Press Release:

Shaffer Farms Revives the Original Cocktail Straw with Naturally OG Rye Straws

Roberts Creek, BC — Sept 2025 — In a market flooded with paper, plastic, bamboo, and even metal drinking straws, one Canadian farm is going back to the beginning. Shaffer Farms has launched Naturally OG Rye Straws, a modern revival of the original cocktail straw: organic ryegrass stems, harvested in small batches and reintroduced for today’s eco-conscious beverage culture.

A Straw with History

Long before paper and plastic, the first cocktails of the 1800s were stirred and sipped through ryegrass straws. Bartenders favored them not only for their elegance but for the way they enhanced the drinking experience. Shaffer Farms is bringing this heritage back to life, combining old-world simplicity with modern-day sustainability.

“Our straws are more than compostable—they’re cultural,” says founder Gerald Shaffer. “They reflect a respect for history, a commitment to sustainability, and a better customer experience. Whether you’re a mixologist or a café owner, these straws speak volumes without saying a word.”

Farm-to-Bar Innovation

The Naturally OG Rye Straw isn’t just another biodegradable option—it’s the centerpiece of a new “farm-to-bar” movement. Organically grown and rotated annually to protect soil health, each ryegrass straw is left uncoated and chemical-free, meaning it breaks down naturally without leaving synthetic residue. The result is a carbon-negative product that offers a guilt-free, premium drinking experience.

Beyond cultivation, Shaffer Farms is building a global network of small partner farms, ensuring year-round supply even in the face of seasonal shifts, tariff challenges, or regional disruptions. This multi-farm model positions Naturally OG Straws as both artisanal and scalable—capable of serving boutique cocktail bars as well as large hospitality operations.

Why Rye, Why Now?

Plastic straws are synonymous with ocean waste and microplastic pollution. Paper straws, while marketed as eco-friendly, often collapse in drinks and are frequently treated with PFAS “forever chemicals.” For customers, that means soggy textures, strange aftertastes, and frustration that can sour an entire visit.

Rye straws, by contrast, are elegant, durable, and natural. They hold up in cocktails, iced coffees, and sodas, all while aligning with sustainability goals. Just as importantly, they tell a story: customers recognize them as something special, a detail that sparks conversation and builds loyalty.

Key Advantages of Naturally OG Rye Straws

• Organically grown with no chemicals or processing

• Fully compostable and carbon-negative

• Elegant and durable for cocktails, iced drinks, and more

• Stable, global supply through a multi-farm model

• Aesthetic value and a heritage story customers love to share

The Future of Sipping

More than a product, Shaffer sees rye straws as a bridge between past and future. “This is about creating experiences people remember,” he says. “A straw seems small, but in hospitality, small things matter most.”

Naturally OG Rye Straws are now available for commercial and wholesale orders. To support operators, Shaffer Farms offers custom wooden dispensers and point-of-sale storytelling materials—helping venues share the heritage, sustainability, and style behind every sip.

For more information or to place an order, visit www.ogstraws.com.