The development is an important step towards Bacardi’s goal of sourcing 100% of its key ingredients from sustainably certified suppliers by 2025.

Bacardi’s flagship gin Bombay Sapphire says all 10 of its botanical ingredients are headed for sustainable certification in 2021.

Eight of the botanicals have already received recognition based on the For Life standard.

The two remaining ingredients – grains of paradise from Ghana and liquorice from China – are set to be certified in the coming months following the lifting of travel restrictions.

The ten botanicals used to create Bombay Sapphire’s recognisable taste include juniper from Tuscany, coriander from Morocco, lemon peel from Spain and cubeb berries from Java.

‘PEACE OF MIND FOR CONSUMERS’

These are hand selected by Ivano Tonutti, Master of Botanicals, Bombay Sapphire.

Philippe Thomazo, CEO of sustainable certification specialist Ecocert that awards the For Life certification, said: “For Life certification gives consumers peace of mind that ingredients are coming from organisations committed to continuous improvement.

“For Life means that suppliers growing and harvesting the certified botanicals for Bombay Sapphire are acting responsibly in every respect.”

‘For Life’ certification recognises the hard work of Bacardi and Bombay Sapphire Master of Botanicals Ivano Tonutti (pictured) in working with environmentally and socially responsible suppliers.

Bombay Sapphire’s distillery at Laverstoke Mill, England has already displayed its acute commitment to sustainable standards with a design rated ‘Outstanding’ by international sustainability assessment scheme BREEAM.

“We take a 360-degree approach to sustainability,” explained Tonutti. “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.

“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.”

In Ghana, Bacardi has worked for a number of years with local non-governmental organisation AIESEC to support a village community as an independent farming cooperative.

Initiatives have included installing a water pump to supply the village with fresh water and hiring an agronomist for expert advice and guidance.

Natasha Curtin, VP Bombay Sapphire added: “I am incredibly proud of this latest achievement by Ivano and his team but as an industry, we must all invest in a more sustainable future.

“Ivano has spent more than 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.”