L – R Paul Trotman (The Authentic Curry Company); Jon Treganna (Penderyn); Enfys Fox (Tesco) Gwesyn Davies (Ellis Eggs); Michele Roberts Edwards The Welsh Butcher
Penderyn Distillery, the celebrated Welsh whisky producer, is taking a bold step towards a greener future with its participation in a pioneering programme to reduce carbon footprints in the food and drink industry.
This initiative, supported by the Welsh Government and Tesco, aims to equip businesses with the tools to measure and reduce their carbon emissions, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.
Stephen Davies, CEO of Penderyn Distillery, stated, “We’re proud to be part of this innovative programme, which aligns with our own commitment to sustainability. By working together with the Welsh Government and Tesco, we can make a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions in our industry.”
Jon Tregenna, Media Manager at Penderyn Distillery, emphasised the importance of these sustainability efforts in connecting with the global Welsh diaspora: “When we take our products overseas and connect with the Welsh diaspora, you get to see how proud they are of Wales. In a way, our success is Wales’s success and therefore theirs too.”
Tregenna says, “If we were a service provider our Welsh connection wouldn’t be as important, but as an alcohol manufacturer you want people to know where you’re from, why you’re in the market, and most importantly you want to represent your country.”
The programme employs a comprehensive three-phase strategy:
- Establishing Protocols: Tailoring carbon measurement protocols specifically for Welsh businesses.
- Setting Baselines: Utilising a carbon capture tool to establish emission baselines.
- Creating Reduction Plans: Developing expert-guided, industry-specific carbon reduction strategies.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This pilot programme is a significant step for Wales’s food and drink industry. Tesco’s support is invaluable in equipping businesses with the tools to measure and reduce their carbon footprint, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability.”
Enfys Fox, Relationship Manager for Local Sourcing at Tesco, added, “Tesco is committed to building a more sustainable food system, and we’re proud to work alongside the Welsh Government in this transformative pilot programme. We recognize the role that industry has to play in helping reduce carbon emissions. By supporting our suppliers in baselining their impact and providing actionable strategies to take forward, we are taking important steps to address the climate crisis and ensure a sustainable future for the industry.”
Simon James, Managing Director of Edwards – the Welsh Butcher, noted the business benefits of participating in the programme: “Participating in this pilot helps us baseline our emissions and develop strategies to reduce them. Sustainable practices are essential for winning future supply contracts.”
The initiative aims to create a blueprint for scaling carbon reduction initiatives across Wales’ food and drink industry. Participating businesses are supported to establish protocols and reduce their carbon emissions, which will strengthen their position when seeking financing for growth.
When dealing with loan applications, financial institutions often seek proof that businesses are genuinely measuring their carbon emissions. The pilot programme offers this assurance by providing a structured framework for tracking and reporting emissions, equipping businesses with credible data to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Penderyn Distillery’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its own practices, including the redesign of its whisky bottles to reduce glass usage and the installation of solar panels on the distillery roof. These efforts not only contribute to a greener future but also enhance the company’s global reputation as a leader in sustainable whisky production.