CIVyL

OVERVIEW

The Comisión para la Industria de Vinos y Licores (CIVyL, Commission for the Wine and Liquor Industry) is an alcohol industry front group based in Mexico. It serves as a lobbying and advocacy body for the major global wine and spirits producers and distributors, including Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Bacardi, and Beam Suntory, among others. CIVyL represents their collective interests by promoting fiscal and policy environments favourable to the alcohol industry and by opposing effective policy solutions to prevent and reduce alcohol harm, frequently employing narratives that falsely associate alcohol taxation and other alcohol policies with the growth of the illicit market.

According to its own materials, the organisation presents itself as a legitimate representative of a “responsible” sector and declares that its mission is “to promote an ecosystem in which our associated companies can thrive through innovation, sustainability and commitment to society, thus contributing to our country’s economic, social and cultural development,” a formulation originally published in Spanish.

MEMBERS

Corporations

Associations

  • Asociación Nacional de Importadores y Distribuidores de Vinos y Licores A.C. (ANDIVYL)
  • Asociación de Importadores y Representantes de Alimentos y Bebidas A.C. (AIRBAC)
  • Cámara Nacional de la Industria Tequilera (CNIT)
  • Cámara Nacional de la Industria de Transformación (CANACINTRA)
  • Consejo Mexicano Vitivinícola (CMV)

LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

  • Nicolás Payet, President. CEO at Pernod Ricard México and Northern Latin America.
  • Olga Limón, First Vice-President. CEO at Casa Cuervo.
  • Diego Osante, Second Vice-President. Director of Corporate Affairs at Campari Group.
  • José Luis Rodríguez, Treasurer. Director of Corporate Relations at Diageo México.
  • Juan Rivera, Secretary. Legal and Public Affairs Director for Latin America at Suntory Global Spirits.
  • Panambí Garcés, Executive Director.
  • Montserrat Alonso, Public Affairs Coordinator.

STRATEGIC MESSAGING AND POLICY INFLUENCE

CIVyL presents itself as a legitimate and responsible industry representative while promoting policy positions that protect corporate interests and weaken effective alcohol policy solutions.

CIVyL promotes narratives focused on “responsibility” and enforcement while deflecting attention from population-level alcohol policy. It publicises its agreement with Uber Eats as an initiative to verify buyers’ age and ensure “responsible consumption”. In practice, placing alcohol products on on-demand delivery platforms increases availability and weakens existing safeguards, with no public evidence that such measures effectively prevent underage access.

The organisation also elevates the issue of illicit alcohol trade as its main policy concern. It frequently links effective alcohol policies, particularly taxation, to supposed risks of increased illegal sales. In 2025, CIVyL amplified claims about counterfeit and informal alcohol to justify closer cooperation with customs authorities, presenting itself as a partner of enforcement agencies. Evidence from independent research shows that well-designed alcohol taxation does not drive illicit trade and remains one of the most effective policy tools to reduce harm and strengthen public revenue.

CIVyL advocates for changes to Mexico’s tax system under the argument of creating a “fairer” or “more balanced” base across beverage types. This position aligns with long-standing alcohol industry lobbying aimed at reducing real tax rates and preventing increases on high-strength products, prioritising commercial interests over public health objectives.

INITIATIVES AND PROGRAMMES

Partnership with Uber Eats (2023–ongoing) : CIVyL signed a collaboration with Uber Eats to promote “consumo responsable” and age verification in alcohol sales. 

Customs cooperation with ANAM: CIVyL has organised and participated in training and collaborative actions with the National Customs Agency of Mexico (ANAM) to address undervaluation, illicit trade, and compliance in alcoholic beverages. (Seen in press statements on civyl.com.mx)

Responsible consumption campaigns: CIVyL conducts media outreach and promotional campaigns advocating moderation and legal compliance, positioning them as industry-led public awareness initiatives (cited in its communications).