The CNIT and IMCO present the first sector-wide diagnosis on women’s participation in the tequila industry.

The CNIT positions itself as the only business organization in Mexico to produce a disaggregated diagnosis on women’s participation in its sector.

Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, January 21, 2026

CS01/CNIT

In an exercise of transparency and social commitment, the Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT), in collaboration with the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) and Kiik Consultores, presented the results of the study Women in Companies 2025.

This analysis shows that the Tequila industry not only acknowledges current gender challenges, but also leads the implementation of inclusion policies compared to other economic sectors.

The document originated after, on December 2, the IMCO presented the results of Women in Companies Jalisco 2025, promoted by the Secretariat of Economic Development of the State of Jalisco (SEDECO) to understand women’s participation in the state’s economic units. In response, the CNIT requested work on a disaggregated analysis, becoming the only business organization to develop a sector-specific diagnosis. This effort makes it possible to identify areas of opportunity with precision and accelerate the transition toward more balanced leadership.

Among the results for CNIT-affiliated companies, it stands out that the gender gap narrows in terms of majority female representation, with higher participation compared to other business groups in Jalisco.

Likewise, large companies in the sector report 100% implementation of fundamental inclusion measures such as:

 • Protocols to prevent discrimination.

 • Ongoing training on equality.

 • Flexible schedules for employees.

“We are in an industry undergoing a profound transition. Being the only organization to generate this level of statistical detail shows that we use data as a driver of change. Today we outperform other sectors in critical indicators of transparency and inclusion policies, which places us at the forefront in attracting and retaining female talent within our membership,” said Ana Cristina Villalpando, Director General of the CNIT.

One of the most compelling findings of the diagnosis is the equity in growth trajectories. In the tequila industry, the results show a balanced transition: for every five promotions of women, there are six of men. Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, and Legal are the departments with the highest participation of women.

While women’s participation in the most senior positions within the CNIT currently stands at 19%, this commitment is reflected in the fact that 9 out of 10 tequila SMEs report a high or medium level of alignment with gender equality, confirming that the foundations of the industry are accompanying this cultural evolution.

“The competitiveness of the tequila agroindustry is strengthened through equity. Today we present the results of this diagnosis as an exercise in transparency, inter-institutional collaborative work, and strategic vision for our corporate and productive structures. Naturally, there are areas of opportunity that we will address as we move toward a more balanced industry,” Villalpando Fonseca noted.

The CNIT extends special thanks for the technical rigor of Fernanda García, Director of Society at IMCO; the leadership of Paola Lazo of Fundación Marisa; as well as Laura Romero Zueck, Director General of Foreign Trade at SEDECO; and Karina Ley, Coordinator of the CNIT Social Responsibility Committee, whose support makes it possible to turn data into concrete actions that positively impact the entire Tequila value chain.

The Chamber reaffirms its commitment to continue working with IMCO and SEDECO on concrete proposals, and to continue measuring data that helps maintain a leading position and ensure that the tequila sector is a benchmark for best corporate practices and parity in Mexico.