0. Executive Summary
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Judgment axis

Key judgment

Item IdentityA group of perennial succulents of the genus Agave. On MarketHub, Species are managed as independent entities under the Genus-level Commodity Container.
Representative SpeciesFood, Syrup, and Tequila Reference Species is Agave tequilana FACWeber
Key rolePiña/Core → Fructan → Heating/Hydrolysis/Juicing → Agave Syrup or Fermentation Feedstock
Harvesting principleManage Species, Cultivar, Planting Year, Plant Age, Core Weight, Fructan/Sugar Characteristics, and Harvest Date together.
Product separationFresh Piña·Cooked Piña·Juice·Fructan·Agave Syrup·Partially Hydrolyzed Syrup·Fermentation Material Separation
Separation of similar itemsDo not combine A. tequilana, A. angustifolia, A. salmiana, A. americana, etc. into the same Plant Entity
Difference from sugarcaneSugarcane is centered on sucrose in its stem juice, while the core of agave is a sugar supply chain derived from the hydrolysis of fructan accumulated in the core.
Official syrup definitionThe Mexican NOM defines Agave Syrup as a syrup produced by the hydrolysis of agave fructan. ( Diario Oficial de la Federación )
Tequila SpeciesTequila raw materials are limited to Agave tequilana Weber variedad azul. ( Diario Oficial de la Federación )
Mexican productionThe Mexican Ministry of Agriculture announced in 2025 that Tequila Agave production exceeded 2.1 million tons in 2023. This figure is based on Agave Tequilero, not the total *Agave spp.*. ( Gobierno de México )
Changes in cultivated areaThe Mexican Ministry of Agriculture/SIAP announced that the cultivated area of ​​Tequila Agave increased by 167%, or 134,329 ha , from 2014 to 2023. ( Gobierno de México )
Major production areasAccording to official Mexican data, Jalisco is the representative Tequila Agave production region, and it also produces Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Nayarit. ( Gobierno de México )
Differences between Mezcal SpeciesINIFAP identifies A. angustifolia Haw. Espadín as the major mezcal agave of Oaxaca. ( Gobierno de México )
Domestic production statisticsCommercial cultivation area and production volume of food and industrial agave in South Korea: To be entered after verification of official raw data.
Domestic import2025/2026 Import Volume and Value of Agave Syrup, Fructan, and Processed Products: Entered after verification of raw data by the Korea Customs Service
Supply and demand riskLong growing period · Species mixing · Diseases · Drought · Raw material price fluctuations · Maturity · Core weight · Sugar recovery rate · Origin · Authenticity
Operating PrinciplesSpecies–Planting Material–Field–Plant Age–Piña Lot–Fructan–Processing Lot–Buyer RFQ Connection
Final goalConnecting producers, processing, syrup, and fermentation companies, importers, food manufacturers, and foodservice, distribution, and PB buyers all the way to repurchase.

In 2023, Mexico's Tequila Agave production exceeded 2.1 million tons based on official figures , and there was also a significant increase in cultivated area from 2014 to 2023. However, since this is a statistic covering the specific industry/species of Tequila Agave rather than the total production of Agave , it is not aggregated with other Agave species such as A. angustifolia. ( Mexico )

1. Plant Identity & Product Master

Basic fields

detail

Korean nameAgave
English nameAgave
Representative Reference SpeciesAgave tequilana FACWeber
Commodity rangeAgave spp.
classificationAsparagaceae, Agave genus
Edible and processed partsMature Core/Piña and the sugars/Fructan obtained therefrom
Non-edible · Separate managementLeaves, fibers, thorns, roots, Bagasse, etc.
Major harvesting stagesVegetative growth → Core enlargement/Fructan accumulation → Maturation → Jima
Basic product formFresh Piña·Cooked Piña·Juice·Fructan·Agave Syrup·Fermentation Material
Basic processing stageLeaf removal, heating, crushing, juicing, hydrolysis, filtration, concentration, fermentation
Basic useSweeteners, food ingredients, beverages, fructan materials, fermentation, and distillation ingredients
Similarity PrincipleNot consolidating all Agave species into a single scientific name

Kew classifies Agave tequilana as a currently recognized species and describes it as a perennial succulent native to western and central Mexico. He also recognizes A. angustifolia and A. americana as independent species. ( Plants of the World Online )

