Another big year for Tequila and Agave products! Tequila is finally getting the respect that it deserves. Tequila drinkers today are definitely more educated and new consumers can enjoy 100% Blue Agave products more readily available throughout the United States.
There are several notable Agave products that hit the shelves in 2006. (definitely worth a look):
Tequila Products
Mezcal Products
Tequila 2006 Statistics and Figures
All stats below are based on a comparison between 2005 and 2006, months January through November.
A new record in Tequila exportation was registered. 131.7 million liters of Tequila were exported in the first eleven months of 2006.
Tequila production in Mexico between January and November increased 15.2% compared to the production in 2005, as noted by the CRT (Consejo Regulador del Tequila) , a regulatory council that regulates the production and authenticity of Tequila products.
Mexico produced 226.9 million liters of Tequila in the first eleven months of 2006, as noted by the CRT.
131.7 million liters of Tequila were imported to the United States compared to 111.8 million liters in 2005. This is a new record and an increase of 17.8%.
Mexico exported 25.5 million liters of 100% Blue Agave Tequila, an increase of 28%.
Other lower quality Tequilas in the international market, made with additives and sugars, reported an increase of 15%.
1000 tons of Agave was consumed in Mexico in 2006, up 12% more than last year.
In addition, the industry produced Tequila above the current demand in preparation for future production.
The goal is to keep a surplus of Tequila to meet future demands, and to secure deals with distilleries and producers so that the new Agaves being planted now do not go to waste in the future.
The CRT is encouraging plantations to register their new Agave crops with the CRT.
To date the CRT has registered 34,000 estates, 360 million plants and 22,000 agave farmers (cultivators), in 161 municipalities of the 181 that conform to the territory protected by the DOT (Denominación de Origen Tequila). Currently there are over 100 active Tequila Distilleries and over 750 Tequila Brands listed with the CRT.
