Daniel Pappa, bartender at acclaimed Oslo cocktail bar Svanen, has taken home the top prize at the Torres Brandy Zero Challenge 2025, winning €30,000 to fund his sustainability-driven project titled D.G.Æ (The Ugly Duckling).
Representing Norway at the global finals in Barcelona, Pappa’s concept impressed judges for its innovative repurposing of surplus and damaged farm products. His idea? Transform discarded produce into syrups, sodas, liquors, fruit wines, and other bar essentials—while cutting packaging waste and supporting local farmers.
“This award means everything,” said Pappa. “With this support, we can grow our Zero Waste brand globally, reduce energy use and emissions, and help create a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.”
The Torres Brandy Zero Challenge, now in its third edition, was created by Familia Torres to spotlight sustainability innovation within hospitality. Each finalist pitched a project tackling environmental or social issues, from food waste to burnout prevention in bar teams.
This year’s global final included 11 national winners. Other standout finalists were Gerardo Vázquez Lugo of Nicos in Mexico City, who implemented Mexico’s first zero-waste system in a restaurant, and Mika Ammunét of Bar Mate in Helsinki, whose Project Zero Burnouts emphasized staff well-being and workplace sustainability.
The jury—comprising sustainability consultants, architects, and industry leaders like Christian Visalli, Spirits Global Managing Director at Familia Torres—evaluated projects on idea strength, environmental impact, business model, and long-term viability.
“We’ve shifted the focus from cocktail presentation to the projects themselves,” said Visalli. “The level of creativity and commitment this year has been extraordinary.”
Familia Torres, pioneers in sustainable winemaking since 2008, are behind the Zero Challenge initiative through their Juan Torres Master Distillers division. Their goal: raise climate change awareness and champion sustainable practices in bars and restaurants worldwide.
Pappa’s winning initiative marks a step forward in redefining what sustainability means behind the bar—proving that waste can become an asset, and that innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