Species Master

Species ID

Species

Representative Industry Role

Management principles

AGAVE-S01Agave tequilanaAgave Syrup, Tequila, FructanCore Reference Entity
AGAVE-S02Agave angustifoliaMezcal, food, etc.Separate Species
AGAVE-S03Agave salmianaPulque · Fermentation · OthersSeparate Species
AGAVE-S04Agave AmericanaTraditional foods and other usesSeparate Species
AGAVE-S05Other Agave spp.By SpeciesNew Entity after verification

In the Mexican Tequila supply chain, only *A. tequilana Weber variedad azul* is recognized, while in the Oaxaca Mezcal supply chain, *A. angustifolia Espadín* is the major species. It is difficult to determine the origin, product authenticity, and suitability for processing in transactions involving Agave Raw Material from which species names have been removed. ( Crt )

Product Master

Product ID

Actual product form

Key Management Standards

AGAVE-P01Breeding Cats · HijuelosSpecies·Cultivar/Variety·Source·Health
AGAVE-P02Mature Agave PlantPlant Age, Field, and Maturity
AGAVE-P03Fresh Piña/CoreSpecies · Weight · Harvest Date · Characteristics
AGAVE-P04Cut PiñaCutting specifications · Freshness
AGAVE-P05Cooked AgaveHeating process, time, temperature
AGAVE-P06Crushed AgaveFiber and Juice Separation State
AGAVE-P07Agave JuiceSugar, solids, and hygiene
AGAVE-P08Agave Fructan IngredientFructan Profile·Purity
AGAVE-P09Hydrolyzed Agave JuiceDegree of Hydrolysis · Sugar Profile
AGAVE-P10Agave SyrupSugar composition, solid content, color, authenticity
AGAVE-P11Partially Hydrolyzed Agave SyrupDP·Fructan·Party Profile
AGAVE-P12Organic Agave SyrupAuthentication · Origin · Traceability
AGAVE-P13Fermentation FeedstockSpecies · Sugar Concentration · Fermentation Suitability
AGAVE-P14Tequila Agave Raw MaterialA. tequilana Weber var. azul·DOT
AGAVE-P15Mezcal Agave Raw MaterialSpecies·Origin·DO rule
AGAVE-P16Agave BagasseUtilization of Fiber, Moisture, and Non-food
AGAVE-P17Food/PB Agave ProductIngredients · Sugar Composition · Labeling · Lot
2. Product Classification & Use Segmentation

Classification criteria

Subdivision type

Management principles

Plant classificationAgave GenusCommodity Master
SpeciesA. tequilana·A. angustifolia·A. salmiana, etc.Independent Species Entity
VarietyAzul·Espadín et al.Species sub-Attribute
production purposeSyrup·Fructan·Tequila·Mezcal·Pulque·FiberUse Type
Harvesting stageImmature·Mature·Jima-readyHarvest Stage
Processed partCore/Piña·Juice·FiberProduct Separation
Processing formFresh·Cooked·Juice·Hydrolyzed·ConcentratedProcess ID
Syrup typeFully/Partially HydrolyzedProduct Separation
Fermentation formFermentation Feedstock·Distillation MaterialSeparate Product
Final useSweetener·Food Ingredient·Beverage·Fermentation·Distilled BeverageBuyer Spec
Transaction typeContract cultivation·Piña Supply·Syrup Bulk·Ingredient·OEM/PBVerified/NDA

In the case of Tequila, the key origin requirements are not just general agave, but the Species/Variety *A. tequilana Weber variedad azul* and the designated production region. NOM-006-SCFI-2012 mandates the management of the supply and planting registration of the relevant agave. ( Diario Oficial de la Federación )

