Bacardí hosts top distributor execs at Cataño distillery
As part of the visit, executives sealed a barrel of Bacardí rum, which will rest in the aging warehouse to signify the start of the new partnership between the companies. The Bacardí plant is dedicated to aging, blending, quality control and manufacturing rum products.
The 30 executives in attendance witnessed the significant investment Bacardí has made over the past five years into the operation, including three new rum aging warehouses, a rum blending facility, a tank farm housing 32 stainless steel holding tanks, a terminal for loading tankers, a new laboratory, and refurbishment of the Casa Bacardí Visitor Center.
In January, Bacardí announced it would move to a regional distributor network in North America in April 2016 and named Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. and Glazer’s Inc. to lead the distribution of its wine and spirits portfolio in more than 40 markets across the United States and Canada.
“With our U.S. distribution partners, Bacardí sees the island playing a key role in the manufacturing of Bacardí rum and Bacardí playing a significant role in the Puerto Rican economy as it is the leading private contributor to Puerto Rico’s treasury through its annual contributions of income, excise and other taxes. Rum cover-over revenues generated from excise taxes paid by Bacardí alone will represent billions to the Commonwealth over the next 20 years,” said Pete Carr, regional president for North America, Bacardí.
The Cataño facility produces more than 100,000 liters of rum every day, crafting more than 80 percent of the Bacardí rum consumed in the world.