Stoli Group is marking World Ocean Day today (8 June) with the announcement of a new partnership with ReSea Project.
Noting that the ocean is a vital eco-system, which produces over 50% of the air humans breathe and is home to an abundance of life and biodiversity, Stoli is committed to backing ReSea Project’s mission to remove rubbish from oceans and rivers.
Stoli has agreed to fund the removal of 200g (the equivalent of ten 500ml plastic bottles) of rubbish from the ocean with every purchase of a bottle of Stoli vodka from participating retailers.
Using a QR code, consumers can access collection data and learn more about the clean-up process and experience the difference made by ReSea Project.
The travel retail channel is spearheading Stoli’s efforts, with the support of Gebr Heinemann and Dubai Duty Free already secured. Activations – supported in-store by neck collars and increased visibility, onboard videos and a global digital campaign – are taking shape across North America, Europe and Asia.
Stoli Group Global Travel Retail Director Jean-Philippe Aucher said: “I am delighted that global travel retail will be the first to benefit from this hugely important initiative.
“We are kicking off this summer with various ferry lines in the Nordics supplied by Heinemann, followed by Dubai Duty Free as of September. We expect other customers to confirm their support for this campaign in the meantime.
“At a time when sustainability is high on the agenda in global travel retail I am incredibly proud that Stoli Group is taking tangible steps to making a difference.”
The partnership with ReSea Project follows the appointment of Elisa Whitehouse as Stoli Global Sustainability Leader earlier this year. Whitehouse will spearhead the group’s mission to achieve global transformation and environmental sustainability by 2025.
Stoli Group is also celebrating the recent Green Leaf Compromiso Ambiental accreditation by Mexico’s Ministry of Environmental Protection for its Fabrica de Tequilas Finos distillery. Finos’ eco-distilling practices include the treatment of 100% of wastewater; 80% of energy supply for operations is sourced from solar energy; 100% agave remnants, cartons and bottles are recycled and there is no toxic waste.
Stoli Group Global CEO Damian McKinney said: “At Stoli we are keenly aware that immediate action must be taken to ensure we have a sustainable planet for future generations. With the recent addition of our global Sustainability Leader, ReSea Project and recognition of our fully green operations in Mexico, we are making critical progress.
“As is the Stoli nature, we have aggressive goals to establish the most powerful and sustainable ultra-premium spirits-portfolio. These actions move us closer to the goal line. We believe in building Sustainable Partnership Development Programmes to empower the right people to do what is not only right, but necessary.”
To achieve environmental sustainability by 2025, Stoli is reducing its carbon footprint by switching to 100% electric vehicle fleets. The group is producing all secondary packaging from renewable materials, ensuring Eco Design Standards are built into every innovation and design, and promoting sustainable agriculture from grain to bottle.
“At the same time, commitment to gender equality, diversity and inclusion will ensure Stoli maximises social sustainability performance,” the group added.
Note. Stoli Group is among big names to sign up as exhibitors for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2021, which takes place on 11-15 October.
As reported, the event has attract strong support from across the industry, with many new and returning exhibitors set to participate, and more confirmations to follow soon.
For more information about becoming an exhibitor or sponsor of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2021, please contact Irene Revilla, Publisher, The Moodie Davitt Report (Irene@moodiedavittreport.com) or Sarah Genest, Vice President Sales & Events (Sarah@MoodieDavittReport.com).