For Flor de Caña Rum, “sustainable growth” means more than just sales numbers. Sustainable growth has been a guiding value for the company throughout its 125-year history.
That commitment was recently recognized by Fair Trade USA, which named Flor de Caña as a Fair Trade certified company. To become Fair Trade certified, this requires verification that the raw ingredients used to produce the beloved Nicaraguan rum are made in compliance with over 300 rigorous social, environmental and labor standards, according to a statement from Flor de Caña.
These standards included proven excellence in labor conditions, economic opportunity for workers, community development, and environmental sustainability. Flor de Caña is one of the first global spirits brands to earn this distinction.
This prestigious certification sets Flor de Caña apart and ahead of other spirits companies today, though hopefully not for long. "In the spirits industry, the trend toward environmental sustainability and social responsibility is just beginning," said Paul Rice, President & CEO of Fair Trade USA. "Flor de Caña is one of the early trailblazers in this space and is one of just a few spirits companies to adopt Fair Trade practices in their supply chain. We're excited by this partnership and the ripple effect that it's poised to create."
Trailblazing in this context includes some impressive work from Flor de Caña, including the adoption of 100% renewable energy to power their distilling process (in place for over a decade) or the great work of Flor de Caña employees in planting over 50,000 trees each year for the past 12 years. The company has also offered free education to 600 children of its employees and free medical attention to employees and families for decades. To date, over 2,500 children have been born at the company’s private hospital.
The company has also been the main donor for the APROQUEN non-profit for the past 25 years, providing free medical services to child burn victims and those with a cleft lip or palate, according to the company.
These programs are not outliers, either. Throughout the company’s 125-year history, the sustainable growth at the heart of Flor de Caña’s values has meant a holistic focus on the environment, employees, and community, according to the company.
Consumers today are increasingly using their purchasing power to support products that reflect their personal values, particularly as it relates to environmental impact and fair-trade practices, and we are thrilled to be able to help bring them Flor de Caña Rum.