The News
Tequila Centinela, founded in 1904, announced a distribution agreement with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) to expand its presence in Florida and Texas. The partnership will bring Centinela’s tequilas to retail and hospitality accounts in both states through RNDC’s network. The deal supports the brand’s growth plans in the U.S., focusing on intentional placements aligned with consumer demand for authenticity and craftsmanship.
Centinela Tequila has just signed Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) as its U.S. partner for Florida and Texas, expanding the family‑owned brand—founded 1904 in Jalisco—to two of America’s top five states for tequila consumption. The partnership will bring Centilena’s estate‑grown blue Weber agave, slow‑roasted in traditional masonry ovens, to retail and hospitality accounts across both states.
Centinela now has a direct pipeline into Florida and Texas, two major U.S. markets that together represent more than 10 % of national tequila volume. RNDC will deliver the additive‑free spirits to bars, restaurants, and retailers through its extensive distribution network, positioning Centilena where premium growth is fastest.
The U.S. tequila market is projected to grow at a 7.5 % CAGR through 2029, with premium and super‑premium products accounting for 68 % of category growth in 2025. Centilena’s 50,000‑barrel aging cellar underpins its supply capacity for these high‑end expressions.
From an on‑premise perspective, this means bars can introduce a heritage tequila without compromising on quality or supply reliability. Bars should monitor early depletions and coordinate with their distributor to avoid over‑stocking as the brand gains traction in the bar scene.
Distributors watching this move will note that RNDC’s involvement could affect Centilena’s placement strategy. They should negotiate clear depletion schedules and consider bundling Centilena with complementary premium brands to maintain shelf velocity.
The press release highlights Centilena’s additive‑free claim, but the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) has issued guidance that only it may certify “additive‑free” tequila. Bars and distributors should verify labeling claims before promotion to avoid compliance issues.
Original Press Release
Miami, Florida – April 23, 2026 – Tequila Centinela today announced a distribution agreement with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), one of the nation’s leading distributors of beverage alcohol, expanding its presence in Florida and Texas. Through RNDC’s extensive network and on-the-ground expertise, the partnership will bring Centinela’s tequilas to a broad range of retail and hospitality accounts across both states.
Tequila Centinela, a tequila house founded in 1904 in the highlands of Jalisco that remains family-owned more than a century later, brings authenticity, heritage, and history to RNDC’s tequila portfolio. The partnership supports Centinela’s growth plans in the U.S. and enables the brand to connect its legacy with modern consumers, starting with two of the country’s leading tequila markets: Florida and Texas.
“Our partnership with RNDC marks an exciting new chapter in Tequila Centinela’s 120-year legacy,” says Armando González, Vice President and Managing Director of Centinela U.S.A. “Through RNDC’s high-caliber network, we’re able to thoughtfully grow our footprint in Texas and Florida—two priority markets with a strong appreciation for authenticity, heritage, and craftsmanship.”
Centinela’s U.S. strategy prioritizes intentional placements and partnerships that align with consumer demand. Rather than chasing momentum in a crowded marketplace, the brand remains anchored in the principles that built its reputation: exceptional tequila, thoughtful partnerships within hospitality, and a deliberate approach to growth. With RNDC’s scale and breadth of coverage, Centinela is able to execute this strategy with greater agility while maintaining a focused, long-term approach to brand building.
“Expanding our partnership with Tequila Centinela was a seamless decision,” says Jeff Potter, SVP Managing Director of Republic National Distributing Company. “They’ve consistently proven themselves as a strong player in the tequila category, and this next chapter felt like a natural fit for both teams. We’re proud to help bring their 120-year legacy to more retailers, restaurants, and bars throughout Florida and Texas.”
As Tequila Centinela expands in the Florida and Texas markets through RNDC, the brand will be more accessible than ever to spirits enthusiasts seeking a high-quality tequila with a compelling story and broad appeal.
Sources consulted (web research):
- Tequila Centinela Expands Distribution In Partnership With Rndc In Fl…
- Centinela Blanco
- Ten Major Trends Shaping The Tequila Industry In 2026
- Tequila Popularity Sales 2025
- Centinela Reposado 12113
Source: BevNET