As the first woman elected to serve as President of the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) Board of Directors, Becky Harris is paving the way for others and making a difference. We asked Becky what’s new in whiskey and how Catoctin Creek Distillery continues to pioneer Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
Talk to us about the spirits industry and culture from your perspective.
The spirits industry is undergoing a time of rapid change. When we started our distillery in 2009, there were around 200 distilleries in the United States; today, there are 2300 distilleries, the majority of which make less than 10,000 bottles each year. From an industry that was almost exclusively helmed by white men, an increasing number of women and under-represented people are in leadership. This is incredibly exciting!
What does this mean for the future of the spirits industry in terms of DEI?
This is one of the most interesting times to be a fan of spirits, since the emergence of brands led by diverse people brings new expressions and flavor profiles to the forefront. This naturally then brings new and diverse consumers finding products which appeal to them both in story and in flavor. For me, and for many other women and under-represented people, this attention is long overdue. More please!
How has the industry changed in the United States for women?
Women in leadership are no longer the exception. If you are a nationwide brand, it is more exceptional if you do NOT have women as decision makers. This brings more opportunity to women at all levels of experience, and the presence of women at all levels will make the industry increasingly welcoming.
What can you tell young women today interested in getting into your line of work?
Come on and join us! You can get education opportunities at two organizations I’m involved in: the American Craft Spirits Association and the STEPUP Foundation. Check them out online at americancraftspirits.com and stepupinternship.org
What do women bring to the category?
How has this influence changed for the better? Women have always been a part of the industry, from leading blending projects to heading up and designing brands. Bringing that important part of history to the forefront has made enjoying whiskey less of a curiosity, and the whiskey world a more welcoming place for women, generally.
Anything you’d like to see improved or changed?
There are still a lot of challenges for women in the industry. Women are still finding themselves targets of harassment either in their workplaces, or at whiskey events. Efforts to improve this have been ongoing, but we need the efforts of men to speak out and make it clear that this conduct is not acceptable either at work or in a festival environment.
Where do you see the future headed for women in the industry?
White women have seen the greatest gains over the past years, and I am eager to see other women getting the same opportunities, whether they be women of color or trans women. We all have skills we bring to the table.
Anything else you’d like to add about DEI?
DEI is not just something you can assign to a department; it is something to internalize as a company. Your current and future customers are from diverse backgrounds and are looking to see how you reflect their values in your organization. Spirits can be something we all can enjoy in community, and welcoming folks of every background in a deep and sincere way encourages growth in every sector. It’s just good business!
The post We Ask Catoctin Creek’s Becky Harris, What’s New with Whiskey’s Women? appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
