Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Private Label Tequila

Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Creating Your Own Private Label Tequila! If you’ve ever dreamt of owning your tequila brand, this blog post is your roadmap to turning that dream into a reality.

From understanding the essence of tequila to selecting the perfect manufacturer and designing a standout brand, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.

Get ready to dive into the world of private label tequila and make your mark in this booming industry!

What is Tequila?

Tequila, the iconic Mexican spirit, is a distilled alcoholic beverage made primarily from the blue agave plant. This flavorful drink originates from the town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico, giving it its name and cultural significance.

The tequila production process involves harvesting mature agave plants, cooking their hearts to extract sugars, fermenting the juice, and distilling it to create the final product. Some processes might involve filtration.

The aging period in oak barrels further enhances its unique taste profile. You will come across tequilas aged in American oak, French oak, or a blend, different inventions are happening in the industry.

Types of Tequila:

• Blanco (unaged)
• Reposado (aged 2-12 months)
• Añejo (aged 1-3 years)
• Extra Añejo (aged over 3 years)

Each type offers distinct flavors and complexities that cater to various preferences.

Whether enjoyed neat or mixed into cocktails like Margaritas or Palomas, tequila continues to be a beloved choice among spirits enthusiasts worldwide. Its versatility and rich history make it a staple in bars and homes.

Concept of private label tequila

When it comes to the concept of private label tequila, think about putting your unique stamp on this iconic Mexican spirit. Private labeling allows you to create a brand that reflects your vision and values. You have the opportunity to curate a product tailored to your target audience, setting yourself apart in a competitive market.

By partnering with a reputable tequila manufacturer, you can bring your brand to life without having to invest in costly distillation equipment or infrastructure. This collaboration enables you to focus on branding, marketing, and distribution while leveraging the expertise of experienced producers.

Private label tequila empowers you to control every aspect of your brand – from selecting the type of tequila, and its flavor, bottle design, and cork, label, cardboard boxes, and marketing strategy. It’s an exciting journey that lets you craft a product that speaks volumes about who you are as a brand owner.

Choosing the Right Tequila Manufacturer

Evaluating potential partners for your private label tequila is a crucial step in bringing your brand to life. Look for manufacturers with a proven track record of quality and reliability. Consider their production capacity, location, and ability to meet your specific tequila quality requirements.

Tequila Manufacturer Consideration:

• NOM Registry
• NOM Reputation
• Tequila Brands
• Tequila Kosher Certification
• Organic Tequila Certification
• Tequila Export Registry
• Storage possibility
• Tequila Production Lead Time

At ISEB we have the experience of developing and exporting Tequila from different Tequila brands, we help you build your idea and get preliminary quotations for your project. Taking you closer to the manufacturers is also possible, from calls to visiting the facilities if possible to see firsthand how the tequila is produced.

This will give you valuable insight into their processes and quality control measures. With ISEB you will be talking with a tequila manufacturer that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. A strong partnership will lay the foundation for a successful private label tequila brand that stands out in the market.

Legal procedures and regulations for private label tequila

To create a private label tequila brand, it is essential to comply with the legal procedures and regulations set forth to protect the authenticity and quality of tequila as a product of Mexico. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Regulatory Bodies and Standards:

• Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT): This council authenticates tequila and agave producers that adhere to legislative standards. The CRT ensures compliance with the Official Mexican Standard (NOM), which defines the legal and quality requirements for tequila.
• Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM): The NOM specifies the official standards that must be maintained for any product to be called tequila. The CRT certifies compliance with NOM.
• Designation of Origin of Tequila (DOT): Established in 1974, the DOT protects tequila, ensuring that only tequila produced in specific regions of Mexico using approved methods can legally bear the name “tequila”. These regions include the entire state of Jalisco and select municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.
• Any Quality Certification Body that you want to add to your label (for example Kosher, Organic).
• Any Certification Body from the importing country.

2. Registration and Certification:

• CRT Registration: Register your tequila brand with the CRT to ensure compliance with all requirements. This process can take a couple of months if all requirements are met.
• Certification Process: Tequila must undergo a rigorous certification process, verifying the agave source, monitoring the production process, and testing the final product to ensure it meets the required standards.

