Puebla's mezcal sector expands tenfold as agave planting surges

The area planted with mezcal agave in Puebla has jumped from 3,000 hectares in 2019 to 30,000 hectares in the past seven years – a growth of roughly 1,000%. State authorities report that 600,000 liters of mezcal have already been bottled this year, with a goal of reaching one million liters by year‑end.

The Puebla government has committed 1.2 billion pesos to support the industry, including 50 million pesos for value‑added processes. Today 118 municipalities, including the state capital and Huaquechula, hold the Denomination of Origin for mezcal. The upcoming National Mezcal Meeting (Sept 3‑6) will feature a contest awarding Gran Oro, Oro and Plata distinctions to the best of 80 entries.

Around 60 state‑run nurseries can produce three million agave plants, supplying the needs of approximately 4,000 families who depend on mezcal production. Over 32 agave species are cultivated in the region, with 13 varieties accounting for the bulk of commercial output.