Birch Premium Botanical Vodka has become the first-non timber product to receive Grown In Britain certification in recognition of its sustainable, forest-based production process.
The certification is for the sustainable methods of collecting the vodka’s primary ingredient, birch sap, which is harvested each spring from community woodlands.
The sap is then combined with pure spirit and birch botanicals to create the vodka, which is produced by Macmerry-based Buck & Birch.
The company’s creative director Tom Chisholm commented: “It’s an honour and a huge milestone for Birch Vodka to be the first non-timber product to be certified by Grown In Britain. This recognises the deep respect we have for our woodlands and the beautiful Scottish birch trees we harvest our sap from.
“Every spirit we bottle starts with a walk in the woods and a passion to work hand-in-hand with local communities to protect the wild landscapes we love.”
Grown in Britain is a not-for-profit organisation that campaigns for the future success of the UK’s woods and forests, working with producers to ensure a sustainable culture surrounding wood products.
CEO of Grown in Britain, Dougal Driver, said: “We’re thrilled Birch Premium Botanical Vodka is Grown in Britain certified. Our updated standard now includes trees outside woodlands, recycled content and non-timber products derived from trees – like sap and fruit, which broadens the scope of how we can support both nature and our industry.
“It is exciting to have Buck & Birch lead the way as the first officially certified tree-derived product – their sustainable harvesting methods and partnerships with local communities, landowners and woodland managers are innovative and inspirational.”
