tequila Council (CRT). The 2019 figure is higher than the previous 2008 record of 312 million liters.
• EXPORTS: One of the fastest-growing spirit categories, tequila exports to the US posted 11% annual growth from 183 million liters in 2018 up to 204 million in 2019. More than 83% of tequila exports go to the US market. Germany is a distant second destination.
• PROSPECTS: “In 2019 China lifted the last non-tariff barrier for tequila thereby allowing all categories and classes of tequila to enter that country without any restrictions”, said the council which previously had said it expects exports to China to double from 200,000 liters a year.
• BRANDS: According to a new survey of 106 high-end bars published by Drinks International magazine, the most recognized brands of tequila around are Don Julio (Diageo), Patrón (Bacardí), Olmeca Altos (Pernord Ricard), José Cuervo (Próximo) and Ocho (Young’s).
