The European Commission has approved the inclusion of the Mexican Tequila in the EU Register of Protected Geographical Indications (PGI). Adopted on February 27, recognition at the EU level took effect March 20, 2019.

Phil Hogan, Commissar for Agriculture and Rural Development, said that “Tequila is Mexico’s most emblematic alcoholic beverage, and it is an important part of Mexican cultural identity. In Europe, we know very well how the international success of a regional liquor can help create quality jobs in the countryside and create a strong sense of local and national pride. I want to heartily congratulate our Mexican colleagues. The addition of tequila to the EU’s spirits is another step towards EU-Mexico cooperation. ”

Tequila is obtained by distillation of juices extracted from the core of blue agave, which can be enriched and mixed with other sugars. The source of raw materials used to make the beverage and process it is located in several regions in the center and west of Mexico, including the actual city of Tequila in the state of Jalisco.

Currently, the EU registry protects 31 geographical indications originating from third countries (including food, wine and spirits) that enjoy the same protection and added value in the market as EU-protected products. Tequila will be the third alcoholic beverage to join the European Union's Geographical Indications Register as a third country product. Two existing ones are Pisco from Peru and Ron de Guatemala.