On December 9, 1974, the official declaration of the Tequila Appellation of Origin (AOT) was published in the Federal Official Gazette.
Zapopan, Jalisco, December 9, 2024.- Five decades have passed since the recognition of the first Appellation of Origin of Mexico, Tequila, it was on December 9, 1974, that its general declaration was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. The recognition of the Tequila Appellation of Origin (AOT) was a pivotal moment, propelling the Mexican drink onto the international stage. In its early years, particularly during the 1970s, Tequila accompanied the growth of Mexico as a nation. The 1980s witnessed the economic restructuring of the country, while the tequila agroindustry experienced significant consolidation. In subsequent decades, Tequila witnessed continuous innovation. The 1990s saw the emergence of new production techniques and a strong emphasis on diversification within the agribusiness sector. In the 2000s, the wave of modernization sweeping across Mexican society propelled Tequila into a new era of international expansion.
The Tequila Regulatory Council has played a pivotal role in this journey. Since its inception, the Council’s work in inspecting, analyzing, and certifying Tequila has been instrumental in ensuring its quality and protecting its origin. The continuous monitoring of the Appellation of Origin and its products worldwide has been fundamental to safeguarding the legacy of this iconic spirit.
Each year, the tequila agroindustry faces new challenges. However, through collaborative efforts across the entire Agave-Tequila Productive Chain, including Agave producers, Tequila producers, bottlers, and marketers, the industry has consistently overcome these obstacles. This unity has been crucial for maintaining stability and driving growth.
Tequila is more than just a product; it is a unifying force for Mexicans, celebrated during joyous occasions and offering solace during challenging times. Tequila connects us as a nation, reflecting our history, culture, and identity. Over the past 50 years, Tequila has evolved into far more than just a beverage.
Looking to the future, the tequila agribusiness moves forward with optimism, working together to ensure that the next 50 years of this Appellation of Origin continue to be a story of success, growth and unity.
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In 1974, Tequila production was 53 million liters and 23 million liters were exported. In the last year, Tequila production was 599 million liters and 399 million liters were exported.
Currently, the Appellation of Origin Tequila is protected in 57 countries under intellectual property.
