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Bombay Sapphire to become first major gin brand to be made with 100% sustainably-sourced botanicals
Bombay Sapphire is on track to become the first major gin brand in the world to be made with 100% sustainably-sourced botanicals this year.
Based on long-term partnerships with sustainable farmers and suppliers, the Bacardi-owned brand is set to achieve sustainable certification for all 10 of its botanicals this year.
The suppliers of eight of its botanicals are already certified according to the For Life standard, awarded by Ecocert, a leading specialist in the certification of sustainable practices.
To be certified, suppliers must commit to continuous improvement in the following areas: the wellbeing of the people involved in the harvesting and supply of the botanicals; the reduction of their environmental impact; their responsible purchasing practices; and sustainable development at a local level and key stages in the supply chain.
The goal is for the remaining two botanicals producers for the gin’s grains of paradise and liquorice, hailing from Ghana and China, to be certified this year.
This development is a major step towards Bacardi achieving its 2025 goal of sourcing 100% of its key ingredients from sustainably certified suppliers.
Among the botanicals used in the Bombay Sapphire blend are juniper from Tuscany, coriander from Morocco, lemon peel from Spain and cubeb berries from Java.
“We take a 360-degree approach to sustainability. It’s our responsibility to care as much about the farmers and their communities as we do the botanicals they grow and harvest for Bombay Sapphire,” said the brand’s master of botanicals, Ivano Tonutti.
“By looking after their wellbeing and investing in sustainable farming practices, we are helping to protect the environment and their livelihoods for generations to come.”
Ecocert’s CEO, Philippe Thomazo, said the For Life certification gives consumers “peace of mind” about where the ingredients are sourced from.
“For Life certification means that suppliers growing and harvesting the certified botanicals for Bombay Sapphire are acting responsibly in every respect,” he said.
Natasha Curtin, vice-president of Bombay Sapphire, added: “Ivano has spent over 20 years building close relationships with our farmers and suppliers around the world.
“With his experience and expertise, we have created a blueprint for the sustainable sourcing of botanicals, which we hope will inspire others to do the same. As an industry, we must all invest in a more sustainable future.