Rum’s the word

High quality branded Barbados rum is in great demand on the international market.

The product has been consistently among the top ten exports in Barbados, and according to industry personnel, continues to improve tremendously despite a number of obstacles.

Vaughn Renwick, chief executive officer of West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers’ Association Inc., said rum had been the largest merchandise export for Barbados for several years now. Even though there had been a decline in bulk alcohol exports, Barbados producers were making great strides to shift to value added branded rum.

“It is a premium product with a very strong future,” he said, pointing out that Barbados was targeting its export at the top end of the market. However, he said that the industry did face threats, especially as it relates to sourcing of molasses. Presently Barbados gets the majority of its molasses, more than 50 per cent, from Guyana, but that country’s sugar industry was under threat as well. (MB)

Please read the full story in today’s Sunday Sun, or in the eNATION edition.