3. Production, Harvest & Post-harvest

step

Essential Dataset

Management purpose

Production planSpecies · Variety · Usage · Area · BuyerLong-term production plan
Breeding materialHijuelos/Plantlet·Source·SpeciesIdentity
Seedling cultivationNursery · SoundnessEstablishment
formulaPlanting Date·Density·FieldField Master
Early growthSurvival Rate · Plant SizePlantation Establishment
risingTemperature, rainfall, and droughtClimate Risk
soilSaturn · pH · Drainageproductivity
WateringBy cultivation methodDrought Management
disputeType, Quantity, and TimeProduction history
weedsOccurrence and Controlgrowth
pestsOccurrence and ControlPlant Survival
Plant AgeAge and growth statusMaturity Forecast
Leaf developmentLeaf Number · SizeVegetative Growth
Core hypertrophyDiameter·Weight ForecastPiña Yield
Fructan accumulationAnalysis valueRaw Material Quality
Monitoring of flower appearanceReproductive changeHarvest Decision
Maturity assessmentAge, Core, and Sugar CharacteristicsJima Timing
JimaLeaf Removal · Core RecoveryHarvest Lot
Piña GyegeunWeight·Species·FieldProcurement
transitField→ProcessorFreshness
Washing and cuttingForeign matter/SpecificationsProcessing
heatingTime·TemperatureFructan Hydrolysis
CrushingFiber/Juice SeparationExtraction
JuicingJuice RecoveryProcess Yield
hydrolysisHydrolysis DegreeSyrup
percolationForeign matter/colorQuality
concentrationSoluble SolidsSyrup Product
fermentationYeast, Sugar, TimeFermentation Product
distillationThe relevant industryDistilled Beverage
Storage and PackagingTank·Drum·RetailFinished Product
shipmentBuyer·LotDelivery
4. Quality Specification & Lot Management

Quality items

Piña raw material

Juice · Pre-treated products

Syrup · Processed Product

finished product

Public rating

GenusessentialsuccessionsuccessiontrackingPublic
SpeciesessentialessentialessentialtrackingVerified
VarietyWhen applicablesuccessionsuccessionDisplay/TrackVerified
OriginessentialsuccessionsuccessionmarkPublic
Fieldessentialtrackingtracking-Verified
Planting Yearessentialsuccession--Verified
Plant Ageessentialsuccession--Verified
LotessentialnewnewnewVerified/NDA
Harvest DateessentialsuccessionsuccessiontrackingVerified
Piña WeightcoreYield connection--NDA
MaturitycoreParty characteristic connection--Verified
Fructancorecorehydrolysis linkageBy productVerified/NDA
Soluble Solids/BrixRaw material analysiscorecorestandardVerified/NDA
DangjoseonganalyzecorecorecoreVerified/NDA
Appearance/CorruptionessentialRaw material history--Verified
alien substanceessentialessentialFiltration managementstandardVerified
pesticide residuesLegal standardssuccessioncheckProduct StandardsVerified/NDA
microorganismRaw material statusJuice corecoreProduct StandardsVerified/NDA
Hydrolysis Degree-The relevant citycorestandardVerified/NDA
color-JuiceSyrup CoreProduct specificationsVerified
Moisture and solids-corecoreProduct specificationsVerified
AuthenticitySpecies/OriginRaw material historycorecoreVerified/NDA
Processing historyCutting and heatingCrushing and juicinghydrolysis and concentrationessentialNDA
certificationCultivation/OrganicInheritance of raw materialsProduct CertificationmarkVerified
packagingBulkTankDrum/TankRetailMember
Expiration date-The relevant cityBy productmarkVerified
ShipmentrecordrecordrecordrecordVerified
Returns and ClaimsrecordrecordrecordrecordNDA
RepurchaseconnectionconnectionconnectionconnectionNDA

Agave syrup is a product where authenticity is particularly important. Official documents related to Mexican NOMs include an analytical system to identify cases of contamination with other sugars or High-Fructose Corn Syrup. ( Diario Oficial de la Federación )
 

Lot Master Required Field

Lot ID · Item · Product Type · Genus · Species · Variety · Production Purpose · Country · Origin · Field · Producer · Propagation Source · Planting Date/Year · Plant Age · Harvest/Jima Date · Piña Weight · Size · Maturity · Pests · Appearance · Spoilage · Pesticide Usage Records · Pesticide Residue Test Report · Fructan · Brix · Sugar Composition · Raw Material Piña Lot · Transport/Processor Reception · Cooking Lot · Crushing Lot · Juice Recovery · Juice Lot · Hydrolysis Method · Degree · Filtration Lot · Concentration Lot · Syrup Brix · Sugar Profile · Color · Authenticity · Fermentation Lot (If Applicable) · Quality · Microbiological Test Report · Certification · Packaging Date · Use-by Date · Shipper · Returns · Claims · Repurchase

