Tamaulipas is one of the 12 states with a designation of origin (DOC) for mezcal production, and is home to 11 municipalities with this permit. Furthermore, 94% of the mezcal produced in the state is exported to countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
There is a strategy to increase the presence of Tamaulipas mezcal among Mexican consumers. To this end, the Secretariat of Rural Development, Fisheries, and Aquaculture of the Government of Tamaulipas is promoting this beverage in the state of Puebla.
Celene Ramírez García, Director of Forestry Development, participated in a strategic mezcal exchange in the city of Puebla, as part of efforts to strengthen the production and marketing of this important artisanal product in various regions of the country.
How much mezcal does Tamaulipas produce?
Based on data reported by the Mexican Council for the Regulation of Mezcal Quality, A.C. (COMERCAM), in 2023, 29,375.17 liters were produced from 15 agave species, of which 1,899.37 liters were for domestic bottling and 18,791.20 liters were exported. That is, only 6% of what is generated is sold in the domestic market, and 94% is sold for export.
During a working visit, the official highlighted that mezcal production in Tamaulipas dates back to the 18th century. “Tamaulipas mezcal has had a designation of origin since 2003, in 11 municipalities in the territory, in two regions: the Sierra de San Carlos and the Altiplano.”
She added that the agave species grow wild, where there is a high degree of intermixing between magueys, rigging, and lechuguillas.
“With this strategic exchange, the State Government seeks to enhance the production of Tamaulipas mezcal, which is of excellent quality, and to seek better conditions for the producers involved in this activity.”
After the meeting, field tours were conducted to visit nurseries where different species of agave are produced, palenques (the places where mezcal is produced), and bottling plants of small and medium-sized producers. The tour focused on listening to their opinions on their main challenges and current situation.
During the tours, they visited the municipality of Tzicatlacoyan to learn about the Pocholo mezcal factory. They then traveled to Huehuetlán El Grande, where they learned about the Orgullo Poblano mezcal production system.
On the second day, they visited the BioCitla factory in San Martín Totoltepec, where information was presented on mezcal production in Tamaulipas, using a different typology. They also agreed to later exchange experiences between mezcal masters from Puebla and Tamaulipas.
The meeting was attended by Ana Laura Altamirano Pérez, Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development for the Government of Puebla; Julio Rosette, advisor and expert on the Puebla Mezcal Strategy; and staff from the Tamaulipas Ministry of Economy.
Source: oem
