DZ Importerz, formerly known as Doen Zhumir, has been at the forefront of importing Ecuadorian spirits to the United States from both Central and South America Since its founding in 1992 by Victor Enriquez. What began as a passion project to introduce Ecuador’s unique spirits to American consumers has evolved into a leading importer of South American beverages, maintaining its core values of authenticity, tradition, and quality. Now, with the second generation—Carlos Enriquez, Eduardo Enriquez,  and Victor Enriquez, Jr.—leading the way, DZ Importerz is expanding its portfolio while staying true to its mission of bridging cultures through spirits. In this exclusive interview, CEO Carlos Enriquez discusses the company’s journey, market trends, and future aspirations.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

What inspired you to start DZ Importerz, and what gap in the market were you looking to fill? 

The story of DZ Importerz began with our father’s ambitious vision: to introduce American consumers to Ecuador’s remarkable spirits tradition. While Ecuador may not be the first country that comes to mind for rum and aguardiente, our unique approach to distillation creates distinctive spirits that deserve global recognition.

Our founder, Don Victor Enriquez, saw an untold story in the spirits industry. While certain regions in Latin America are well-known for their beverages, Ecuador’s deep-rooted craft beverage traditions remained largely undiscovered. Our goal has always been to change that by curating and introducing high-quality, culturally significant spirits to the U.S. market. DZ Importerz isn’t just filling a gap; we’re showcasing Ecuador and Latin America’s rich cultural heritage through craft spirits.

What core values or guiding principles define DZ Importerz and how you do business?

Our mission is clear: to serve as a bridge between heritage and the present, delivering exceptional spirits and wines that embody the essence of Latin America and beyond. Every bottle we import tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural richness.

Rooted in our Ecuadorian heritage, we see ourselves as cultural ambassadors. We carefully select brands that not only represent the highest quality but also preserve the traditions of their regions. Our commitment to authenticity, innovation, and sustainability ensures that every product we introduce enriches lives and fosters connections among consumers worldwide.

Team at DZ Importerz

How do you evaluate and select brands for your portfolio, and what makes DZ Importerz stand out in the competitive U.S. market? 

Our portfolio isn’t just about premium spirits—it’s about telling authentic stories. We seek brands with deep cultural significance, focusing on exceptional products that are often overlooked in mainstream markets.

Our selection process goes beyond industry metrics. We prioritize brands that serve as cultural touchstones, offering consumers—especially those from Latin American communities—a connection to their heritage. This focus on authenticity and tradition sets DZ Importerz apart, ensuring our portfolio stands out in an increasingly competitive industry.

What are the most exciting trends in the U.S. alcohol market right now, and how is DZ Importerz adapting? 

Consumers are shifting away from mass-produced spirits in favor of brands with authentic stories and cultural heritage. There’s a growing demand for premium, craft spirits that emphasize traditional production methods and natural ingredients.

This evolution aligns perfectly with DZ Importerz’ founding vision. Our portfolio has always focused on distinctive spirits that showcase cultural authenticity, and as consumer preferences shift, our commitment to this approach only strengthens. The rising interest in high-quality South American spirits affirms that our mission to introduce Ecuadorian and Latin American beverages is more relevant than ever.

How does sustainability factor into your sourcing and importing decisions? 

Sustainability is a cornerstone of our operations. We partner with producers who prioritize environmentally responsible practices, from using natural ingredients to implementing glass recycling programs.

In addition, we work closely with trade policy experts to navigate evolving regulations, particularly within the Andean Trade Agreement. This proactive approach allows us to maintain a stable and ethical supply chain while reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth.

DZ Importerz and Destilería Zhumir

How do you educate your distributors and retailers about your products, especially lesser-known brands? 

Education is key to our success. We take a hands-on approach by offering immersive training experiences, including distillery visits, tasting sessions, and in-depth workshops.

As we transition from Doen Zhumir to DZ Importerz, we are using this opportunity to strengthen relationships with our partners and introduce our enhanced vision to new audiences. By prioritizing education and engagement, we ensure that our distributors and retailers fully understand the unique value of the brands we bring to market.

How are global supply chain issues and economic shifts impacting your business, and how are you preparing for the future? 

While global supply chain challenges persist, we maintain stability through strategic inventory management and strong partnerships with suppliers and retailers. By closely monitoring trade policies and collaborating with experts, we stay ahead of regulatory changes and economic shifts.

Our business model, built on trust and consistency, has proven resilient over time. By prioritizing long-term relationships and maintaining a diverse portfolio, we ensure that DZ Importerz remains a reliable partner for both suppliers and consumers, regardless of market fluctuations.

DZ Importerz Warehouse

What’s your vision for DZ Importerz in the next 5-10 years? 

Looking ahead, we’re exploring new opportunities in the spirits market, including the rising demand for low-alcohol and no-alcohol alternatives. We’re also deepening our partnerships with mixologists and expanding our portfolio to feature more unique, high-quality spirits from South America.

Our mission remains the same: to serve as a cultural bridge between traditional producers and modern consumers. By staying true to our values while embracing innovation, we’re positioning DZ Importerz for long-term success as a leader in the importation of authentic Latin American spirits.

DZ Importerz will be exhibiting at the USA Trade Tasting event, taking place in Chicago on 20th May, 2025.

Header image sourced from DZ Importerz.

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