5. Korea Market & Demand Structure

Customers

Purchase criteria

Cooperation opportunities

Food ingredient importersSpecies·Origin·Syrup SpecImport RFQ
sweetener distribution companyBrix · Sugar composition · Color · CertificationB2B Supply
Beverage manufacturerAgave Syrup·Flavor·BrixIngredient
sauce manufacturerSweetness, Viscosity, ColorFormulation
Confectionery and BakerySyrup · SolidsFood Ingredient
Cereals and convenience foodsSyrup/Powder IngredientB2B
Cafes & Dining OutAgave SyrupFoodservice
Health and general food companiesFructan/Agave IngredientLegal raw material verification
PB·OEMSyrup·Sweetener ProductManufacturing
liquor importersOrigin of Tequila and MezcalTrade
Fermentation and distillation companiesAgave FeedstockVerification of laws and origin
Distribution/OnlineRetail SyrupCommerce
Research InstituteFructan·Species·AuthenticityR&D Pilot
Inspection agencySugar composition, authenticity, and pesticide residuesValidation
local demonstration farmsDomestic adaptabilityClimate Pilot
6. Trade & Supply-chain Intelligence

step

Key variables

Operational judgment

Production by SpeciesCountry·Species·AreaRaw Supply
Planting InventoryPlanting Year · AgeFuture Supply
Piña harvestWeight·MaturityRaw Value
Processor procurementSpecies·Origin·VolumeProcurement
Heating and juicingJuice RecoveryProcessing
Syrup productionFructan Conversion·YieldSweetener Supply
Tequila ChainBlue Agave·DOT·NOMProtected Supply
Mezcal ChainSpecies·Origin·DOSeparate Supply
exportSyrup/Raw/Alcohol ProductGlobal Trade
Korean importsHS·Origin·Quantity·ValueImport Runtime
Domestic distributionBulk/Retail IngredientBuyer Allocation
RFQ · RepurchaseAuthenticity · Quality · Price · Delivery TimeSupplier Ranking

Unlike general agricultural trade, the Mexican Tequila supply chain directly links production areas and species to legal standards. CRT registers and updates A. tequilana Weber varied azul plantations for Tequila and tracks the supply of raw materials. ( Crt )

Import and export management

item

Management principles

Fresh Agave/PiñaCheck HS codes and quarantine status of fresh produce and agricultural products
Agave JuiceHS verification based on concentrated, non-concentrated, and sugar composition
Agave SyrupAccurately check the current HSK regarding sugars and syrups
Agave FructanCheck classification by ingredients and processing form
Fermentation FeedstockCheck separately by raw material type
TequilaSeparate HS·NOM/DOT management for distilled spirits
MezcalTequila and separate product
Korea's import volumeInput after verification of raw data by the Korea Customs Service for 2025/2026
RevenueInput after official verification of raw data
Major suppliersEnter after verifying HS, Country, Quantity, and Amount
FTACheck origin regulations by Product State and Origin
QuarantineCheck quarantine conditions when importing plants, propagation materials, and piñas
Food inspectionCheck domestic food standards by syrup and ingredient
Customs clearance unit priceCalculate Syrup, Fructan, and Alcohol Product separately
7. Processing, By-products & PRP Intelligence

Products and processes

Key conditions

RFQ conversion

Propagation PlantSpecies · Variety · SoundnessNursery RFQ
Mature AgavePlant Age · MaturityFarm Contract
Fresh PiñaWeight·Fructan·OriginProcessor RFQ
Cut PiñaSize·FreshnessCooking
Cooked AgaveTemperature·TimeJuice Processing
Crushed AgaveFiber·JuiceExtraction
Agave JuiceBrix · Sugar composition · MicroorganismsIngredient
Agave FructanPurity·DP/ProfileFood Ingredient
Hydrolyzed JuiceConversion·Sugar ProfileSyrup
Agave SyrupBrix · Color · AuthenticityFood RFQ
Partially Hydrolyzed SyrupFructan·DP·Party ProfileSpecialty Ingredient
Organic SyrupAuthentication · TraceabilityPremium Buyer
Fermentation MashSugar·Species·OriginFermentation
Tequila Agave RawBlue Agave·DOTDistiller
Mezcal Agave RawSpecies·OriginMezcal Producer
BagasseFiber · MoistureBiomass/Material
Leaf FiberSpecies·Fiber QualityNon-food Material
Wastewater/ResidueOrganic matter and treatment historyCircular Pilot
Non-conforming SyrupAuthenticity · Microorganisms · PollutionFood Supply excluded

