Asociación Mujeres del Tequila
Haz clic aquí para leer esto en español
Historically, the tequila industry has been dominated by men; however, women have now taken center stage. An example of this is the work carried out by the Asociación Mujeres del Tequila (Women of Tequila Association), chaired by Silvia Martínez Pérez, a pharmacobiologist who graduated from the University of Guadalajara, as well as being a teacher, businesswoman, and founder of the Colegio Internacional de Técnicos y Maestros Tequileros A.C. (International College of Tequila Technicians and Masters).
Alfredo Espinola, el Restaurante’s representative in Mexico City, had the honor of speaking with Pérez in April.
Silvia Martínez Pérez
Silvia, how did the Tequila Women's Association come about?
Although the Association was officially launched in September 2021, its origins date back to 2020, when we began a search within the tequila industry in Guadalajara to identify women active throughout the agave and tequila production chain.
What we found was revealing: women working in everything from the fields to distillation, as well as leading manufacturing processes, and they were not visible.
What is the objective of the Women in Tequila Association?
The Association's objective is clear: to give visibility, support, and training to women already participating in this sector. Currently, of the 194 registered tequila companies, 140 are micro-enterprises and 18 of them are run by women, who have a voice and vote within the Tequila Regulatory Council.
The Association has a clear mission: training and empowerment. The road has not been easy, there are still those who see this industry as an exclusive space for men; however, the constant training of the association's members has allowed them to be increasingly valued, gaining positions in key areas of the sector.
What points in the tequila production chain does the Tequila Women's Association focus on?
The Association has comprehensive representation throughout the agave and tequila production chain. One of the strengths of this organization is its diversity, including the participation of women in field work, distillation, manufacturing, supply, distribution, sales, and professionals dedicated to promoting the product.
Our motto is “Training and Empowerment,” and under this banner we have managed to consolidate a professional body that today has three certified tequila masters with more than 500 hours of legally endorsed training.
The pillars that guide the Association's work are empathy, loyalty, respect, honesty, and responsibility.
How has the Women of Tequila Association helped to showcase tequila to the world?
The Association works actively on international expansion and promotion, seeking to open distribution channels both in Mexico and abroad through agreements with various national and international exhibitions with the aim of positioning and recognizing the quality of tequila made by women.
In certain international competitions where spirits are judged, I believe there is a lack of preparation, which is why we sometimes do not participate in these events. There is a need for more training for those who judge.
Tequila represents more than a drink. It is history itself, it is carrying a little bit of your roots in every glass.
Don't miss a thing! Subscribe to el Restaurante's digital publications for free by clicking here.