Mexican Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT)

Is the leading institution in charge of representing, promoting, and defending the general interests of the Tequila industry as well as Tequila itself. Founded in 1959, the CNIT is the oldest current institution of the sector to which the companies join freely and voluntarily to work hand in hand for Tequila, Mexico´s gift to the world.

The main objetives of the CNIT are focused on generating agreements and conditions that allow the competitiveness of the sector at national and international levels. Its efforts are focused on the protection and promotion of the Apellation of Origin Tequila (DOT), achieving the development and global positioning of the category and
strengthening its prestige and image.

Manifest of the distilled beverage industry with Geographical Indications in Latin America

Culture, economic and social development sources.

   

Statement:

Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the Chamber of the Tequila Industry and Spirits Canada.

DISCUS, Spirits Canada and CNIT join forces to assess the impacts of tariff increases announced by the United States.

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Joint Statement by the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., the Chamber of the Tequila Industry, and Spirits Canada on Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexico

Our associations are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to explore solutions that prevent potential tariffs on distilled spirits. We are deeply concerned that U.S. tariffs on imported spirits from Canada and Mexico will significantly harm all three countries and lead to a cycle of retaliatory tariffs that negatively impacts our shared industry.
Maintaining fair and reciprocal duty-free access for all distilled spirits is crucial for supporting jobs and shared growth across North America. Our industries have thrived due to the level playing field established across our borders.

The North American spirits sector is highly interconnected. Many companies own brands in all three countries, contributing positively to local economies. Certain spirits, such as Bourbon, Tennessee Whiskey, Tequila and Canadian Whisky, are recognized as distinctive products and can only be produced in their designated countries. Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey can only be made in the U.S., Tequila in Mexico, and Canadian Whisky in Canada. The imposition of a tariff not only negatively impacts trading partners but also harms domestic industries.

Since the 1990s, trade in spirits in North America has been largely tariff-free, resulting in significant growth. U.S.-Canada trade in spirits increased by 147%, while U.S.-Mexico trade surged by 4,080%. This demonstrates how vital our cooperative efforts have been for job creation and economic stability.

However, recently the North American spirits sector is experiencing a slowdown due to the continued impact of COVID and economic factors like inflation. This slowdown will be exacerbated if a cycle of tariffs and matching retaliation begins, and the impact will be felt not just by the distilled spirits industry, but also by consumers and the struggling hospitality sector, which is still recovering from the pandemic.

We urge all parties to engage in constructive dialogue to address these concerns proactively and maintain our shared commitment to a thriving spirits industry across North America.

Tequila is a spirit drink produced from the fermentation and distillation of sugars extracted from the core of the Agave tequilana Weber blue variety. For a spirit drink to be called Tequila, it must be made in the territory protected by the Appellation of Origin and comply with the Official Mexican Standard for Tequila (NOM-006-SCFI-2012).

WHAT IS AGAVE?

The Agave is a native plant of Mexico, there are more than 200 varieties and only one can be used to produce Tequila, Agave tequilana Weber blue variety, which gives our drink its unique organoleptic characteristics.

Characteristics:

High inulin content.

Does not require irrigation.

You can harvest between 2,800-3,000 plants per hectare.

The average weight of an Agave is 25 kg.

Between 6 and 8 kg are required to produce one liter of Tequila 100% Agave at 55% Alc. Vol.

The ripening or aging cycle ranges approximately from 5 to 8 years.

After the efforts made by the Mexican Chamber of the Tequila Industry to achieve the recognition of tequila in Mexico’s Official Calendar, on May 29th, 2018 it was declared the third Saturday of March as National Tequila Day. As a Chamber, given the global presence that our drink has, we promoted the modification of the commemoration date in order to tie the celebration to July 24th, a date positioned as the “International Tequila Day”.

Commemorating this important day, the Tequila Industry carries out knowledge, education, promotion and positioning activities of the tequila category, through various experiences, always promoting responsible drinking.

Tequila can be tasted alone or in various cocktails, as well as being accompanied with food through pairings, as it exalts their flavors and qualities. 

RESPONSIBLE INDUSTRY

The Tequila Industry is committed to the responsibility in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. As an industry, we seek that consumers appreciate and taste Tequila, in terms of quality, not volume, and acquires habits of moderation.

Harmful use of alcoholic beverages is when:

Minors consume it 

Pregnant women consume it

You drink and drive

You consume it in excess

You are under medical treatment or have a
chronic illness

You consume illegal alcohol

CONTACT US

Fill out the following form with your information and we will contact you shortly to provide you with the necessary information.

T. 52 (33) 3121.5021

Calz. Lázaro Cárdenas 3289 5th floor, Chapalita, 44500 Guadalajara, Jal.