Regarding Agave Syrup, since Mexican standard NOM-003-SAGARPA-2016 specifies Sanitary Quality, Agri-food Quality, Authenticity, Labeling, and Conformity Assessment, it is appropriate to require at least Species/Origin, Sugar Profile, Authenticity, and Traceability in the RFQ. ( Platiica )

Product Research Profile (PRP)

PRP area

Key question

SpeciesWhich Agave Species is the actual ingredient?
VarietyWhat is Variety, such as Azul and Espadín?
OriginDoes it meet legal and commercial origin requirements?
Plant AgeWhat are the industrial maturity and Piña quality like?
PiñaDo the core weight, appearance, and spoilage meet the buyer's specifications?
FructanWhat are the actual fructan content and profile?
JimaHow efficient is Leaf Removal and Core Recovery?
CookingHow does the heating method affect sugar recovery?
HydrolysisHow much Fructan→Sugar conversion has occurred?
Juice RecoveryWhat is the actual juice yield per kg of Piña?
Syrup YieldWhat is the yield from raw material to syrup?
Sugar ProfileIs the final sugar composition suitable for the Buyer's requirements?
AuthenticityIs it possible to verify whether other party members are mixed in?
FermentationIs the sugar profile suitable as a raw material for fermentation?
BagasseIs an economic transition to fiber/biomass possible?
BuyerHow do Species, Origin, Quality, Authenticity, and Delivery Time Affect Repurchase?
8. AX Transformation

first of all

Execution item

Performance indicators

1Species·Variety·Field·Planting Year·Plant Age·Lot become mandatory valuesRequired value completion rate
2Piña·Juice·Fructan·Syrup·Fermentation Product SeparationProduct identification rate
3Linking Weather, Growth, Plant Age, Core Enlargement, Maturity, and Harvest DataProduction history connection rate
4Datafication of quality, certificates, heating, hydrolysis, and concentration historyTraceability rate
5Farm–Processor–Syrup/Fermentation–Buyer RFQ ConnectionRFQ Match Rate
6Video AI Plant Size and Maturity DeterminationMaturity assessment accuracy
7Drone/Image-based Plant InventoryPlant Count Error
8Pest and disease AI diagnosisEarly detection rate
9Piña Yield Prediction by Plant AgeError compared to performance
10Harvest time predictionMature Harvest Rate
11Piña Weight predictionError relative to actual weight
12NIR/Analysis-based Fructan predictionError compared to Lab
13Juice Recovery PredictionError compared to the actual
14Syrup Yield PredictionError compared to the actual
15Sugar Profile Automatic ClassificationAccuracy compared to Lab
16Authenticity anomaly detectionContamination detection rate
17Long-Term Planting–Harvest Supply Forecastsupply forecast error
18AI Supplier/Buyer MatchSample→Contract Conversion Rate
19Field→Syrup Lot Traceabilitytraceability
9. Industry Problem Bank

