Sustainability 2024 | Page 6

OPERATORS

Operators Step Up Sustainability Efforts

EARTH-FRIENDLY AGAVE FARMING
Given the importance of pollination for Weber blue agave , a critical ingredient in tequila , Bacardi USA – the parent company of both Patron and Angel ’ s Envy – aims to limit the environmental impact on tequila production and protecting pollinators . It ’ s the first tequila distiller to be GLOBALG . A . P . ( Global Good Agriby MELISSA DOWLING AND KYLE SWARTZ

While many beverage alcohol brands have increased their commitment to more sustainable production and distribution , on- and off-premise operators are taking aim to lower their carbon footprints in different ways . These efforts range from carrying natural and sustainably made products to nowaste cocktails to special promotions that benefit earth-friendly initiatives .

For instance , hospitality and entertainment company Delaware North this past April partnered with The Bee Cause Project to promote education and awareness for the planet ’ s pollinators . From April 1 to May 20 , the campaign offered guests at more than 100 Delaware North U . S . operating locations two specialty cocktails : the Bee ’ s Harvest Margarita , a premium Margarita made with Patron Silver tequila , and the Bourbon Bee ’ s Knees , made with Angel ’ s Envy Kentucky Bourbon whiskey .
The campaign also provided educational material via an interactive , augmented reality experience that was accessible on mobile devices from a QR code . Customers could answer trivia questions to learn about the importance of pollinators and share pollinator-themed facts and selfies on their social media channels .
Participating Delaware North operations include several Patina Restaurant Group locations at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Orlando ; State Grill and Bar inside the Empire State Building in New York ; select restaurants at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ; Yavapai Lodge at Grand Canyon National Park ; and Bridgestone Arena in Nashville , among others .
It ’ s the second year Delaware North has partnered with The Bee Cause Project during Earth Month to raise awareness about the impact of pollinators and the critical role they play in the environment and agriculture . For the 2024 campaign , which was expanded beyond Earth Month and featured a second beverage option , Delaware North donated $ 20,000 to the nonprofit organization .
Delaware North this past spring offered two specialty cocktails to help benefit The Bee Cause Project to promote education and awareness for the planet ’ s pollinators . cultural Practice ) Certified for meeting agricultural standards .
Indeed , sustainability is essential in the mezcal and tequila industries for several reasons , says Mike Moreno , coowner of Moreno ’ s Liquors and Osito ' s Tap in Chicago . “ First , agave plants take years to mature , and overharvesting threatens their populations and biodiversity . Unsustainable farming degrades soil and can lead to deforestation . Additionally , production requires significant water use and generates waste , which , if not managed properly , harms the environment .
Mezcal production culturally relies on traditional , often indigenous , methods , and unsustainable practices jeopardize these customs . Moreno adds . “ Economically , small-scale producers are at risk as large-scale operations dominate . Lastly , with growing global demand , sustainability ensures long-term viability and meets the increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly products .”
GREENER GRAPES
Sustainable is quite a broad category in wine , says Mark Patykewich , director of food and beverage and wine director for The Katharine at The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel , Winston-Salem , NC . “ It can refer to anything from the packaging that the wine is shipped in to extreme practices in the vineyard that harken back to ancient winemaking methods focusing on minimal intervention .”
In its most common sense , sustainable wines are those made with great care for the environment — where vines are co-planted with other indigenous plants to encourage biodiversity and pollination , Patykewich says .
” Winemakers who are aware of their impact to the environment often use natural alternatives to pesticides ,” he notes . “ It is all about making decisions that make the soil and the land healthier for the future , not just focused on one singular harvest .”
In the winery , winemakers will often opt to do less and not add sugars or acid to wines . “ The less human intervention , the better in sustainable winemaking !”
6 2024 Sustainability Guide