swrm’s Post

Nothing is more edifying than seeing bold words put into action.  ••• The bottle reuse program spearheaded by our Los Angeles-based distribution partner Belle Bermúdez of Wine of Impact isn’t just another novel idea, but rather a logical next step in the evolution of the wine value chain—which is vastly more resilient than many would currently suggest.  ∞  Because circularity is built into the very nature of wine. ∞  If we really want to understand where our industry is headed, let's stop fretting over the doomed fate of wine consumption and broaden the scope of the inquiry instead.  ∞  People will continue to make wine for generations. And wine will endure as a powerful vehicle for engagement at many ages and stages of human life. The contexts in which wines play a role, the countless grape varieties available in viticulture, the diverse enological styles that influence consumer taste, and the changing mediums by which wines «circulate» in the world are the most poignant topics for discussion right now. ∞  Well done, Belle. And kudos to the F&B team at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, California for spreading good news with this statement about bottle reuse on their wine list: ∞  «Embracing the historical Milkman model, where glass bottles were collected, sanitized, and reused, we aim to transform wine consumption into a zero-waste experience, taking deliberate steps towards a circular economy.» . . . #circulareconomy

Would you ever buy a $50 bag-in-a-box wine? Not wine made to be thrown around at a party, but wine to be savoured over a nice meal. Would you be more inclined if you knew 1/3 of greenhouse emissions from glass bottled wine comes from exactly that... the glass bottle. Why do we think something from a box is inferior in quality? Sure it's cheaper, but it also lasts longer and there's more of it! I believe that there's room for two worlds in wine - wine to be aged and wine for immediate consumption (which already makes up the vast majority). There's no denying that glass and a cork help with the development of wine over time. But, for wine that's made to be enjoyed sooner rather than later, it just makes sense for it to come in a box. We're rather obsessed with 'sustainable' wine right now, which is of course a good thing. However, if we truly care about sustainability, the most sustainable change is not to do with the wine at all, but what the wine comes in. The trend for higher-quality, immediate-consumption wine in boxes is just starting off and now is the time to get behind it. And we need to! As the greatest inhibiting factor for this becoming mainstream is consumer perception. So as a New World wine region here in Aotearoa, let's stay at the forefront of the industry and push for sustainable change. I encourage you to quickly skim over a report commissioned by The Wine Society (The International Exhibition Co-operative Wine Society Limited) which clearly outlines the problem with packaging and provides a range of great alternatives. Watch this space!!!!

2024 will be a turning point for the Wine Industry, do you agree? There are some interesting trends to consider in the following article. The main takeaway for me is that consumers do not want buzzwords for sustainability anymore, they want tangible and measurable action.

Sustainability matters. And not just for us, but for our customers. More and more of today’s consumers are paying attention to the environmental impact of the products they consume, including alcoholic beverages — a major reason behind Just Enough Wines’ rapid growth over the last 6 months. Sustainability has been a core tenant of our company since Just Enough Wines was founded in 2020. Here is how we continue to make it a priority: SIMPLE, LOW-WASTE PACKAGING Aluminum cans are the most commonly recycled beverage material, containing an average of ~73% recycled content. Compared to glass bottles, aluminum cans offer better space efficiency and reduced packaging weight, resulting in lower emissions during shipping. 💡 Fun Fact: A used aluminum can is recycled back on the shelf as a new can in as few as 60 days SUSTAINABILITY-CERTIFIED VINEYARDS We take pride in sourcing our grapes from high-quality, sustainable vineyards, ensuring that our wines are produced with care and attention to detail. Our vineyards' unique combination of climate and terroir provides the perfect growing conditions, resulting in delicious, premium wines. 🍇 Our grapes are grown primarily across the California Central Coast, in vineyards certified by Sustainability in Practice (SIP) and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) 🌱 These certifications ensure that our wines meet specific environmental and social standards to uphold the overall quality and character of sustainable wine-growing practices. 1% FOR THE PLANET As a 1% for the Planet member, we pledge to donate one percent of our annual sales to environmentally friendly non-profit organizations. This year, we've partnered with the California State Parks Foundation and the Women's Earth Alliance. Learn more about our conscious wines here: https://lnkd.in/gtM_JVFs

