Plantation Rum Name Change

Maison Ferrand has announced that it has changed the name of its global rum brand, Plantation Rum, which will now be known as Planteray Rum.

Maison Ferrand started the journey towards a name change following the high profile 2020 murder of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter movement. The name Plantation Rum was linked to slavery and hit the news in an article by Rachelle Ferron in the Guardian in 2022. The change of name quickly became a priority, a process reflected on by Maison Ferrand founder, Alexandre Gabriel, at a press conference in Barbados yesterday.

“From today forwards, the evolution from Plantation to Planteray begins,” said Gabriel. “It was a long journey of trademarking a name that reflects our brand ethos in 120 countries. Naturally, the rum we have proudly produced for more than 25 years remains exactly the same and will still be produced with the same expertise, attention and care but now as Planteray Rum. We remain wholeheartedly committed to make the same exceptional rum from Barbados and some of the greatest rum terroirs in the world.”

The name 'Planteray' embodies the brand’s identity and core symbols that have adorned bottles for more than 25 years. This name pays homage to sugarcane, the PLANT that gives birth to the rum, and the sun’s RAYs that are essential for sugarcane growth & ripening. 

The announcement coincides with the release of Planteray and West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD), Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum, a 100% Barbadian artisanal rum infused with locally and sustainably sourced coconuts.

Already beloved by bartenders the world over, this is the first time the product has been available outside of the Caribbean. 

WIRD Managing Director, Andrew Hassell said, “Creating Cut & Dry was a labour of love and the result of four years of experimentation to find the perfect balance of natural coconut infusion for our delicious Barbadian rum. To capture the essence of Barbados, the birthplace of rum, WIRD partnered with local coconut farmers who have been cultivating delicious coconuts for generations.  

“Our partnership with our local coconut farmers promotes Barbados as a hub for premium craft products, as well as celebrate Barbados’ rich heritage, the distillery has been the backbone of the local rum industry for more than 130 years and we invest in our community. We are proud to source local molasses and coconuts to produce Planteray Cut & Dry, a true product of Barbados.”

Bottles with the Planteray Rum name will roll out globally as of this month.