Mezcal is a traditional Mexican distilled beverage that is produced from the fermented juices of cooked agave plants. The spirit is produced majorly in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico from several varieties of agave, except blue agave. This market has seen the launch of several craft distilleries that deal with the production of this particular beverage. The rising preference for artisanal and craft spirits in Canada, the U.S., Japan, and Europe have further propelled the demand globally. Furthermore, the increasing demand for premium spirit products and its rising availability are expected to drive the global market growth in coming years.
COVID-19 IMPACT
Sharp Increase in Sales Volume in Off-Premises Channels Aided Product Sales Amidst Pandemic
The COVID-19 outbreak positively affected the global market. The pandemic created many disruptions due to lockdowns across several countries, closure of bars, pubs, and hotels, and limits on public gatherings. These measures led to a decline in the sales of this beverage from on-premises channels, such as bars, pubs, and restaurants. However, the off-premises channels, including liquor stores and online platforms, offered convenience while purchasing spirit products, including mezcal. The product sales from off-premises platforms boomed during the pandemic. Thus, the market experienced positive growth during this period. As per the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS) report, in 2020, the off-premises channels witnessed a sharp rise in sales and remained steady in 2021 and 2022.