SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS
both the wineries and the vineyards based on the three E ’ s of sustainability – economically viable , environmentally sensitive and socially equitable .”
The company ’ s best-selling brand – Bota Box – contains packaging that ’ s separately certifi ed in a number of ways . The box is SFI-certified , printed with VOC-free inks on unbleached recycled paper containing 90 % post-consumer fiber , and bonded with recyclable cornstarch instead of glue . The bag inside is BPA-free and a category 7 recyclable . Plus , the box has reduced packaging , production and shipping costs compared to a bottle , which means more money for creating quality wine , Indelicato says .
“ Consumers and retailers prefer to back sustainable products if they meet their wants and needs ,” he adds . “ What is most important is taste , price segment , value and brand . Consumers don ’ t typically buy products just because they ’ re sustainable , but if it ’ s a product they like the added sustainability pillar is a benefit and makes them feel good about their purchase .”
PART OF PATRÓN ’ S DNA “ We believe in making the best tequila in the best way , which means giving back to the people , community and environment essential to making Patrón – because without them , we wouldn ’ t be Patrón ,” says Brand Marketing VP Jennifer Pisciotta .
Since its founding , environmental responsibility has always been important to Patrón Spirits . The brand has been recognized by CONAGUA ( the Mexican federal water authority ) and SEMADET ( the Jalisco state environmental agency ) for its initiatives . Patrón has also earned the ISO 14001 certification for meeting environmental standards at its distillery and Clean Industry Certification from the Mexican Federal Environmental Protection office .
“ We ’ ve taken important industry-leading steps to limit the environmental impact of our tequila production ,” Pisciotta says . “ This includes developing a state-of-the-art water treatment process at our distillery and being the first to install a natural gas pipeline as a main energy source to reduce CO2 emissions .” Other steps Patrón has taken to increase its overall sustainability include : Creating 5,500 tons of fertilizer compost every year from leftover agave fibers Reforesting and donating 16,000 trees in the local area of Atotonilco el Alto Transplanting 3,000 lime trees ( instead of cutting them down ) during an expansion project Working with a Mexican research center to better understand Weber Blue Agave sustainability to ensure its future existence
Pisciotta says it ’ s important for the trade , as gatekeepers communicating the message of sustainability to consumers , to understand its importance and help limit the industry ’ s impact on the environment .
“ It ’ s vital to educate bartenders about these efforts because they ’ re the front-line advocates informing their customers , and they can recommend brands that are serious in their commitment to the environment ,” she adds . “ Consumers ( especially millennials ) are interested in brands that do their part .”
In the on-premise arena , Patrón is developing low-waste cocktails and working to educate operators about how to create them using ingredients completely . “ I hope initiatives like this find their way onto menus because I think consumers will be very receptive ,” Pisciotta says .
A HOLISTIC APPROACH Earlier this year , Bacardi USA was awarded a SmartWay Excellence Award from the EPA , which recognizes leadership for shippers and carriers in supply chain environmental performance . It ’ s the third time in four years Bacardi USA has received the award , thanks to coordinated measures to integrate its supply chain planning , operations and transportation partners to reduce carbon footprint .
“ Bacardi manages an extended transportation network , so we relentlessly look to minimize our footprint through an optimal carrier portfolio ,” said Sami Salman , vice president for North America supply chain .
One example of Bacardi ’ s transportation improvements is that shipments out of
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