With the most recent figures showing that nearly half of all wine produced in the world is exported from its country of origin, this initiative by Catena is incredibly important. Reducing the carbon footprint along the grape to glass supply chain should be one of the main aims of wine producers, given the savings in both energy consumption in production and carbon emissions in transport. Common supply chain sustainability levers like near-shoring don't typically apply to wineries so the focus on sustainability in packaging, transport and waste management gain ever greater significance. What else can wine producers do to meet ESG targets in future? #EYSupplyChain #Sustainability

While many in the wine community may gasp in horror at the thought of wine in a can, let’s talk facts and sustainability! Question: Why is wine even put in glass bottles? Answer: Because glass has been recognised for centuries as a stable vessel for the cellaring and aging of fine wine. Hang on…. isn’t 98% of the wine in the world consumed within 2 days of purchase? Hmmmm……so why do we need all of that wine in glass bottles? Canned wine has many benefits, including: 💚 Higher recycling rates - Cans are far more likely to be recycled compared to other packaging, keeping more material out of landfills. 💚 Convenience and durability - They’re lightweight, easy to transport and won't break like glass. Perfect for your next outdoor adventure. 💚 Less waste - Enjoying wine in a can means you just open what you need. No more spoiled leftovers from an opened bottle - every sip stays fresh. 💚 Small carbon footprint - Cans are more efficient to ship and chill, reducing the energy needed from the vineyard to the can in your hand. So the next time you’re choosing a drink, remember that wine in a can isn’t just a trendy choice, but a step towards greener, cleaner wine consumption. We’re all about innovation and finding ways to protect our beautiful planet 🌏 #starrsreachvineyard #riverlandwine #wineinacan 

Sustainability has evolved from being merely a trendy term in the wine sector to become a crucial tactic for ensuring the future success of wineries globally. As per the Wine Institute, California has more than 1.7 million acres of vineyards certified as sustainable, making up over 80% of the state's total vineyard acreage. Implementing sustainable practices at a winery not only lessens its impact on the environment, but also boosts operational efficiency, enhances consumer trust, and safeguards the business from escalating climate change risks. Sustainability is a key factor in every part of the winemaking process. However, simply implementing sustainable practices is not enough. Wineries must also effectively communicate their eco-friendly efforts to consumers through strategic branding and marketing. This is where Baumind+ can help. Our team of experts specializes in developing innovative campaigns that authentically showcase a winery's sustainability initiatives, helping them stand out in a crowded marketplace. By partnering with Baumind+, wineries can amplify their sustainability story, attract environmentally-conscious consumers, and contribute to the long-term health of the wine industry. Together, we can ensure that the future of winemaking is not only sustainable, but thriving.

With packaging responsible for 20% of its GHG emissions, the wine industry faces a challenge in reducing its carbon emissions. Glass is the most commonly used packaging material, with over 75% of wine volumes in the US using glass packaging. Despite the desire to use alternative packaging, glass is preferred due to its nonreactive and durable qualities. We think lightweighting, or reducing the weight of glass bottles, is the easiest and most effective way for wineries to reduce their carbon footprint. Lightweighting can save wineries money and reduce emissions by up to 10%, without impacting operations or sales. But according to a Rabobank/Wine Business Magazine survey of 200 US-based wineries, only 48% have worked to reduce the weight of their bottles. #RaboResearch Rabobank Food & Agribusiness

Towards a Greener Future: Collaborating on Sustainable Wine Production The wine industry is at a pivotal moment, embracing more sustainable practices as consumer preferences shift towards environmentally friendly options. The increasing popularity of 'bag-in-box' wines, with their lighter, recyclable materials, points to a growing demand for sustainability. This trend offers a unique opportunity for collaboration among winemakers, packaging companies, and marketers to foster innovations that meet consumer demands and environmental goals. What initiatives is your organisation taking towards sustainability in wine production? #Sustainability #WineProduction #IndustryCollaboration

In the competitive world of wines and spirits, every packaging detail counts. The packaging needs to be strong and durable, to protect its valuable content during transport, long after it has left the store shelf. And, it needs to stand out, to reflect the brand and attract the right consumers. We put together some tips to help guide you through the many aspects of choosing the right packaging material. Download 12 useful tips to optimize your wines and spirits packaging here: https://lnkd.in/dY2u9meN #WinesAndSpirits #SustainablePackaging #Paperboard