The SôZé cachaça, produced by Spinagro, is a bright example of sustainable innovation in the Brazilian agricultural sector. Located near Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo state, this unique cachaça is praised for its quality and commitment to environmental stewardship and female leadership.
Sustainable Production Process
The sustainability credentials stem from its innovative use of sugarcane by-products. Traditionally, sugarcane remnants such as larger cane stalks were used as cattle feed. However, Laura Vicentini and Rodrigo Spina, the founders of Spinagro, saw an opportunity to upcycle these residues into a premium cachaça. This approach minimizes waste and aligns with global sustainability trends, making SôZé an appreciated product in international markets.
Laura Vicentini explains: “When we remove buds from cane stalks to create seedlings, we produce a residue that in the past was used for cattle feed, which is not a very noble destination since it was mostly discarded. So Rodrigo challenged me to process these stalks to produce cachaça.”
The production process includes several eco-friendly practices. Spinagro implements organic farming methods, uses biological inputs to care for crops, and relies on solar energy through photovoltaic panels. These practices ensure that every bottle of SôZé cachaça is produced with minimal environmental impact.
Female Leadership and Innovation
Laura Vicentini’s path from Agronomy student to co-founder of a sustainable cachaça brand highlights the critical role of women in advancing Brazilian agriculture. Raised in a farming environment, Laura developed a passion for sugarcane growing and sustainable farming practices. Her expertise and innovative approach have been instrumental in turning SôZé into a leader in the sustainable cachaça market.
“In Brazil, we have cachaça sommelier courses, something I was unaware of until I entered this market,” says Laura. “We also have a selection of tasters and specialists in cachaça production who have significantly professionalized the market and taught consumers about the beverage.”
Acknowledgments and Certifications
The sustainable cachaça has achieved multiple certifications that underscore its commitment to sustainability. These include Bonsucro, IBD (Instituto Biodinâmico de Desenvolvimento Rural), 2030Today, and CAS+ (Positive Soil Environmental Accounting). These certifications confirm the brand’s sustainable practices and enhance its appeal in international markets. Currently, SôZé exports to the United States, Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, with production set to expand in the coming years.
In addition to its high sensory quality, the cachaça boasts impressive purity, having tested at just 9 mg per liter of ethyl carbamate, significantly below the Brazilian legal limit of 210 mg per liter. This superior quality, combined with its sustainable production process, has made SôZé a sought-after product internationally.
A Model for Future Generations in Sustainable Agriculture
SôZé is an example of integrating sustainability, innovation, and female leadership in Brazilian agriculture. By transforming sugarcane waste into a premium product, Spinagro reduces environmental impact and sets a benchmark for sustainable practices in the industry. Laura Vicentini’s leadership ensures that SôZé remains at the forefront of the sustainable cachaça market, representing the best of Brazilian agriculture to the world.