A RISE IN COUNTERFEITING THREATENS TEQUILA PRODUCERS

In an interesting article in The Arizona Republic, Mexican tequila makers say they are battle a surge of knockoffs as tequila’s popularity continues to rise. Under the Lisbon Agreement, only tequilas made from blue agave in certain regions of Mexico are the real thing, but producers worry that cheap imposters may deteriorate the spirit’s image. The U.S. has not signed the treaty but protects the tequila name under the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. In return, Mexico recognizes bourbon and Tennessee whiskey as American spirits.

In September, the Mexican Justice Department seized more than 23,000 gallons of fake tequila in Jalisco state alone. The Mexican Consumer Protection department has banned 41 brands of counterfeit tequila. In addition, the tequila council has hired detectives and lawyers to help combat counterfeiters.

To read the story in entirety, click here.