Anora continues regenerative farming initiative
Helsinki-based spirits producer Anora is renewing its long-term collaboration with the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG) by signing its third Baltic Sea Commitment for 2026-2030.
Anora and BSAG have been partners since 2015, united by a common goal of supporting a healthier Baltic Sea and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.
The collaboration has already yielded tangible results, including the creation of the world’s first vodka made from regeneratively farmed barley, Anora Group said.
The company has successfully trained contract farmers in regenerative farming methods, including adopting nutrient-efficient, environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, the company has joined the Carbon Action platform to promote regenerative agriculture.
Anora has also previously committed to reducing water consumption.
The main goal of the renewed agreement is to increase the percentage of barley grown using regenerative farming practices in Anora’s grain-based spirits to 30% by 2030.
Kari Kiltilä, category sourcing manager at Anora Group, said: “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. 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, thereby improving biodiversity.
“This commitment demonstrates how we can work with our farmers to build a more resilient and environmentally friendly upstream production.”
Long-term commitment
Regenerative farming reportedly provides a range of strategies to address climate change and environmental degradation. Improving soil health enhances carbon sequestration, supports biodiversity, and reduces nutrient runoff, which is said to harm the Baltic Sea.
Additionally, these practices offer financial benefits for farmers by increasing the resilience and yield of their land.
Ville Wahlberg, CEO of BSAG, explained: “The condition of the soil does not improve in just a year or two. 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, now in its 10th 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.”
Anora Group also aims to achieve fossil-free production at the Koskenkorva Distillery by the end of 2026 and across all its operations by 2030, without relying on carbon offsets.
The company has also established science-based emissions-reduction targets, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050.
Additionally, Anora aims to promote a circular economy by reducing wastewater by 20%, increasing the waste recycling rate to 90%, and eliminating landfilling by 2030.
Last month, the company revised its strategy and mid-term financial goals to better align with the current industry climate.
Over the past 12 months, Anora has restructured its operations, resulting in several staff changes.
In March, the company welcomed Kirsi Puntila as the new CEO. This was followed by the appointment of Imre Avalo as the senior vice-president of the spirits segment in May.
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