For nearly seven years, Kobe Desmet was one of the most influential voices behind Fortaleza, helping shape its meteoric rise from a respected niche tequila into one of the most coveted brands among tequila aficionados and industry insiders. His impact? Massive.

• He built deep relationships with bartenders, distributors, and retailers, turning Fortaleza into a staple at top bars across the U.S.
• He championed education over hype, helping consumers and industry pros understand what makes a great tequila.
• He played a crucial role in expanding Fortaleza’s presence in key markets, all while maintaining its integrity as a boutique, quality-first brand.

Kobe didn’t just sell tequila—he made people care about it. And now, he’s bringing that same magic to PKGD Group.

Why This Move Matters

We’re not just another importer. We’re a collective of producer-owned brands—tequilas, mezcals, and raicillas that are deeply rooted in tradition and craft. With brands like G4, Ultramundo, Asil, El Viejito, El Ateo, and Palomo, we’re on the brink of becoming the most respected independent portfolio of agave spirits in the U.S.

Bringing Kobe on board signals something big: we’re stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight.

What Kobe Will Do at PKGD

As our new Regional Manager, Kobe’s job is simple: do what he does best—build, grow, and elevate brands.

• Expand On-Premise Sales in Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida—markets he already knows inside out.
• Make PKGD a household name in the agave world, bringing the same kind of industry respect and demand that he helped create for Fortaleza.
• Champion Education, ensuring bartenders, retailers, and consumers know the why behind our brands—not just the what.
• Represent us at major industry events, from Arizona Cocktail Week to Charleston Food & Wine, putting our spirits in front of the right people.

Kobe’s arrival isn’t just another hire—it’s a statement. A signal that we’re not here to be just another importer. We’re here to lead.

For Kobe, this is a new challenge. For us, it’s a turning point.

This article was structured with the assistance of artificial intelligence (ChatGPT). All content is based on human input and editorial oversight. For more details on how PKGD integrates AI responsibly, please refer to our AI Policy