ASIA PACIFIC, 22 NOVEMBER – The sustainability campaign is starting to take hold of the craft cocktail industry as one of the main subjects within this new contemporary culture. As rum is one of the most scrutinised spirits, the industry is evolving into one which is implementing and practising sustainable operations. Within the last years, Diplomático Rum started on a mission to emerge as leaders beyond the bar by tackling key sustainability issues, people, processes, and the environment.
In fact, the Venezuelan brand recently designed the “Distilled Consciously” program, which shows their commitment to prioritize doing business more responsibly, getting people involved in their projects, and making positive changes for the next generation of passionate rum-makers.
"Distilled Consciously" Sustainability Platform
The process of manufacturing rum can be detrimental to the environment in various ways, from the careless disposal of sugarcane vinasse to the absence of proper recycling. However, what unites the industry is a growing focus on sustainability, and today, distillers are slowly recognising the significance of the relationship between rum and the environment.
A field that has been gaining traction in the industry is distillery’s waste processing research, and Diplomático Rum started zeroing in on slashing energy consumption, conserving precious water resources, and upcycling by-products. Leveraging an internal recycling system that recycles 100% of solid and liquid waste – including vinasse – the process transforms this liquid waste into organic fertilizer that feeds the cultivation of over 1,000 hectares of sugarcane cultivated by 26 family-owned farms in their vicinity. In addition to reducing fuel costs by 48% with their cogeneration technology and water usage by 50% thanks to energy-saving processes, Diplomático Rum also recycles nearly 270 tons of solid garbage per year through their recycling centre.
“Our main focus is on minimizing the environmental impact of each and every one of our operations and taking it one step further by committing to our surroundings beyond the distillery.” explains Mariela Ballesteros, Head of Corporate Communications at DUSA “With over 16,000 trees planted since 1992 through an active reforestation program, the Diplomático Rum brand actively contributes to increasing biodiversity and leaving a green footprint.”
Susana Curbelo, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility
Diplomático Rum has received multiple international awards and recognitions that show it is remaining faithful to its family values: responsibility, integrity, and preservation of the environment. And advocacy has always been an integral component of the elaboration of Diplomático Rum.
This value is reflected in their movement of inspiring customers and bar folks alike to participate in activities and raise environmental consciousness. Through collaborations with NGOs and other partners through monthly local beach cleanups and investing in local communities projects, it is this continuous dedication that makes them “The Heart of Rum”.
“As a family business, we consider our people to be our best asset. Our commitment is to direct all our social investment to improve the life quality of our workers as well as of the local community with special focus on health care.”
Social initiatives were also launched worldwide to fight against food waste with its partners, distributors, and consumers’ support. For example, the pilot program “USA Project Leftover,” where food is directed to those in need instead of wasting it. The goal is to get at least 39,000 pounds of food from at least 100 restaurants to give to people in need. Furthermore, Diplomático Rum was a crucial part of “Canada Zero Waste” Working with Second Harvest, the country’s largest food rescue organization, on their latest campaign, “Donate the Difference”.
“Our sustainability program is the result of the engagement and voluntary commitment of all our employees, partners and distributors who share the Diplomátic Rum values and beyond all genuinely understand the importance of protecting our natural and Human Resources,” José Rafael Ballesteros, CEO of Diplomático Rum shares.
Ever evolving, producers are starting to answer the question: How does one sustainably make high-quality Rum? While the act of drinking cocktails will never reconcile itself completely with the environment, brands such as Diplomático Rum are seeking better decisions and innovations to limit the global impact.
ABOUT DIPLOMÁTICO RUM
Diplomático Rum is passionately crafted by Maestros Roneros, using their expertise in combining modern and traditional distillation methods to produce exceptional rums for demanding palates. Every drop is infused with a rich and treasured heritage that comes from the heart and reaches out to yours. In 2018, Diplomático was awarded Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious “Spirit Brand of the Year,” the first-ever rum to win in this category. Having produced top-quality spirits since 1959, Diplomático’s distillery combines traditional methods with modern technology to produce the finest of rums.
For more information, please visit Ron Diplomático.