Extreme weather across Mexico over the last several years may threaten crop production for agave, the main ingredient in tequila, according to a Monday report.
“At a time when large agave crops are needed to meet demand, the extreme weather in Mexico is increasing the problems and the potential for scarcity of the product,” Everstream Analytics chief meteorologist Jon Davis told the New York Post. Tequila is derived from the harvested agave sap, which produces pulque, the core ingredient in tequila/mezcal.
Mexico experienced far below what is considered normal precipitation throughout the first three months of 2023, the New York Post noted. “Precipitation totals across much of the country have been less than 25% of normal with large sections having totals less than 10% and 5% of normal,” Davis continued.
Baja, California, has managed to escape much of the nation’s dryness, but the region is not known for agave production.
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A February report from CNN noted that warming temperatures are also to blame for the potential tequila shortage throughout 2023. Warmer weather is a growing concern for the Mexican long-nosed bat species, the only pollinator for the agave plant.
Though there are hundreds of agave species, only the Weber Azul subspecies makes tequila, CNN noted. “You wouldn’t have tequila if you had no bats, because that’s the only thing that pollinates the agave plant that makes tequila,” Zoo Miami wildlife expert Ron Magill told the outlet. (RELATED: Country Music Star Morgan Wallen Shotguns Beers On Stage With His ‘Favorite’ Rapper)
Similar warnings were issued regarding a potential beer shortage in 2022, all due to a problem with an extinct volcano. Brewers were forced to cut production after the Jackson Dome CO2 reservoir in Mississippi was contaminated.