Koskenkorva uses regeneratively-farmed barley for new vodka
Altia has created a Koskenkorva vodka using regeneratively-farmed barley, a process that transforms agricultural fields into stores of atmospheric carbon.
Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action is said to be the world’s first vodka to be made with barley farmed in this manner and is the first product developed in collaboration between brand owner Altia, farmer Jari Eerola and the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG). Regenerative agriculture is a cultivation method that aims to convert fields from emission sources into carbon sinks, which can mitigate the impacts of climate change. The process involves improving soil health to increase the amount of atmospheric carbon that can be captured, while also enabling better crops and reducing land erosion. According to Altia, if all of the world’s farmers transitioned to regenerative methods, up to 322 billion tons of carbon dioxide could be removed from the atmosphere. Pekka Tennilä, CEO of Altia, said: “We don’t want to do our work at the expense of our planet. Sustainable barley farming is one of the ways we aim to honour this goal, as barley cultivation is one of the major factors contributing to the carbon footprint of our products. "Our collaboration with BSAG has given us access to the most up-to-date research findings and best practices.” Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action is a single estate vodka, as all the barley used in its production was grown at the Setälä-Eerola farm in the summer of 2020. During its cultivation, farming practices adhered to BSAG guidelines, including maximising soil coverage, crop rotation and the use of organic fertilisers. Suvi Reinikkala, marketing director of spirits at Altia, said: “Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action is an important innovation for us, because it takes the brand another step closer to its goal of being the world’s most sustainable vodka. We want to provide consumers with more sustainable choices and show how we can create inspiring brand experiences, while also protecting our planet.” Koskenkorva Vodka Climate Action will be available in early 2021 and distributed in the UK by Indie Brands.
