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Open Bar® with Mark Vickers: Protecting the Tequila Industry from Cargo Theft
Cargo theft targeting tequila shipments between Mexico and the United States is on the rise—and many brand owners don’t realize how exposed their products are in transit.
In this episode of Open Bar®, Tequila Aficionado Media Executive Editor Mike Morales speaks with Mark Vickers of Reliance Partners about the growing threat of hijackings in the tequila supply chain, especially following the October 2025 60 Minutes feature on Santo Spirits. Mark explains how organized theft rings operate and why standard cargo insurance often leaves dangerous coverage gaps.
▶ Watch the full interview:
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
Mark outlines practical steps tequila brands and importers can take to protect their shipments:
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Thorough carrier vetting to prevent fictitious pickups
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Real-time GPS tracking and route monitoring
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Specialized cross-border cargo insurance for Mexico exposures
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Clear contracts that define security and liability
“Transportation needs to be treated as part of a company’s security strategy,” Mark noted. “Without the right controls, even well-known brands can become easy targets.”
Protecting Your Cross-Border Shipments
Reliance Partners Borderless Coverage helps distilleries, importers, and logistics providers build insurance and risk-management programs designed for the realities of U.S.–Mexico trade. Understanding where vulnerabilities exist is the first step to keeping product—and profits—safe.
About the Program
Produced by Tequila Aficionado Media as part of the Sipping Off The Cuff® and Open Bar® series.
To have your agave spirit reviewed, contact Mike@TequilaAficionado.com or visit www.TequilaAficionado.com.
FTC Disclaimer: All samples are received free of charge. No payment is accepted for reviews, and all opinions are those of the participants.