Tequila Regulatory Council Denounces Additive-Free Labeling, Stirring up Debate With Independent Watchdogs

Tequila Regulatory Council headquarters in Zapopan, Jalisco. (Photo: Consejo Regulador del Tequila)

In a recent email sent to industry insiders, the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) condemned independent additive-free labeling efforts while announcing its own foray into the field.

Tequila additives — classified as either glycerin, oak extract, caramel coloring or sugar-based syrup — have emerged as a hot topic among spirits enthusiasts looking to separate the wheat from the chaff. Raising awareness about the benefits of additive-free spirits, however, has not been spearheaded by the CRT.

“We consider that any scheme offered in the market to ‘certify’, ‘verify’ or ‘confirm’ in any language that a certain trademark is ‘ADDITIVES FREE’ represents an act contrary to good customs and practices and induces error or confusion to the Tequila consumer,” asserted the CRT in its statement.

Though the CRT didn’t mention any third parties by name, context points to Tequila Matchmaker’s Additive-Free Alliance. Initially launched in 2020, the organization sends industry professionals for days-long inspections at distilleries throughout Jalisco. Confirmed additive-free brands earn a shiny green-and-yellow certification.

For many self-professed tequila snobs, Tequila Matchmaker’s additive-free label is the definitive stamp of approval (a feat that only around 30% of brands can boast). The Additive-Free Alliance took its initiative a step further last October, rolling out a literal stamp of approval on select brands including Fortaleza and Cazcanes.

A bottle of Cazanes Extra Anejo featuring an Additive-Free Alliance label on its top left. (Photo: DrinkCazcanes/Facebook)

For the CRT, the issue doesn’t boil down to being “pro-” or “anti-” additives; rather, third-party watchdogs like Tequila Matchmaker represent a more existential threat to its position within the industry.

“The CRT does not want anyone or anything even remotely approaching regulatory or governance activities to get a foothold,” writes tequila educator Jay Baer.

“If you think about it in USA terms, imagine someone said ‘I don’t love how the Environmental Protection Agency handles smokestack regulation. So I’m going to do my own thing and publish lists of smokestack emissions.’ Even if that list was way better than what EPA currently does, EPA itself would – of course – try to squash that initiative.”

As it stands, the CRT has no legal means to prohibit Tequila Matchmaker from independent inspections. Instead, it now appears that the CRT will attempt to conduct its own additive-free verification program, specifics of which are yet undefined.

“The Consejo Regulador del Tequila, A. C. (“CRT”), is the only organization that has the necessary infrastructure to evaluate the conformity of the quality of Tequila […] In this context, the Technical Committee of Certification of the CRT has initiated the corresponding work to define in an interdisciplinary and inclusive manner the appropriate normative parameters for the use of the ‘Additive-Free’ legend,” said the organization.

“PATRÓN® Tequila, endorsed Additive Free by Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT)” (Photo: Patron)

The CRT took its first stab at additive-free labeling in October, rolling out a line of bright gold stamps on Patrón’s core portfolio. Interestingly, Patrón has not been confirmed additive-free by Tequila Matchmaker for several years. More likely than not, a difference in opinion will emerge between what are now two competing additive-free organizations.

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