Born from its founder’s experience in Mexico’s tequila region, Snova uses biotechnology to turn tequila-production waste into biochemicals and biomaterials. The company isolates microorganisms from the agave microbiome, engineers them, and develops products such as natural melanin and insulation materials from the resulting process. Snova says its approach revalorizes more than 80% of tequila production waste while reducing resource use and creating economic value in the communities around the industry.
Mothership MaterialsMothership Materials turns industrial agriculture and food-processing waste into non-food-competitive feedstocks for biomanufacturing. Its patented modular technology works at waste sources, beginning with Microbe Munch, a sugar developed specifically to feed microbes in precision-fermentation processes. The company also targets cellulose recovery for fiber production and scale-ready pricing for bioprocess operators.
TecodaTecoda makes a tequila-style hard seltzer in Jalisco, Mexico, fermenting 100% Blue Weber agave rather than distilling it for a lighter, lower-ABV drink without the bite of traditional tequila. The brand was created by tequila soda drinkers looking for an alternative to malt-based hard seltzers, and its cans use natural fruit and herbs with no added sugar. Tecoda also replants harvested agave, composts biomass on local family farms, and supports environmental causes through carbon-offset and 1% for the Planet partnerships.
De Nada TequilaFounded by entrepreneurs Adam Millman and Danny Neeson, De Nada Tequila makes naturally smooth tequila from agave, water and its own proprietary yeast, with nothing added. The brand works with Arandas, Mexico’s Vivanco Distillery, a tequila-making family whose craft dates to 1929, and packages its spirit in what it describes as the world’s first 100% recycled and recyclable aluminum tequila bottle. Its production choices include single-estate Blue Weber agave and composting spent material, reflecting a focus on lowering tequila’s environmental impact.
Tequila KomosKnown for earning The Tasting Panel’s first perfect 100-point tequila score, Tequila Komos is the flagship brand of Casa Komos Brands Group. It makes Mexico-produced tequila for an international market, while its Komos Foundation repurposes agave waste into adobe bricks for community projects in the Tequila region.BROOKLYN, NY