Industria Licorera de Caldas Redefines Sustainability in the Spirits Industry

The Colombian spirits giant, Industria Licorera de Caldas (ILC), recently became the first business in the nation to earn a Carbon Neutral Footprint certification for its entire portfolio. Beyond carbon, the company also stands as the first alcohol producer in Colombia—and one of only ten globally—to hold a verified Water Footprint certification. ILC CEO Diego Angelillis Quiceno told The Spirits Business that the company embeds sustainability throughout the entire value chain, from renewable energy use to the protection of natural reserves.

Circular Economy Success at Industria Licorera de Caldas

The firm currently recovers approximately 20% of its multi-material packaging across Colombia, including cartons, caps, and labels. However, reaching remote territories like the Pacific coast remains a logistical challenge due to limited infrastructure. To solve this, Industria Licorera de Caldas strengthens local partnerships to ensure efficient collection.

According to The Spirits Business, Angelillis Quiceno emphasizes that the ConexiónREP program generates real social value by supporting 2,000 recycling families. Furthermore, the brand converts recovered glass into “glass sand” for infrastructure projects and coral restoration, while transforming recycled cartons into school desks for local children.

The Long-Term Vision of Industria Licorera de Caldas

One of the distillery’s most ambitious projects involves a 50-year plan to cultivate Colombian white oak for future barrel production. Since 2010, the company has planted over 18,000 trees in its private reserve. Angelillis Quiceno informed The Spirits Business that he expects each tree to yield at least 40 barrels by year 30, supporting the long-term viability of the brand’s leading rum, Ron Viejo de Caldas.

Currently, Industria Licorera de Caldas dominates the Colombian rum category with an 85% market share. By utilizing pure spring water and oak grown in the Andean mist forests, the brand maintains a premium profile while focusing on resource independence.

Future Growth and Global Ambition for Industria Licorera de Caldas

While the company celebrates current milestones, decarbonizing the supply chain remains a significant hurdle. Angelillis Quiceno notes that roughly 87% of emissions stem from external factors like glass production. Nevertheless, Industria Licorera de Caldas continues to thrive commercially. In 2025, sales of Aguardiente Amarillo de Manzanares soared by 87%, and the company aims to sell nearly 54 million units of aguardiente in 2026. As it targets expansion into Europe and the US, the firm strives to become a global leader in ecosystem conservation and social development by 2030.

Source of information

The Spirits Business Article — Colombian firm ILC on building a circular spirits model, written by Nicola Carruthers

The image of the article is courtesy of © Tom Swinnen via Canva.com