Spotlight: Sustainable Spirits, Wine & Beer News Highlights
Progress in going green in spirits. Pernod Ricard / ecoSPIRITS sign sustainable packaging agreement. New beer drinker study re sustainability. Aldi / Frugalpac launch store-brand paper wine bottles. Heineken's regenerative barley harvest. And much more...
Brands in the news: Pernod Ricard, ecoSPIRITS, Pall Corporation, Aldi UK, Brooklyn Brewery, Deschutes Brewery, The HEINEKEN Company, Bluntrock Brewery, Zero Carbon Forum, CECI 1938, Chivas Brothers, B Lab, Vinca Wine, Columbia Ridge Winery, Hallgarten & Novum Wines, Patagonia Provisions, Groupe VIVESCIA, Bairds Malt Limited, Frugalpac and many more.
Drink Up for the Planet: How Spirits, Beer and Wine are Going Green
“Fortunately, sustainability initiatives are hotter than a spicy margarita in the alcoholic drink market. Companies are reducing their environmental footprint in novel ways while still brewing, distilling and fermenting delicious products.”
Pernod Ricard Signs Global Sustainable Packaging Agreement with Circular Economy Startup ecoSPIRITS
“Wine and spirits producer Pernod Ricard and circular economy solutions provider ecoSPIRITS announced today a new five-year global licensing agreement for the distribution of Pernod Ricard’s spitrits brands using ecoSPIRITS’ circular packaging technology to venues around the world, in a deal aimed at reducing waste and carbon emissions from the production and transportation of bottles and other secondary packaging.”
Beer drinkers willing to pay more for their pint if it’s sustainable
“Beer drinkers are willing to pay more for their favorite tipple if it helps to ease the planet’s global warming crisis, an international survey has revealed. Almost half of 3,500 respondents across seven countries said they would choose a more expensive, but more sustainably produced beer over a less expensive rival that does more damage to the environment.”
Consumers, Brewers Taking a Closer Look at Beer’s Environmental Impact
“Maintaining their signature flavor and quality is a top priority for brewers. However, as a resource-intensive process, brewers are challenged with improving its impact on the environment — and consumers are demanding brewers prioritize sustainability more than ever.”
Major grocery chain announces first-of-its-kind paper wine bottle
“Supermarket chain Aldi has partnered with a sustainable packaging company to create their store-brand paper wine bottles, Packaging Gateway reported. The bottles will be fully recyclable and are part of Aldi's ongoing initiative to reduce the amount of pollution it produces while giving environmentally-conscious shoppers more purchasing options.”
What is fonio? The grain set to become the superstar of sustainable brewing
“A global collaboration of brewers – including Brooklyn Brewery, Carlsberg and Guinness – is showcasing the ancient West African grain fonio. What’s so special about the grain – and how can it transform brewing for the better?”
Deschutes Brewery debuts two Kernza-based beers, including first certified organic NA beer
“Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon, was one of the first breweries to produce a certified organic beer in 2007. Deschutes Brewery and Patagonia Provisions have teamed up to launch two new certified organic beers brewed with Kernza perennial grain: Kernza Lager and Non-Alcoholic Kernza Golden Brew, both available nationwide starting September 1.”
Heineken achieves milestone with first European regenerative barley harvest
“Heineken has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of its first large-scale regenerative agriculture barley harvest in Europe. The initiative, developed through Heineken's Transitions programme and in collaboration with French cooperative Vivescia and its malt subsidiary Malteurop, represents the company's first foray into regenerative farming at scale.”
New base for Bluntrock, with a focus on sustainability
“Three years after its launch, Bluntrock Brewing is moving to a new base with new kit, and a focus on developing a sustainable business, complete with carbon capture.”
Carbon calculator and toolkit gets an update
“Zero Carbon Forum has launched a corporate carbon calculator and toolkit for brewing and hospitality organisations with large estates, chains, and franchises.”
Ceci 1938 launches For The Future sustainability initiative line
“Winemaker Ceci 1938 has announced the launch of its For The Future sustainability initiative line and Food Accademia will be the exclusive global retailer for the range in travel retail.”
Chivas Brothers launches sustainable agriculture programme
“Chivas Brothers has joined a new sustainable agriculture programme, in partnership with Bairds Malt and Scotgrain. The programme aims to support Scottish farmers to reduce the barley-growing industry’s carbon footprint.”
Why Are Wineries Around the World Seeking This Certification?
Vinca on carving out position in canned wine
“Just Drinks sat down with co-founder Charlie Vass to discuss its sales strategy, international plans and the opportunity for more “premium” products in the canned wine category.”
Columbia Ridge Winery Goes Green with Wire Nutz Solar's Sustainable Energy Solutions
“Columbia Ridge Winery is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Wire Nutz Solar LLC, making their winemaking process fully sustainable through the power of solar energy. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the winery's commitment to environmental stewardship and showcases the benefits of renewable energy in the Pacific Northwest.”
Hallgarten & Novum Wines updates Eco Standard on World Environment Day
“Specialist wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has unveiled the latest edition of its Eco Standard on World Environment Day (5 June). First introduced on the same day in 2023, the Eco Standard aims to enhance sustainability practices across its supplier base, covering vineyard operations, winery processes and overall business management.”