Consumer demand for ethical, sustainable and green products is a trend being witnessed across the world, across industries and it’s one retailers and venue operators across Australia would be brave to ignore.
The Chief Executive of the Future Business Council, Tom Quinn recently described the demand for sustainable goods and services as a “trillion dollar opportunity” for the Australian economy.
The demand for clean, green and sustainable products is being seen in many industries from banking to brewing and from motoring to farming. The rise and rise in demand for products carrying a Fairtrade certification is just one example of how this trend is impacting consumer choices.
The drinks industry is by no means exempt from this global trend, which is increasingly gaining traction and influence in Australia. Natural wines are increasing in popularity along with other organic and sustainable products in the retail world. The trend is also been seen in the on-premise as well, with sustainable cocktails and drinks becoming something that consumers are increasingly looking for.
It can be a tricky minefield to navigate, finding truly sustainable products to put on your shelves or bar, but one trusted source is products carrying a Fair Trade Certification Mark. The Fair Trade Mark is owned and protected by Fairtrade International. In order to be certified producers are inspected on standards relating to excellence in labour conditions, economic opportunity for workers, community development, and environmental sustainability.
One brand making it easier for retailers, venue operators and bartenders to be sure of their environmental credentials is Flor de Caña, a sustainably sourced premium rum from Nicaragua, which has become one of the first global spirit brands to be Fair Trade certified.
The certification was issued by Fair Trade USA after verifying that the raw ingredients used in the production of the Nicaraguan rum are made in compliance with over 300 rigorous social, environmental and labour standards.
After granting the certification, Paul Rice, President and CEO of Fair Trade USA, said: “In the spirits industry, the trend toward environmental sustainability and social responsibility is just beginning.
“Flor de Caña is one of the early trailblazers in this space, and is one of just a few spirits companies to adopt Fair Trade practices in their supply chain. We’re excited by this partnership and the ripple effect that it’s poised to create.”
This is not a recent focus for Flor de Caña as the company has distilled its rum using 100 per cent renewable energy for more than 10 years and over the past 12 years the team at Flor de Caña has planted 50,000 trees annually.
Flor de Caña is imported and distributed in Australia by Vanguard Luxury Brands and the portfolio here includes Flor de Caña 5 Year and Spresso coffee liqueur.
Flor de Caña 5 Year is a medium-bodied premium rum aged for five years, with a brilliant mahogany colour, fresh aromas with notes of red fruits, caramel and prunes and a flavour of intense vanilla, tropical fruits and chocolate, with dry and light finish.
Flor de Caña 5 Year has won over 20 international awards, including a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Gold Medal at the International Rum Conference in Madrid. This amazing rum is best enjoyed in premium cocktails with tropical fruit juices or sodas.
Spresso, is a coffee liquor made with seven-year-old rum. It is light bodied, with an intense black colour and has an aroma with notes of coffee essence and wood, with a dry and smooth finish.
Spresso, is caffeine free, is made with 100 per cent natural syrup and has a 30 per cent ABV. Spresso is best enjoyed served as a Spresso Martini or on the rocks.
Flor de Caña is a super-premium, fifth generation family estate rum from Nicaragua, distilled with 100 per cent renewable energy, naturally aged without sugar and with Fair Trade and sustainable credentials. It’s a spirit for any retailer or venue operator to look at if they are aiming to satisfy the consumer appetite for clean, green and ethical products. For more information on the Flor de Caña range contact your local Vanguard Luxury Brands representative.