Strengthening tequila supply chain integrity from Mexico to the U.S.

By scanning GS1 barcodes on boxes, they can assess whether the order was complete at the time of shipment, taking action early in the process, if needed.

Trading partners can also obtain information on a full-trailer load compared to lots shipped, along with a summary of the shipped boxes, significantly improving process efficiency.

Results

The tequila trade between Mexico and the U.S. can realise significant improvements in traceability as well as efficiency gains.

Processing time has improved by 30 percent and counterfeiting has been minimised.

Situation

The focus of this pilot was to ensure that the products were not stolen, altered or exchanged for counterfeit products. It was, therefore, based on monitoring the traceability of tequila shipments, knowing where specific products were located in the supply chain, at a specific point in time. Additional traceability information included knowing that the trailer had not been altered and that products had not been stolen or exchanged.

Approach

GS1 identifiers encoded in EPC/RFID tags uniquely identify each tequila product along with data such as the lot number and expiration date. The EzTrack EPCIS platform enables all stakeholders to track the movement of tequila shipments throughout the global supply chain. The Ministry of Economy and the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry chose the following tequila companies to participate in the project: Corporativo Destileria Santa Lucia S.A. de C.V.; the Patron Spirits Company; Proximo Spirits Inc.; Tequila Cuervo; and Pernord Ricard Mexico S.A. de C.V.