Spirits group Anora has announced the renewal of its collaboration with the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG), through which it will increase the quantity of regeneratively-farmed barley used in its grain-based spirits to 30% by the end of the decade.
Anora has partnered with BSAG since 2015, with this agreement the third between the two groups, which are ‘united by a shared ambition to support a healthier Baltic Sea and promote more sustainable agricultural practices’, Anora said in a statement.
The partnership has already yielded results, including the world’s first vodka made from regeneratively farmed barley, as well as providing training for farmers in regenerative agriculture methods.
‘A significant opportunity’
“Anora is one of the largest buyers of Finnish barley, processing around 180 million kilograms of grain from approximately 1,500 Finnish farms each year,” commented Kari Kiltilä, category sourcing manager at Anora. “Our scale gives us a significant opportunity to drive positive change.
“Integrating regenerative agriculture into our supply chain is a cornerstone of our sustainability roadmap. It not only helps us reduce value chain emissions but also improves soil health and protects the Baltic Sea from nutrient runoff, improving biodiversity. This commitment demonstrates how we can work with our farmers to build a more resilient and environmentally friendly upstream production.”
Previously, the two groups had partnered on efforts to reduce water consumption and support farmers in transitioning to more nutrient-efficient and environmentally-friendly cultivation methods.
Regenerative agriculture
As Ville Wahlberg, CEO of BSAG, added, regenerative agriculture is essential to ensuring the long-term health of soils, and the future resilience of the farming sector.
“The condition of the soil does not improve in just a year or two,” he commented. “That is why it is significant that Anora is now making its third commitment to promoting the health of both the soil and the Baltic Sea.
“Our long-term partnership, which is now entering its tenth year, supports both Anora’s strategic objectives and a sustainable future for the Baltic Sea. We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in the years ahead.”
This latest commitment is part of Anora’s broader sustainability agenda, with the spirits group also aiming to achieve fossil-free production at its Koskenkorva distillery by the end of next year, and across its entire operations by 2030, without the use of carbon offsets. The Finland-based company reported sales of €692 million last year. Read more here.
