Grown Climate Smart: Supporting Distillery Sustainability
In today's ever-evolving consumer landscape, the emphasis on sustainability has taken center stage, particularly within the spirits industry. Distilleries aiming to fortify their commitment to sustainable practices find a natural partner in Grown Climate Smart. Our focus on sustainable agriculture, climate-smart commodities, and a 'grain to glass' approach perfectly aligns with the ethos of forward-thinking distilleries. By sourcing localized grains and commodities or incorporating organic ingredients, distilleries can be added into our sustainability-driven framework. Grown Climate Smart offers a gateway for distilleries eager to enhance their sustainability footprint while maintaining a dedication to high-quality, sustainable ingredients. Through our partnerships with various distilleries, we have witnessed a remarkable transformation as our collaborative efforts have paved the way for a more climate-smart conscious approach to crafting exceptional spirits. The shift towards sustainability-marketed products has been nothing short of remarkable.
According to the NYU STERN Center for Sustainable Business 2023 Sustainable Market Share Index™, products marketed as sustainable now command a significant 17.3% market share, showcasing a substantial +3.6 ppt increase since 2015. Notably, these sustainable-marketed products have played a pivotal role in driving consumer purchasing trends, delivering one-third of all CPG growth while growing at a rate nearly twice as fast as their conventional counterparts. The data further reveals a consistent annual increase in the incorporation and communication of sustainability benefits in new products, underlining the growing significance and resonance of sustainability in consumer preferences. Grown Climate Smart stands at the forefront of this trend, offering distilleries an invaluable opportunity to align with consumer demands and drive growth through sustainable practices. In joining forces with Grown Climate Smart, distilleries join a community of like-minded visionaries dedicated to leading the spirits industry in sustainability.
Two Different Industries: One Goal
Grown Climate Smart Success Stories
“We continually explore sustainable business practices, and now partnering with The DeLong Co.’s Grown Climate Smart, we’re embracing it even more. Our spirits are distilled with locally sourced crops, grains and ingredients that are grown the right way with positive climate initiatives in mind.”
Pat McQuillan, Co-Founder & President - Central Standard Craft Distillery
“We've always prioritized sustainable practices, and partnering with Grown Climate Smart amplifies our commitment. Our spirits reflect our deep-rooted connection to the land, sourcing grains grown sustainably and with a focus on climate-smart impact.”
Rick Kennay, Founder - Kennay Farms Distilling
“We're thrilled to join forces with Grown Climate Smart, enhancing our commitment to sustainability and enriching our product line with environmentally-conscious practices. This partnership is a pivotal moment in our journey, symbolizing our dedication to crafting premium spirits while championing sustainability.”
Scott Perlick, Founder - Perlick Distillery
“Our sustainability journey has been a cornerstone of our business. Partnering with Grown Climate Smart is a natural step forward for us. It reflects our ongoing commitment to sourcing ethically and producing high-quality spirits while reducing our environmental footprint.”
Rifino Valentine, President & Founder - Valentine Distilling
“Partnering with Grown Climate Smart represents a significant step forward in our sustainability journey. We are committed to integrating sustainable grains and reducing our environmental impact while delivering exceptional spirits to our consumers.”
Graham Rupe, Founder - Wahoo Distillery
Partnerships in the News
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Fermented Adventure The Podcast | Perlick Distillery - Scott Perlick
From www.fermentedadventure.com | This episode features Scott Perlick of Perlick Distillery. The Perlick family and their ancestors have been farming the land in Northern Wisconsin since the 1920's. It is a small county with about 17,000 people and two stop lights. They farm over 2,000 acres growing a wide variety of plants and grains. Scott and the family discussed what they would be able to do with the grain on their farm and making something of it. The began to distill alcohol and figure it out as they went. The research from what they wanted to persue came from visiting breweries and distilleries that were not too far away. Initially for Perlick the focus and mindset has been on making vodka. "If we can't make it with making vodka, we shouldn't be in this business", Scott proclaimed. Their vodka has been a huge hit statewide. They also produce a five year single malt and an incredible maple vodka.
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AG QUEEN PODCAST | EPISODE 79 | CLIMATE SMART WHISKEY
From globalagnetwork.com | In this episode, Lorrie visits with the founder of Wahoo Distillery in Wahoo, Nebraska, about how they are using a USDA-Grown Smart Climate Grant to ensure that they are doing their part in reducing greenhouse gas. Still, in the beginning stages, this distillery is working with area producers to get them to grow climate-smart distilling grains, which he will purchase to make his whiskey.
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Grown Climate Smart program gives $40M to farmers
From wifr.com | A stateline farmer who makes an effort to practice sustainable agriculture techniques is being rewarded through the Grown Climate Smart program, a $40 million project funded by the USDA.
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Made in Milwaukee: Central Standard partners with The DeLong Co. to make distilling more sustainable
From biztimes.com | Sustainability isn’t just a trend for Milwaukee-based Central Standard Craft Distillery, it’s essential to what the company stands for.
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Kennay Farms Distilling partners with Grown Climate Smart program to show commitment to sustainability
From rochellenews-leader.com | Kennay Farms Distilling in Rochelle has collaborated with The DeLong Company and its Grown Climate Smart program to showcase the use of sustainable grain in its spirits.
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![Kennay Farms Distilling and Grown Climate Smart Partnership]()
Kennay Farms Distilling partners with Grown Climate Smart program to show commitment to sustainability
From oglecountylife.com | Kennay Farms Distilling in Rochelle has collaborated with The DeLong Company and its Grown Climate Smart program to showcase the use of sustainable grain in its spirits.
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![Central Standard Distillery partners with DeLong for sustainable grains]()
Central Standard Distillery partners with DeLong for sustainable grains
From onmilwaukee.com | Milwaukee's Central Standard Craft Distillery is shifting to purchasing all of its distillation grains from Clinton, Wisconsin-based DeLong Co.'s Grown Climate Smart brand, the distillery announced Monday.
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Central Standard Doubles Down on Sustainability
From urbanmilwaukee.com | Central Standard Craft Distillery may be known for its old fashioneds, but the Milwaukee spirits producer is looking to take a modern approach to sustainability.
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AG QUEEN PODCAST | EPISODE 72 | SUSTAINABLE GRAINS FOR DISTILLING
From globalagnetwork.com | This episode features Dylan Vaca, Brand and Marketing Manager at the Delong Company, and Pat McQuillan, Co-Founder and President of Central Standard Craft Distillery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We talk about how this distillery procures sustainably grains and why it is an important part of what they do.
Let’s work together to enhance your sustainability efforts.
Sustainability is an important issue to a large, growing group of consumers. A third-party seal, on spirit packaging and marketing materials, helps inform buyers that you have gone above the industry standards to craft a product made with sustainability in mind. Ready to discuss becoming an approved Grown Climate Smart distillery?