Every year Tequila promises to hit the "big time", but never quite
does, even though production has risen dramatically, from 7.5m nine-litre cases
in 1989, to around 21m nine-litre cases in 1999. However, production levels
are being seriously compromised by an agave crisis, as a shortfall of forward
planting is intensified by the impact of two deadly infections.
Tequila faces further strife before maturing into big time
Wracked by a shortage of agave and the threat of overpricing, Tequila's woes are mounting despite continued sales. But as Ian Wisniewski reports, adversity might finally unlock the category's potential.
December 6, 2000