Bacardi USA Receives U.S. EPA 2016 SmartWay® Excellence Award

The EPA recognized top environmental performance by Bacardi USA in demonstrating a series of coordinated measures to effectively integrate its supply chain planning, operations, and transportation partners to reduce its carbon footprint.

"The EPA's SmartWay program vision is clearly embodied in the environmental and sustainability mission statement of Bacardi. We strive to transport our premium spirits in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible, while reducing the impact of climate change at every level of our operation," said Enrique Gomez, Vice President of Operations & North America Supply Chain Director for Bacardi. "We are honored to be recognized again this year by such a highly respected organization for a cause we are so committed to."

Bacardi's transportation efficiencies have significantly improved over the past few years. In 2009, 65% of Bacardi shipments out of its Jacksonville, Florida, bottling facility were over the road. In just seven years, Bacardi reversed that with just 35% of shipments traveling over the road, and now 65% moving via intermodal rail.  These intermodal efficiency wins were further enhanced with Bacardi's metrics-driven load planning, transportation and yard management systems designed to optimize the trailer "drop and pick" and full trailer moves.

"SmartWay Shipper Partners understand that by improving supply chain efficiency they not only reduce freight transport costs but also reduce emissions of the carbon pollution that contributes to climate change," said Christopher Grundler, Director of EPA's Office of Transportation & Air Quality. "Participating in EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership helps these businesses move goods in a manner that is better for business and helps protect our climate."

Bacardi USA was one of nine companies to receive this distinction, representing the best environmental performers of SmartWay's nearly 3,500 partners. The shipper and logistics Excellence Awardees were honored earlier today at the 2016 Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Annual Conference held in Kissimmee, Florida.

Bacardi partners with Ryder System, Inc. – well known for its sustainable logistics and supply-chain solutions for its fleet of trucks, tractors, and trailers. Ryder procures all of the Bacardi domestic shipments and has fully supported all Bacardi USA's environmental and sustainability efforts. Since 2008, Bacardi USA and Ryder have worked together to institute the Bacardi SmartWay Program and have successfully reduced carbon emissions by more than 20%.

Over the past ten years, Bacardi has also reduced the weight of its packaging by more than 7% - equivalent to taking 1,100 full truckloads off the road. For global distribution, Bacardi is a member of Green Freight Europe, the sister organization of SmartWay to improve the environmental performance of road freight transport throughout Europe.

To learn more about Bacardi and its "Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future" environmental initiative for sourcing, packaging and operational efficiencies across the entire Bacardi family of premium spirits and wine brands, visit http://www.bacardilimited.com/good-spirited.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.
Bacardi U.S.A. Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, MARTINI vermouth and sparkling wines, the world's leading vermouth and the world's favorite Italian sparkling wines, and other leading and emerging brands.

About SmartWay
EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership is a market-driven initiative that empowers businesses to move goods in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible while protecting public health and reducing the impacts of climate change. Demonstration of a commitment to corporate sustainability and social responsibility through SmartWay provides for a more competitive and environmentally-friendly business environment. Since 2004, SmartWay Partners have saved 170.3 million barrels of oil—the equivalent of eliminating annual energy use in over 6 million homes and $24.9 billion in fuel costs. SmartWay's clean air achievements (72.8 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, 1,458,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, and 59,000 tons of particulate matter emissions avoided) help to protect the well-being of citizens.

More information on SmartWay in general: www.epa.gov/smartway/  

Excellence Award recipients list: www.epa.gov/smartway/smartway-excellence-awardees#tab-1  

Media Contact
Amy Federman, [email protected], +1.441.294.1110

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SOURCE Bacardi USA