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The Women of Casa Maestri: Driving Premium Tequila Excellence

Photo for: The Women of Casa Maestri: Driving Premium Tequila Excellence

The Heart of Casa Maestri: Excellence in Tequila, Sustainability, and Women Empowerment

13/09/2024

Casa Maestri is celebrated for its premium tequilas for its brands and the bespoke creations it crafts for clients. A women-owned distillery with an impressive 80% female workforce, it has earned a strong foothold in the global spirits market. Known for its premium tequila, the company has won numerous prestigious awards and expanded its reach to over 20 countries. Committed to quality, sustainability, and distinctive branding, Casa Maestri continues to push boundaries. From celebrations like Tequila Town's Day of the Dead Festival to supporting a women-majority workforce the distillery's dedication to giving back to the community remains steadfast.

The Power of In-House Brands

Casa Maestri’s focus on creating distinctive in-house brands has been a key component of its growth strategy. The distillery is committed to crafting not just high-quality tequila, but also unique and visually appealing packaging. "We strive to create brands that not only offer high-quality liquid but also have a visual appeal distinct from what's currently on the shelf," says Jose Villanueva, VP of Sales at Casa Maestri. The distillery’s ceramic bottles, for example, stand out with their artistry and craftsmanship, showcasing the brand’s ability to produce everything from standard bottles to intricate vessels in various shapes and sizes. These attention-grabbing designs have helped Casa Maestri’s products gain recognition in markets worldwide.

Global Expansion: New Horizons in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia

Casa Maestri’s reach extends across more than 20 countries, with its tequilas finding a home in some of the world’s most diverse markets. Now, the company is expanding into new territories in Africa and the Middle East, recognizing the growing potential for agave-based spirits in these regions. Southeast Asia is also on their radar for growth. "What sells well in the U.S. might be entirely different in Thailand," Jose explains, emphasizing the importance of tailoring products to each market's unique preferences. With tequilas in all categories, Casa Maestri is well-positioned to meet the needs of a global customer base.

Casa Maestri at IBWSS US 2024

Image: Casa Maestri exhibiting at the IBWSS US 2024.

Contract Manufacturing Excellence

A major player in the contract manufacturing space, Casa Maestri produces award-winning tequilas for over 128 brands. The distillery’s versatility and commitment to customization set it apart in this highly competitive industry. "We excel at ensuring each customer's tequila profile is as unique as they desire," says Villanueva. Casa Maestri’s ability to tailor every aspect of the tequila-making process—from cooking methods and aging times to barrel types and liquid varieties—allows them to create one-of-a-kind profiles for each client. This level of personalization is made possible by the expertise of their master distillers, Agustin Sanchez and Citlali Ovalle, whose dedication ensures consistency and quality across the board.

Casa Maestri’s manufacturing and packaging space.

Image: Casa Maestri’s manufacturing and packaging space.

Navigating a Saturated Market and Emerging Trends

The U.S. market for tequila has become increasingly saturated, with countless brands competing for attention. Despite this, consumer interest in agave spirits remains strong, with growing demand for mezcal, sotol, and flavored tequilas. Casa Maestri is keenly aware of these trends and sees significant potential in Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages featuring agave-based liquids. Flavored tequilas and agave wines are also gaining popularity as consumers look for new and exciting ways to enjoy their favorite spirits.

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Sustainability at the Forefront

Casa Maestri is committed to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into every stage of production. "All the agave fibers from our production are recycled and sent to a company that transforms them into various products such as clothes, paper, and other household goods," Villanueva shares. The distillery also uses recycled glass whenever possible and ensures that all cardboard waste is recycled. This dedication to sustainability is part of Casa Maestri’s broader mission to protect the environment and support the local community in Tequila, Mexico.

Empowering Women in the Tequila Industry

As a women-owned distillery with over 80% of its workforce being women, Casa Maestri is leading the way in creating opportunities for women in the traditionally male-dominated tequila industry. The company is now certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), further solidifying its commitment to female empowerment. "Women bring a meticulous approach to tequila-making and are dedicated workers," Villanueva notes. This emphasis on female leadership has fostered a warm and welcoming culture at the distillery, with many customers pleasantly surprised to learn about the talented team behind Casa Maestri’s award-winning spirits.

Casa Maestri’s Majority Female Workforce

Image: Casa Maestri’s Majority Female Workforce

Awards and Accolades: A Testament to Excellence

Over the years, Casa Maestri has garnered numerous awards for both its own brands and the tequilas it produces for clients. These accolades have significantly raised the distillery’s profile in the industry. "These accolades have raised industry awareness of our quality and our unwavering commitment to tequila-making excellence," Villanueva explains. Winning prestigious awards not only enhances the brand’s reputation but also attracts customers who value the recognition that Casa Maestri’s tequilas consistently receive.

Winners of the 2024 London Spirits Competition and the 2024 Bartenders Spirits Awards.

Image: Winners of the 2024 London Spirits Competition and the 2024 Bartenders Spirits Awards.

Celebrating Mexican Culture with Tequila Day of the Dead Festival

In addition to its success in the tequila industry, Casa Maestri is deeply rooted in Mexican culture. This year, the distillery is organizing Tequila Town’s first-ever Tequila Day of the Dead Festival. Inspired by Mexico’s rich tradition of honoring the Day of the Dead, this event is a tribute to the lives of those who have passed, including Doña Celia, whose likeness is celebrated through the Doña Celia Tequila Catrina doll. "It was simply time to give back to our community and celebrate her life, along with the lives of those who have passed," the representative shares. The festival will bring together locals and visitors alike to enjoy tequila and celebrate Mexican heritage in the heart of Tequila.

Day of the Dead, a vibrant Mexican tradition

Image: Casa Maestri celebrating the Day of the Dead, a vibrant Mexican tradition, to honor and celebrate the memories of loved ones. Source: Casa Maestri

Conclusion

Casa Maestri’s journey is a shining example of how tradition and innovation can coexist to create something extraordinary. From crafting high-quality tequilas with unique packaging to expanding into new global markets, Casa Maestri continues to redefine what it means to be a leader in the agave spirits industry. With sustainability and female empowerment at the core of its mission, the distillery is not only shaping the future of tequila but also making a lasting impact on the community and the environment. As Casa Maestri looks to the future, its commitment to excellence, culture, and innovation ensures that it will remain at the forefront of the agave industry.

 

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