Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries, Raphael Grisoni showing the special 50th anniversary XO Cask Strength Limited Edition to (from left to right) Director of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Alissandra Cummins; Prime Minister Freundel Stuart; and Minister of Housing and Lands, Denis Kellman. Looking on are Commerce Minister, Donville Inniss and Opposition Leader, Mia Mottley (both partially hidden). (C.Pitt/BGIS)

Managing Director of Mount Gay Distilleries, Raphael Grisoni showing the special 50th anniversary XO Cask Strength Limited Edition to (from left to right) Director of the Barbados Museum and Historical Society, Alissandra Cummins; Prime Minister Freundel Stuart; and Minister of Housing and Lands, Denis Kellman. Looking on are Commerce Minister, Donville Inniss and Opposition Leader, Mia Mottley (both partially hidden). (C.Pitt/BGIS)

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has expressed concern that the competitiveness of locally produced rum in international markets has been challenged considerably in recent times.

Mr. Stuart made the comments over the weekend at the launch of Mount Gay’s Commemorative 50th Anniversary XO Cask Strength Limited Edition at the St. Lucy Distillery.

The Prime Minister said producers were forced to compete with heavily subsidised spirits produced in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, through the United States “Cover Over grant”.

“While the granting of this subsidy has adversely affected Barbados’ rum industry and has contributed to the decline in the export of rum to these USA territories, this industry is determined to show its ability to adapt and maintain its place in the markets of the world…. We have proven that we are competitive when the playing field is level,” he stressed.

He pointed out that investment was required to implement a sustained and integrated local, regional and international marketing campaign for the rum industry.

Mr. Stuart noted that over the years, the export market for the trading of rum and the remittances from sales had been among the chief drivers of the economy.

“The rum industry has been acclaimed as one of the most successful industries in the Caribbean and more so in Barbados, with our three centuries of experience. Mount Gay Distilleries has … exported, on average, more than BDS$30 million in rum annually over the past five years.

“The export of rum contributes significantly to Barbados’ foreign exchange earnings. Earnings from rum exports recorded $70.9 million in 2011; $82.4 million in 2012; $86.1 million in 2013; $78.7 million in 2014; and $76.2 million in 2015. Mount Gay is well poised to repeat these feats in 2016 on its present trajectory,” he disclosed.

Prime Minister Stuart indicated that Barbados was still experiencing challenges in sourcing molasses from the local sugar industry. He added that there were ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry, sugar producers and rum producers to ensure adequate supply for the rum industry.

“The aim of the dialogue is to arrive at a formula for the production of molasses which would satisfy all parties involved, and would ultimately result in the increase and sustainability of the local production of this much needed input,” he explained.

Forty-four blends from the finest single and double distilled rums from Mount Gay’s oldest reserves were selected to reach the final blend for the XO Cask Strength Limited Edition.

sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb

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