Jalisco, Mexico
How is it produced?
By fermenting and distilling the heart of the blue agave plant
Describe the supply chain to the store shelf in Canada:
The agave plants are harvested in fields of the Jalisco region. It is then fermented and distilled in Tequila barrels in the same region. Then the liquid is transported to factories for bottling before the bottles are shipped to Canada. Along the way it also has to pass through customs.
What is the power balance between the producer and seller?
Globalization has shifted the power balance to the seller. With many more producers competing the seller is able to be more selective in choosing which products to sell. However, Geographic Indications protect the authenticity of tequila.
Can you recommend changes to the system to improve the balance?
I think the balance is currently where it should be.
References/Resources:
https://www.cnbc.com/2015/07/24/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-tequila-commentary.html
https://www.crt.org.mx/index.php/en/
https://global.cuervo.com/cuervo-stories/agave-straws/
https://www.casasauza.com/en/tequila-process/usmca-effects-on-exportation-tequila