West Indies Rum joins with coconut industry and farmers

As the world recognised International Coconut Day on Thursday, Barbados’ leading rum producer, West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD), has teamed up with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the International Trade Centre (ITC)’s Alliances for Action in partnering with local farmers to source coconuts from Barbados for rum production.

West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD) through a project funded by the European Union (EU) and CARIFORUM, will be sourcing the coconuts from A.T Nicholls coconut farm, to be used in the production of premium coconut products.

Managing Director of WIRD, Andrew Hassell, said this is a very exciting project as the distillery focuses not only on making the very best rum, but also supporting the Barbadian community by promoting and developing synergies with local farmers.

“The distillery has been the backbone of the local rum industry for over 100 years and as we continue to invest in our communities and businesses, we are proud to be able to source local molasses and coconuts from Barbados to create unique Barbadian crafted products,” he said.

Hassell also announced that one of the very first products will be a new coconut infused aged rum, Plantation Cut & Dry to be released in November as a Barbados exclusive.

The coconuts for this special edition will be sourced from a local farming family business – A.T. Nicholls, who has been working in agriculture for decades, growing various crops including sugar cane, golden apples and of course coconuts.

Plantation Cut & Dry is a 100 per cent Barbadian Rum using an infusion with natural coconut flesh sourced locally. It took WIRD’s expert team four years to achieve the perfect recipe with the balanced ratio that is pleasing to the taste while maintaining the highest standards of rum making:
one coconut is required to produce one litre of coconut infused rum

Hassell added: “We are hoping to highlight the unique flavour of our rum and its connection with the island, by promoting the rich heritage of our products derived from local agriculture, to the world, while positioning them as the premium craft brand.”

Brian-Lee Chandler of ITC has described this project as a major boost for the Caribbean coconut sector.

“This partnership brings together the best of Caribbean products – rum and coconuts – with a shared aim of positioning Barbados as a source of high-quality, craft products, produced sustainably and celebrating its cultural heritage.”

The regional organisation noted that rum exports accounted for Bds$57 million GDP annually.

“The growing demand for premium alcoholic spirits is giving spirit producers new chance to expand their global market share. With the rise in demand for premium spirits like Plantation Cut & Dry coconut rum, Barbados is well positioned to benefit,” Chandler said.

The project is being implemented by ITC-Alliances for Action with support from key regional partner CARDI, while CARIFORUM, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific State (OACPS) and the European Union remain strategic partners of both agencies’ activities. (PR)