Square One™ Case Study

Square One Organic Vodka: The Great Taste of Social Responsibility

The Challenge

Bringing a new product to market is always a challenge, but launching one that subscribes to the tenets of right livelihood, social responsibility and organic growing practices can be even more complicated. This is particularly true in the world of spirits where organics are a new category. Partnering with Square One Organic Spirits, CCA launched a new company and brand that is walking the walk when it comes to what they're delivering both inside and out of the bottle. Their first product is Square One™ Organic Vodka - the first 100% certified organic rye vodka to market.

Square One has done its research and has sourced the finest 100% certified organic rye from North Dakota, the purest water from the Teton Mountains, and the best organic distiller who could implement a proprietary organic fermentation process. They have also gathered a team of branding professionals including CCA that want everything about the product and the company to reflect environmental responsibility with an eye to the future. The custom molded glass bottle uses no acid wash or etching which are toxic, and is designed for decorative use after the product is enjoyed. The shipping boxes are made of unbleached cardboard and are recyclable. Soy-based inks are used on Square One labels and shipper cartons, not just on collateral and business papers. All promotional materials from press kits to coasters are printed on environmentally friendly, New Leaf Paper, a certified green business.

All of these factors contribute to a green image that, as it turns out is actually secondary to the first impression of the quality and smooth taste of this top shelf, ultra-premium vodka.

The Solution

CCA is guiding Square One through its introduction to the spirits trade as well as its launch to the savvy consumer who wants great taste but wishes to feel good about the products it consumes and the companies it supports.

Receiving a silver medal in the San Francisco International Spirits Competition set the stage for Square One's messages regarding quality, while early support of influential environmental organizations and conferences, including LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) and U.N. Environmental Day illustrates Square One's dedication to the serendipitously, reinvigorated green movement. The development of organic, aromatic cocktails by the Square One community of mixologists allows CCA to show both the media and consumers just how delicious it is to "go organic" when it comes what you create in your favorite martini glass.

With a combination of sharing preview samples with key national media, hosting official launch parties in San Francisco and New York, and hard work by the sales team, Square One is out of the box and creating a buzz from coast to coast. CCA proudly and diligently works with new media, food/bar service, wine and spirits, environmental, natural products, food and lifestyle press to get the word out about this exciting, inspiring new company and its quality, precedent-setting products. Key press hits in the last year include: MSNBC – TV, Oprah, Wallpaper, Newsweek, Business Week, GQ, Domino, Elle, Discovery Channel among many other outlets.

In addition to touting the attributes of Square One and its new vodka, CCA positioned CEO Allison Evanow as a rising female entrepreneur to watch, and Square One as a direct company of high integrity that is willing to debunk the myths in the world of spirits. This makes for some interesting conversations in the media, trade shows and at the next cocktail party.

We've only just begun and the future is bright "green".