Tequila gains GI approval from the European Union

The European Commission has approved the addition of ‘Tequila’ to its register of geographical indications (GI), giving it the same recognition as EU spirit geographical indications.

Agave piles in distillery waiting for processing, Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico

The GI was adopted on 27 February and entered into force on 20 March.

There are currently 31 geographical indications protected in the EU register originating from third countries (food, wines and spirits included), benefitting from the same protection and market added-value as EU protected products.

Tequila will be the third spirit to join the EU register of GIs as a third country product. The two existing ones are Pisco from Peru and Ron de Guatemala rum.

“We know very well in Europe how the international success of a regional spirit drink can help to create high-quality jobs in rural areas and generate a strong sense of local and national pride,” said Phil Hogan, commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.

“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Mexican colleagues. The addition of Tequila to the EU GI Spirits is the latest step on the EU-Mexico journey of cooperation.”

Made from the blue agave plant, Tequila can only be called such if it is produced in the state of Jalisco in Mexico, home to the city of Tequila.

It is made by distilling the juices extracted from the heart of the blue agave, with the best Tequilas labelled as 100% blue agave.