Bacardi USA Receives U.S. EPA 2016 SmartWay® Excellence Award

For second consecutive year, Bacardi recognized as a leading environmental performer for Freight Supply Chain Efficiency

CORAL GABLES, Florida, Sept. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second year in a row, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honors Bacardi USA with a SmartWay^® Excellence Award as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency in transportation logistics. The SmartWay Excellence Award, reserved for the top performing SmartWay Partners, is EPA's highest recognition for demonstrated leadership.

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The EPA recognized top environmental performance by Bacardi USA in demonstrating a series of coordinated measures to effectively integrate its supply chain planning, operations, and transportation partners to reduce its carbon footprint.

"The EPA's SmartWay program vision is clearly embodied in the environmental and sustainability mission statement of Bacardi. We strive to transport our premium spirits in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way possible, while reducing the impact of climate change at every level of our operation," said Enrique Gomez, Vice President of Operations & North America Supply Chain Director for Bacardi. "We are honored to be recognized again this year by such a highly respected organization for a cause we are so committed to."

Bacardi's transportation efficiencies have significantly improved over the past few years. In 2009, 65% of Bacardi shipments out of its Jacksonville, Florida, bottling facility were over the road. In just seven years, Bacardi reversed that with just 35% of shipments traveling over the road, and now 65% moving via intermodal rail.  These intermodal efficiency wins were further enhanced with Bacardi's metrics-driven load planning, transportation and yard management systems designed to optimize the trailer "drop and pick" and full trailer moves.

"SmartWay Shipper Partners understand that by improving supply chain efficiency they not only reduce freight transport costs but also reduce emissions of the carbon pollution that contributes to climate change," said Christopher Grundler, Director of EPA's Office of Transportation & Air Quality. "Participating in EPA's SmartWay Transport Partnership helps these businesses move goods in a manner that is better for business and helps protect our climate."