Caribbean rum producers toast to responsible drinking

The West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) is stirring up change in the Caribbean’s drinking culture and the perception of alcohol use, balancing industry interests with public health concerns.

The chief executive officer, Vaughn Renwick, speaking at the end of WIRSPA’s annual general meeting at the Savannah Hotel, highlighted the group’s commitment to promoting responsible alcohol consumption through education, collaboration, and stringent marketing practices.

“We spent a lot of time on this issue that’s really dear to our hearts, which is: how do we ensure that the products that we sell make a positive impact on our population?” Renwick said. He acknowledged the challenges of non-communicable diseases and harmful alcohol use, noting that while progress was being made, there was still work to be done.

WIRSPA is adopting a collaborative approach, exploring ways to work with governments and international health organisations to develop solutions that benefit everyone. Recent World Health Organisation data shows a decrease in alcohol-related harm, but Renwick stressed the need for continued efforts.

“The numbers are still too high. We accept that we have more work to do. Each of our companies is implementing activities aimed at educating people about how to drink more responsibly,” the CEO said.

The association has launched several initiatives to boost consumer education and responsible drinking. These include calorie information on bottles and improved product labelling to discourage practices such as drink-driving, alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and underage drinking.

“We believe it’s a start. It’s not the full answer. It’s a start to improving consumer education.”

Server training is another key initiative, with the aim being to teach bar staff to spot inebriation, know when to stop serving, and maintain proper pour measures.

A primary focus for WIRSPA is preventing underage access to alcohol. In this regard, Renwick emphasised their commitment to responsible marketing practices, saying, “Our marketing code specifically addresses controlling promotion to minors. We’re not perfect, but we recognise the problems and are working hard to address them.” (RG)