The changing face of Caribbean rum

In a few weeks’ time, the European Union’s (EU) long running programme to support the development of the Caribbean rum industry will come to an end. It has been one of the most successful private sector related undertakings ever to be supported by the EU in the Caribbean. It leaves much of the industry in the region, leaner, fitter and with an international outreach that should enable it to survive well into the future, albeit in a much-changed form.

In almost every respect, the programme has been unique by both Euro-pean and regional standards. Not only did it support the industry’s modernisation and adaptation following the unexpected early removal of US and EU tariffs on white spirits in 1996, but it also provided the industry with the space to adapt successfully to a world dominated by competition from vastly larger global players.