Rum Co sets its sights on US market

Internationally award-winning Rum Co of Fiji has again been recognised for its premium rum ranges, Bati and Ratu.

At the 2021 SIP Awards and Bartender Spirits Awards, Rum Co. of Fiji won an Innovation Award, four Platinum Awards and four Gold medals across the competitions.

Heath Baker, Head of International Alcohol, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, said to be recognised by trade and consumers in the USA is an incredible moment for Rum Co.of Fiji and the team.

“These awards support our passion and vision to make Fiji known as the new home of rum. We have built an excellent base in our home markets of Australia and the Pacific, and we see North America as our greatest long-term opportunity to embed this vision,” said Baker. 

The SIP Awards are the only internationally recognised spirits competition that sees consumers become the judges, and the Bartender Spirits Awards are judged by globally respected bartenders, bar managers and on-premise buyers for the on-premise industry. 

In the SIP Awards:

• Ratu 8-Year Signature Rum Liqueur won an Innovation and Platinum ‘Best of Class’ Award
• Ratu 5-Year Dark Rum and Bati 2-Year White Rum both won exclusive Platinum ‘Best of Class’ Awards; and
• Ratu 5-Year Spiced Rum and Bati 2-Year Dark Rum both took out Gold Medals.

In the Bartender Spirits Awards:

• Ratu Signature Rum Liqueur, Ratu Spiced Rum and Bati White Rum took out three Gold medals, scoring highly across all aspects of judging: mixability, balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel and finish, package, and price. 

Lucy Dodgson, Brand Manager - International Alcohol, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners said, “Rum Co of Fiji prides itself on having a versatile portfolio with broad trade and consumer appeal. We put a lot of emphasis on building bartender and consumer brand advocacy, so these awards are the ultimate seal of approval, and are further testament to Fiji being an exceptional and credible Rum producing nation.” 

Mike Spencer, General Manager, Paradise Beverages who produce Rum Co of Fiji, echoed the pride in receiving these awards as a fantastic acknowledgement of the hard work and passion from the team in Fiji.

“This is again wonderful recognition for all our people involved in the making of these exceptional rums. These wins serve to amplify Paradise Beverages’ vision of proudly sharing and exporting local Fijian beverages to the world,” said Spencer.