Global Wine & Spirits

CONTEXT

Global Wine & Spirits is a leading company in Colombia’s wine and spirits sector, with over a decade of experience importing, distributing, and marketing premium beverages known for their quality and exclusivity.

In 2023, the company faced a new landscape: a combination of regulatory changes in sustainability and a clear intention from leadership to deepen its commitment to responsible business practices. Rather than simply complying with new requirements, GWS made a strategic decision to structure its sustainability management and align its business growth with positive impact — including a move toward international standards like B-Corp certification.

CHALLENGE

The challenge was to guide a well-established, traditional company through a transition into a more sustainability-driven business model.

More than compliance, the goal was to build internal capabilities, organize existing initiatives, and design a solid strategy that would enable progress toward B-Corp certification. This meant embedding sustainability across operations, decision-making, and organizational culture.

SOLUTION

Actual supported GWS in designing its sustainability strategy through a clear, participatory methodology.

We began by mapping their value chain and conducting a materiality assessment that included input from key stakeholders. Based on these insights, we built a roadmap that helped define strategic priorities, allocate resources effectively, and establish the company’s core ESG pillars.

This process clarified key focus areas across environmental, social, and governance dimensions. It led to the creation of an environmental management system with performance indicators and control mechanisms. We also supported the development of their first sustainability report aligned with GRI standards, set to be published in 2024.

The resulting strategy not only responds to immediate regulatory needs — it positions GWS for long-term impact and cultural transformation, and builds a solid foundation for B-Corp certification.

IMPACT

For the first time, GWS structured an integrated sustainability strategy, with clear ESG pillars and prioritized projects.

The company met over 80% of the new regulatory requirements, progressed in its B-Corp certification process (scoring approximately 76 points), and completed its first carbon footprint assessment (481.9 tCO₂e). Strategic projects are already in motion — including bottle circularity, supply chain engagement, and team development programs.

CONCLUSION

This case shows how a regulatory shift can become a catalyst for purposeful business evolution. Through a structured and participatory process, GWS laid the groundwork to embed sustainability into its operations — positioning itself as a more conscious, resilient, and future-ready organization.

Sustainability is more than a requirement — it’s a strategic tool to shape culture, guide decisions, and build meaningful relationships.