The Consejo Regulador del Tequila (Tequila Regulatory Council, CRT) marked its 32nd anniversary as the organization responsible for verifying, inspecting and certifying compliance with Mexico’s Official Tequila Standard, while also protecting the Tequila Designation of Origin in Mexico and abroad.
During the anniversary event held in Zapopan, the organization highlighted new strategies focused on technological innovation, international outreach and strengthening the agave-tequila production chain.
The CRT received its certification accreditation from Mexico’s Ministry of Economy on May 17, 1994, following a joint effort between agave growers and tequila producers to establish an independent technical body overseeing standards within the tequila industry.
CRT strengthens protection of the Tequila Designation of Origin
CRT President Aurelio López Rocha said the organization’s core responsibilities continue to include process certification, protection of the Tequila Designation of Origin and ensuring authenticity for consumers in domestic and international markets.
“Since then, the Tequila Regulatory Council has focused on inspecting, analyzing and certifying compliance with the Official Mexican Tequila Standard, while safeguarding the Tequila Designation of Origin in Mexico and internationally,” he said.
The organization brings together agave producers, tequila manufacturers, bottlers, distributors and government authorities, all of whom participate in strategic decision-making through the CRT’s governing board.
Throughout its history, the CRT has been chaired by José Luis González Iñigo, Javier Arroyo Chávez, René Justin Rivial León, Miguel Ángel Domínguez Morales and currently Aurelio López Rocha.
CRT develops digital platform focused on tequila culture
As part of its innovation strategy, the CRT announced work on the DOT 360 application: The World of Tequila in the Palm of Your Hand, a digital platform designed to provide information about the Tequila Designation of Origin, registered brands, distilleries and audiovisual content related to tequila culture.
The application will be available for iOS and Android devices and is expected to receive regular updates with new features and content.
International meetings on geographical indications planned
The CRT also announced several international activities scheduled for late May, including meetings with heads of intellectual property offices from across Latin America, the inauguration of the oriGIn Regional Antenna and a seminar focused on Designations of Origin and Geographical Indications in the region.
The organization stated that collaboration among the different sectors of the agave-tequila industry will remain one of its main strategies for addressing challenges related to production, certification and international positioning.
“The strength of tequila comes from the unity of everyone involved: agave growers, tequila producers, bottlers, distributors, authorities and collaborators,” Aurelio López Rocha said.
The Tequila Regulatory Council reaffirmed its commitment to certification, oversight and promotion of tequila as one of Mexico’s internationally recognized products with designation of origin protection.
