*During the event, the leadership baton was officially passed from Mr. Miguel Ángel Domínguez Morales to Mr. Aurelio López Rocha as President of the CRT.
*At the end of the 2025 General Assembly, a tribute was held in honor of Mr. Miguel Ángel Domínguez Morales, who served as President of the CRT for 20 years.
Zapopan, Jalisco, April 30, 2025.- Tequila Lab, Cultural and Business Center, was the venue for the Ordinary General Assembly of the Tequila Regulatory Council A.C. (CRT), where the work carried out during 2024 was reported, the 2025 Board of Directors was sworn in, and the change in the presidency of the organization was announced. After 20 years in office, Miguel Ángel Domínguez Morales handed over the leadership baton to Aurelio López Rocha.
On behalf of the Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, Eduardo Ayala Rodríguez, Head of the Beverages, Sports, Green Tourism, Cycling, and Mountaineering Sectors within the Ministry of Economy, was in charge of swearing in the CRT’s 2025 Board of Directors. At the conclusion of the Assembly, a tribute was paid to Miguel Ángel Domínguez, attended by authorities from all levels of government, friends, and family.
“Celebrating this moment here at Tequila Lab is especially meaningful. This is a center of culture and business, an innovative space and tourist attraction that showcases to the world that Tequila, Mexico’s first Appellation of Origin, is legend, passion, history, pride, and tradition. This modern, beautiful, and functional facility was built with the valuable support of the Government of the State of Jalisco and equipped with the participation of this Regulatory Council to develop and spread the culture of Tequila in Mexico and around the world. Looking back, I feel satisfied with all the achievements we have made over the years,” said Miguel Ángel Domínguez.
On behalf of the Governor of the State, Pablo Lemus Navarro, the Strategic General Coordinator for Growth and Economic Development, José Mauro Garza Marín, highlighted the work of Miguel Ángel Domínguez and the CRT.
“Speaking of the Regulatory Council and its greatness cannot be understood without acknowledging the greatness of the men who have led it, such as Don José Luis González Íñigo, whom I deeply admire, Don René Rivial, Javier Arroyo, and your work, Miguel Ángel. I am certain, because I have known him for a long time, that Aurelio will carry this forward and ensure success, as you all know how to work in unity,“ said Coordinator Mauro Garza.
For his part, the Municipal President of Zapopan, Juan José Frangie Saade, also praised the work of the honoree and wished the new president great success.
“Miguel Ángel, I want to tell you that the momentum you gave the Regulatory Council in front of the tequila industry created many job opportunities—that is the greatest legacy one can leave… Twenty years may sound easy, but it is done out of vocation, and I understand that vocation,” … emphasized Zapopan’s mayor, Juan José Frangie
In his remarks, Enrique Ibarra Pedroza spoke of the honoree’s career and shared historical references about Tequila.
“Miguel Ángel, congratulations to you and those who have led this organization, which has given direction, strength, and global projection to our Tequila… Tequila goes beyond being a great beverage—it is part of our culture, history, and essence,” said Enrique Ibarra.
In his first speech as President of the CRT, Aurelio López Rocha called on all sectors of the Agave-Tequila Production Chain to continue working in unity.
“This institution has proven that together—society, businesses, and governments—we can achieve the most ambitious goals that generate value for everyone… The world demands responsible, sustainable, and socially committed products, and Tequila and its people work daily to meet these expectations. Undoubtedly, there are great challenges ahead, but the formula remains the same: unity and work with a vision for the future, building a better country, a better Jalisco, and a stronger industry,” stated Aurelio López Rocha.
For 31 years, the CRT has been the conformity assessment body for Mexico’s first Appellation of Origin: Tequila. It is responsible for inspecting, analyzing, and certifying compliance with regulations applicable to this iconic Mexican beverage.
This year, the CRT’s efforts will focus on sustainability and the expansion into new markets, through initiatives such as ARA (Environmentally Responsible Agave) to prevent agave-related deforestation, and ARS (Socially Responsible Agave), recognizing traditional agave producers.
Other facts:
Aurelio López Rocha
He is an entrepreneur with a solid track record in business leadership, real estate development, international logistics, and cultural promotion. With notable experience in public service, he served as Secretary of Tourism for the State of Jalisco (March 2007 – February 2013). He has led strategic projects integrating economic development, innovation, and Mexico’s cultural identity. Founder and president of multiple companies and trusts, he actively participates in high-impact business and cultural organizations.