3. Labeling Requirements:

• Mandatory Information: The label must contain the word “tequila,” alcohol by volume (ABV), quantity, name and address of the producer or registered business, registered trademark name, and “Made in Mexico,” “Mexican Product,” or “Produced in Mexico”.
• NOM Identifier: Labels must display the NOM identifier to ensure the product’s authenticity and compliance with Mexican regulations.
• Alcohol Content: Tequilas made in Mexico typically have an ABV of 36-40%, and legally must be between 35-50%. For Export to the US, the ABV must be 40%+.
• Additives: Any additional ingredients or flavors must be listed on the label.
• Volume: The volume of the contents in milliliters (e.g., 200, 375, 500, or 750 ml) or liters must be indicated.
• Lot or Batch: Each bottle must be engraved or stamped with the coded certification of the lot or batch to which it belongs.

4. Production Requirements:

• Agave Content: Tequila must be a minimum of 51% agave spirit, with the remainder from cane sugar distillate. Tequila made from 100% agave must be noted on the label.
• Joint Responsibility Agreement: During registration, a joint responsibility agreement must be signed. This document between the producer and distributor ensures quality is maintained and the product label complies with all regulations.
• Production requirements from the importing country.

5. Exporting to the United States:

• Adherence to U.S. Standards: Tequila must meet U.S. standards for alcohol content and be free of prohibited additives, meeting FDA sanitary guidelines.
• TTB Compliance: Importers must obtain a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) from the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), ensuring the label meets federal standards.
• Country of Origin: All tequila exported to the U.S. must include “Hecho en Mexico” or “Made in Mexico” prominently on the label.
• Proper Documentation: Exporters must provide detailed paperwork, including invoices, proof of origin, and certificates of authenticity. Importers need to secure the correct permits, such as the Importer’s Basic Permit from the TTB.

Delivering Your Tequila to Market

ISEB is here to help you navigate the next challenges in Tequila brand creation. To successfully deliver your private label tequila to market, you need a strategic approach:

1. Understanding the Market

• Market Research: Conduct thorough research to identify target demographics, consumer preferences, and market trends. Focus on the growing demand for premium and artisanal tequilas as consumers increasingly seek authentic experiences.
• Segmentation: Recognize the different types of tequila (blanco, reposado, añejo) and their unique consumer bases. Tailor your product offerings based on these insights.

2. Production and Quality Control

• Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to the standards set by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) and ensure that your tequila meets the Official Mexican Standard (NOM) requirements for labeling and production.
• Quality Assurance: Implement strict quality control measures throughout the production process, from cultivation to bottling, to ensure that your product meets consumer expectations.

3. Brand Development

• Unique Branding: Develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Highlight aspects such as craftsmanship, heritage, and unique flavor profiles to differentiate your product in a crowded market.
• Labeling: Ensure that your labels are attractive and comply with legal requirements, including the CRT seal and NOM identifier, which are essential for authenticity in both domestic and international markets.

4. Distribution Strategy

• Distribution Channels: Utilize both on-trade (bars, restaurants) and off-trade (supermarkets, online stores) channels to maximize reach. The rise of e-commerce has made online sales increasingly important for reaching consumers directly.
• Logistics Partnerships: Partner with reliable logistics providers or third-party logistics (3PL) companies to manage warehousing, packaging, and transportation efficiently. This will help ensure timely delivery while maintaining product integrity.

5. Marketing and Promotion

• Social Media: Leverage social media platforms and influencer partnerships to promote your brand. Engaging content that tells the story of your tequila can attract younger consumers who are influenced by social media trends.
• SEO Marketing: SEO is a great option to tailor to niche markets or promising markets.
• Tasting Events: Organize tasting events or collaborate with tequila-centric bars to allow potential customers to experience your product firsthand. This can enhance brand visibility and consumer loyalty.
• Promotional Campaigns: Create innovative marketing campaigns that emphasize the quality and uniqueness of your tequila. Consider seasonal promotions or limited-edition releases to generate excitement around your brand.

6. Monitoring Performance

• Sales Tracking: Regularly monitor sales data across different channels to assess performance and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Consumer Feedback: Collect feedback from consumers to understand their preferences better and refine your product offerings based on their input.

These are the basic points to consider before launching a new tequila brand. ISEB can help you define your tequila brand idea and help you navigate all these challenges with ease.

FAQ | Tequila Production in Mexico