The Rise of Agave Spirits: Navigating a Tight Market and Exploring Alternatives

Updated at: 8 December 2023

The spirits landscape is ever-changing and evolving, capturing the curiosity of alcohol brands and connoisseurs alike. Agave-based beverages and spirits are one category that have etched their mark on the global stage. With a tight tequila market, there is a stronger demand for alternatives outside of blue agave. Sasma BV is the perfect partner to help you navigate the competitive market with 100% agave spirits.

What are Agave-Based Spirits?

Agave-based spirits are alcoholic beverages distilled from the fermented juice of the agave plant, a succulent native to the arid regions of Mexico. The agave family comprises about 200 species, offering diverse flavors and profiles to explore.

The most well-known spirits produced from the plant include tequila and mezcal. Though the primary ingredients are similar, the production and the types used differ. Tequila is made from blue agave, while mezcal can be made from over 30 types of agave, and is renowned for its unique smoky flavor.

Tequila vs. Agave-Based Beverages

Over the past twenty years, tequila has become incredibly popular, but not all agave spirits can be classified as tequila. To qualify, distillers must meet strict requirements established and enforced by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) or the Consejo Regulador del Tequila.

This certification ensures that the spirit meets stringent quality, production, and origin standards. Only spirits made from blue agave and produced in designated regions of Mexico can earn the tequila label.

Importing and bottling tequila also require mandatory CRT certification. It grants authorization for business operations related to bottling. All 100% proof blue agave tequilas must be bottled within Mexico, while bulk mixtos like gold tequila, silver tequila, and tequila reposado have the flexibility to be bottled outside the country.

The Challenges of the Tequila Market

Despite the remarkable expansion, the tequila market faces challenges from climate change to the rising demand for premium spirits. Farmers and producers fear the impact on the blue agave plant will result in tequila shortages, which impede the growing demand.

With this in mind, more brands want to purchase alternative spirits in bulk to diversify their offerings and avert this crisis. At Sasma we offer 100% agave spirit, a perfect substitute for tequila.

Also offered is a 100% smoked agave spirit, a delightful twist to your traditional mezcal. Mezcal is a close cousin of tequila, with several key differences. It can be made with different types of agave such as different types of agave such as tepeztate, tobalá, tobaziche, arroqueño and espadín. We can supply different types to suit your business needs.

High-End Agave Spirits At Sasma

At Sasma, our supply is ready to bottle and ship, from 1000 litre IBC to 25,000 litre ISO tanks upon request. As the global market continues to embrace the unique taste of agave-based spirits, we offer innovative solutions to diversify the spirits landscape. For all inquiries, reach out to our team.