Bacardi Looks for Sustainable Sugarcane Partners

By Bacardi Cuba

Introduction

Quality sugarcane production is key at spirits company Bacardi, which uses the plant’s molasses by-product to make its signature BACARDÍ rum. As part of its Good Spirited environmental sustainability initiative, the company is increasing its partnerships with sugarcane suppliers that use certified sustainable practices and produce a high-quality product. Bacardi has developed a working relationship with Bonsucro, a nonprofit organization that works to develop good practices in the sugarcane industry worldwide and provides certification for sustainability.

Sustainable Sugarcane Partners

Bacardi is the first in the industry to set a goal of working only with certified suppliers by 2022. It collaborates with its suppliers to help them develop good production models that includes helping sugarcane farmers in Fiji to create sustainable farms and reduce runoff that could affect the Great Sea Reef. Dave Howson, Bacardi’s global sustainability director, stated that the sugarcane industry has faced many challenges and that Bonsucro’s involvement is vital to ensuring that the industry uses sustainable practices.