22.01.2009

The first FSC labeled gin was launched in the Belgium market in December 2008. Made from the green pine cones of Pinus sylvestris, a common tree in the Flemish region, the launch of this gin also marks the first FSC certified non-timber forest product originating from Belgium.

Known as Dennenknopje, ‘little pine cone’ in Dutch, the gin is made from cones that are collected from the FSC certified Domeinbos Pijnven forest. Owned by the Flemish government, it is managed as part of a larger FSC Group that has been certified since 2006. Certification to FSC’s Principles and Criteria for responsible forest management ensures that the natural forest complexity is maintained and social issues are considered, while securing long term supplies of forest products.

Distilleerderij Leukenheide is the family owned company responsible for producing the gin. Founded in 1833, it is the oldest traditional gin distillery in the region. The company achieved FSC chain of custody certification in May 2008, facilitating completion of the supply chain from Domeinbos Pijnven forest by processing the gin and labeling the bottle with the FSC label.

The eye-catching FSC labeled gin brings promotion of FSC in the country and strengthened local identity to this relatively forest rich region. It also demonstrates that responsible management of forests can bring new and interesting opportunities, not only for recreational purposes, but also within the economic perspective of responsible forest product harvesting.

For more information, please contact Bart Holvoet, FSC Belgium.

Based on: FSC Belgium Press Release 19/12/2008