Beam Suntory Launches First-of-its-kind Regenerative Agave Program in the Tequila Industry to Improve Carbon Capture

One-year pilot with Red BioTerra aims to neutralize 50% of Casa Sauza’s emissions by 2026 and 100% of emissions by 2030

Builds upon Casa Sauza’s existing regenerative agriculture practices and environmental leadership on water, waste and energy reduction

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits with iconic brands such as Jim Beam^® and Maker’s Mark^®, announced today that it is launching a first-of-its-kind pilot program within the tequila industry to explore regenerative agricultural practices in the agave fields near its Casa Sauza operations in Jalisco, Mexico. The program has the potential to reveal new opportunities to improve carbon capture and supports Beam Suntory’s Proof Positive sustainability agenda and commitment to achieving net zero emissions in direct operations by 2030.

In partnership with environmental professional services company Red BioTerra, the pilot program will explore methods of maximizing carbon capture in agave fields by introducing additional plants, which absorb carbon during the day, between rows of agave, which absorbs carbon at night to avoid water loss. If successful, this method is expected to neutralize 50% of Casa Sauza’s emissions by 2026, and 100% by 2030.

“This marks an exciting step toward more sustainably sourcing the highest quality agave for our renowned Casa Sauza tequila, ultimately benefitting the environment through the power of regenerative agriculture,” said Kim Marotta, Global Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, Beam Suntory. “We are proud to be working toward our sustainability commitments with cutting-edge initiatives across our entire family of brands.”

The pilot program is the latest development in Casa Sauza’s long-held commitment to environmentally friendly practices. The tequila brand has one of the industry’s lowest water usage rates and is working toward further reducing water, energy and waste at its facilities through continuous production improvements and new technologies – including switching from fuel oil to natural gas. Casa Sauza is also part of the Charco Bendito Project, through which it supports the restoration and protection of a sub-basin of the Lerma–Santiago River and promotes reforestation, soil conservation and recharging the aquifer.

“Caring for the environment is a core value in our pursuit to produce the finest tequila,” said Servando Calderon, General Manager Tequila Operations, Casa Sauza. “We are proud to be kicking off this new pilot program, which has the potential to capture more than 36,800 tons of carbon per year – leading to healthier soil, increased biodiversity and reduced soil erosion.”

Results from the pilot program, which is inspired and supported by parent company Suntory Holdings’ Growing for Good initiative, are anticipated by the end of its first year of study, with the potential to extend for an additional seven years.

“World-class tequila begins with high quality, environmentally sustainable production,” said Fernando Avila, Master Distiller, Casa Sauza. “We look forward to not only expanding our own sustainable practices at Casa Sauza through carbon capture, but also introducing carbon capture to the broader tequila industry.”

About Beam Suntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires the brilliance of life by delivering great consumer experiences through its world-class portfolio of brands. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam^®, Maker’s Mark^®, Basil Hayden^® and Knob Creek^® bourbons; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu^®, Hibiki^® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Teacher’s, Laphroaig^® and Bowmore^®, Beam Suntory also produces leading brands such as Courvoisier^® cognac, Tres Generaciones, El Tesoro and Hornitos^® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith gin, Canadian Club^® whisky, and is a world leader in ready-to-drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks^® Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in more than 30 countries, one of Beam Suntory’s core values is Growing for Good and through its Proof Positive sustainability strategy, the company has committed to ambitious goals and investments to promote environmental sustainability in its operations, ensure the company has a positive impact on the communities where employees live and work, and programs to educate and inform consumers to make the right personal choices about drinking. Headquartered in New York City, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.