Waste Prevention through Competitions and Chocolate w/ Katie Jackson, Jackson Family Wines

Jackson Family Wines is at the forefront of many sustainability efforts as one of the world’s largest wine companies, with >40 wineries. Though they have made significant efforts in renewable energy, climate change, and social impact; they have also done a lot with waste prevention and green purchasing. Katie Jackson, a 2nd generation family member, leads these efforts to become more sustainable and describes some of the major programs they’ve undertaken. Detailed Show Notes: Intro from Anna Brittain of Napa Green Only 30% of glass is recycled, and 30-50% of emissions are from packaging and distributionKatie’s background - 2nd generation, worked in multiple departments but joined the sustainability team in 2011 after it was founded in 2008JFW backgroundFounded in 1982 as Kendall JacksonInvested in high-quality vineyards across the stateFounded Cambria (1986) and Stonestreet (1989), now >40 wineries (mostly CA, 3 Oregon, Chile, South Africa, France, Italy, & 2 in Australia)Broad sustainability programs with four current focus areas: Social impact, including DEI - has an internal team called “idea alliance” to develop new ways to improve diversityCarbon/climate change - most difficult goals - 50% reduction by 2030, climate positive by 2050Farming/regenerative farmingWater management2015 - publicly released a comprehensive plan w/ 11 different focus areas, including Zero Waste and getting more growers to be sustainableSustainability investments and ROIInvested $18.5M since 2015Biggest spend in renewable energy (primarily solar - powers ~30% of winemaking needs, installing a new wind turbine which will generate ~5% of needs)Generated $19.5M in savings and gov’t grantsLightweighting of glass has saved $1M/year in glass and ~$500k/year in transportationSolar initially had a 6-year paybackNo set corporate threshold for sustainability investment ROISustainability teamTwo full-time staff~80 people in 9 working groups volunteer ~3-4 hrs/month to work on sustainability initiativesGreen purchasing - developed preferred purchasing plan, looking at more environmentally friendly materialsE.g., the sales team is looking at biodegradable POS neckers made w/ seedsWaste prevention - critical for climate change goals, focused more on wineries currentlyAchieved