Background and Relevance
Mezcal, a traditional Mexican spirit, holds significant cultural importance in Puebla. With 116 municipalities included in its Denomination of Origin (DO), Puebla is second only to Oaxaca in the number of municipalities where mezcal is produced. The state boasts 16 cooperatives and over 100 registered brands, demonstrating the growing interest in this artisanal beverage.
Current Production and Future Goals
Currently, Puebla produces around 500,000 liters of mezcal annually. However, with its vast potential and 116 municipios under the DO, the state aims to double this production to one million liters by 2026. This ambitious goal is supported by an investment of 110 million pesos this year, allocated for agave plantations, technological advancements, and cooperative development.
Impact of Technological Advancements
The technological advancement in mezcal production has enabled Puebla’s producers to venture into both local and international markets. Currently, 35 brands are exported to countries like the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Japan, generating over 1.1 billion pesos annually from 500,000 liters of mezcal. Of these, 90,000 liters are exported.
Support for Farmers
The state government, through programs like Sembrando Vida, offers monthly support of approximately 6,000 pesos per family to invest in their mezcal projects. This support, combined with continuous training from engineers and social technicians, has led to increased production and quality, revitalizing local traditions and creating jobs in rural areas.
Investment Details
The 110 million pesos investment will be directed towards new plantations, nurseries, certifications, and other initiatives aimed at boosting the agave mezcalero. The state intends to increase this investment in the following year to further support the growth of the mezcal industry.
Comparison with Traditional Crops
Altamirano Pérez highlighted the financial benefits of transitioning from traditional crops like maize to mezcal production. While a farmer might earn 27,000 pesos from two tons of maize over five years, the same land could yield up to a million pesos through mezcal production.
Recent Investments and Future Plans
In 2022, an unprecedented investment of 400 million pesos was made to plant 30 million agaves across 104 municipios in the Mixteca region, aiming to reach 500,000 liters by 2023. This year’s investment is lower due to the existing infrastructure, making the transition easier for farmers.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current mezcal production in Puebla? Puebla currently produces around 500,000 liters of mezcal annually.
- What are Puebla’s future production goals? Puebla aims to double its mezcal production to one million liters by 2026.
- How much is invested in mezcal production this year? 110 million pesos have been allocated for agave plantations, technological advancements, and cooperative development.
- Why is mezcal production significant for Puebla’s farmers? Transitioning from traditional crops like maize to mezcal production can yield up to a million pesos per year, significantly increasing farmers’ income.
- What support does the state offer to mezcal producers? The state offers monthly financial support, continuous training from engineers and social technicians, and programs like Sembrando Vida to aid mezcal producers.
