Jamaica Eyes Bigger Share of Global Rum and Spirits Market

Jamaica has a strong base from which to expand its presence in the international spirits trade and earn more from rum, one of the island’s best-known exports, according to Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Hon. Delano Seiveright.

Mr. Seiveright made the remarks in Kingston at the recent West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) and Spirits Pool Association (SPA) Cocktail Reception, where he pointed to the rum sector’s role in Jamaica’s wider economy and the room available for further growth.

“The rum industry represents far more than beverage production. It supports economic activity across agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, logistics and exports, making it a critical pillar of Jamaica’s economic development,” he said.

The State Minister said Jamaica earned about US$57 million, or J$9.1 billion, from rum exports in 2024. He noted that the industry also helps to support jobs, foreign exchange inflows and manufacturing that adds value locally.

To show the size of the opportunity, Mr. Seiveright cited a 2024 study prepared by Oxford Economics and International Wine and Spirits Research for the World Spirits Alliance. The report estimated that spirits add roughly US$730 billion, or J$117 trillion, to global gross domestic product, sustain about 36 million jobs, produce around US$390 billion, or J$62 trillion, in tax income, and account for nearly US$120 billion, or J$19 trillion, in supplier spending.

Those numbers, he said, prove that “this is not a niche industry. It is a major global industry with enormous economic impact”.

Mr. Seiveright said Jamaica’s strengths include its established rum history, international name recognition, links with tourism, production know-how and a reputation tied to quality and authenticity. He said the country must grow exports, deepen value-added production and defend Jamaica Rum under its Geographical Indication (GI) system if it is to secure more business from rising global demand.

“When we look at rum, we see agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, export earnings, intellectual property, rural livelihoods, employment and Brand Jamaica,” the State Minister noted.

He also called for steady cooperation between Government and industry players to build competitiveness, draw investment and support the sector over the long term.

Clement “Jimmy” Lawrence, Chairman of WIRSPA and the Spirits Pool Association, also addressed the gathering, saying Caribbean producers must protect their ability to compete as global trade conditions shift and supply chain pressures continue.

Mr. Lawrence said spirits remain important to the region’s agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, employment and foreign exchange earnings. He added that governments, regional bodies and private-sector interests need strong partnerships to keep Caribbean manufacturers competitive on the world stage.

The function also served as the launch of WIRSPA’s Sustainability Report, which outlines environmental, social and governance initiatives being carried out by producers across the Caribbean.

A special award was presented during the evening to internationally recognised Jamaican Master Blender, Dr. Joy Spence, for her major contribution to Jamaica Rum and the broader Caribbean spirits industry.

Regional industry leaders, exporters, manufacturers, policymakers and trade specialists from across the Caribbean attended the event, signalling continued focus on growth, sustainability and stronger international competitiveness.