Problem group

Problem Definition

Required data

Genus/Species mixedTreat all agave as a single ingredientSpecies
Variety MixLoss of Product Identity in Azul, Espadín, etc.Variety
Mixed-useSyrup, Tequila, Mezcal, Pulque, Fiber Supply Chain MixUse Type
long production cycleLong supply lag between planting and harvestPlanting Year
overproduction/shortageSupply fluctuations due to the planting cycleInventory
Plant Age VariationMaturity, Piña Weight, and Variation in Sugar CharacteristicsAge
Climate RiskEffects of drought, high temperatures, and excessive humidityClimate
diseaseCumulative production loss during perennial cultivationPest/Disease
Variation in raw material maturityDifference in Fructan and Sugar Recovery RateMaturity
Piña Weight deviationProcessor Raw Material Yield FluctuationWeight
Jima qualityDifference between Leaf Retention and Core RecoveryHarvest
Harvest–Processing DelayChange in raw material stateLogistics
Juice Recovery deviationDifference in process efficiency per kg of raw materialProcessing Yield
Hydrolysis deviationFinal Party Composition DiscrepancyHydrolysis
Syrup Yield DeviationDifference in manufacturing costsYield
AuthenticityPossibility of mixing other party membersSugar Fingerprint
Origin confusionLegality issues of DO products such as TequilaOrigin/DOT
Raw Material–Syrup Lot DisconnectionDifficulty in tracing Species and FieldsRelationship
Market price fluctuationsPlanting Cycle and Demand MismatchPrice
Low value-added by-productsUnrecovered Value of Bagasse & Leaf FiberBy-product
Repurchase not reflectedBuyer results not fed back to farms/fieldsEvaluation/Reorder
10. Farmer RFQ & Collaboration Model

RFQ Type

Public Registration

Verify/NDA

Agave contract farmingSpecies·Variety·Region·Plant AgeFarms, Area, Unit Price
Mature Agave SalesSpecies·Harvest WindowPlant Count · Volume
Piña salesOrigin · Species · MaturityActual weight · Fructan · Price
Piña purchaseMaturity · Core WeightMOQ · Yield
Regular supplyHarvest Year · RegionContract quantity
Agave JuiceBrix·Sugar ProfileTest Reports · MOQ
Agave FructanPurity·ProfileFood Ingredient
Agave SyrupBrix · Color · AuthenticityBulk Contract
Partially Hydrolyzed SyrupFructan·DPSpecialty Buyer
Organic SyrupAuthentication · OriginPremium Buyer
Food and beverage supplySyrup Spec · Delivery DateRegular supply
Dining Out & CafeSyrup · PackagingFoodservice
PB·OEMAgave SweetenerManufacturing conditions
Tequila AgaveBlue Agave·DOTPlantation Registration/Contract
Mezcal AgaveSpecies·OriginDO·Producer
importSyrup/Ingredient·OriginExporter·Freight
exportProduct·HS·SpecContract
Bagasse/FiberProperties and moistureNon-food Buyer
Technology demonstrationAI Inventory·Fructan·YieldPilot
Research cooperationSpecies·Authenticity·FructanDataset·IP
11. RFQ Request First

① Need Products & Materials

Companies and institutions seeking necessary products, agricultural products, raw materials, and processed goods register purchasing demands. Registered requests are utilized to review cooperation with potential suppliers and producers based on the RFQ Intelligence Library.

Process:
RFQ Registration → Supplier/Product Review → Collaboration Connection → Future AI Matching

Register


② We are looking for production and manufacturing partners. (Need Suppliers & Manufacturers)

Register a request to find necessary production and supply partners, ranging from farms and producer organizations to processing companies, OEM, ODM, and private label manufacturers.

Process:
RFQ Registration → Review of Production & Manufacturing Capabilities → Collaboration Connection → Future AI Partner Matching

Register


③ We are looking for domestic and international buyers. (Need Buyers)

Farmers, producer organizations, and manufacturing companies are requesting cooperation with new buyers, such as domestic and international distributors, importers, brand companies, and food service and catering businesses.

Process:
RFQ Registration → Product & Supply Capability Review → Market & Buyer Connection → Future AI Buyer Matching

Register

 

Contact : mail@markethub.org

Version History

Version

Main contents

situation

v1.0Agave Genus Container·Species Separation·Piña·Fructan·Juice·Agave Syrup·Fermentation Raw Material·Bagasse·RFQ Basic Structure Registrationcomplete
v1.1Domestic Production Statistics · Official Production Volume by Species · Current HS · Korean Imports · Food Standards · Verified Latest NOM Statusexpected
v2.0Plant Age·Piña Weight·Fructan·Juice Recovery·Hydrolysis·Syrup Yield·Sugar Profile·Authenticity Specification Subdivisionexpected
v3.0Propagation Supplier–Producer–Field–Processor–Syrup/Fermentation Manufacturer–Exporter/Importer–Food Manufacturer–Restaurant/Retail Buyer Verified Container combinedexpected