Local rum makers can’t meet hotel demand
Al Edwards / Our Today
administrator
Hoteliers in Jamaica are exasperated that rum makers cannot meet demand at a time when tourism is on the rebound.
J. Wray and Nephew says it can, but some major hotels are questioning that, wome saying they are willing to turn to Dominican Republic rum brands which enjoy a reputation for superior quality and are reasonably priced.
A major problem has been supply chain and input problems as a result of the war in Ukraine.
Manufacturers in Jamaica have pointed to a shortage in glass bottling hampering there productivity.
A major hotel chain told Our Today: “We just can’t get enough rum for our guests. Local suppliers keep assuring but just can’t give us what we need. We can’t have a shortage of rum during Christmas. That is unthinkable. We would like to support local businesses but what can we do if they can’t deliver the goods? We are forced to look elsewhere.”
Campari, parent company of Appleton is reporting an uptick in sales in 2022 in Jamaica and its competitor Worthy Park Estate is making positive strides and has increased market share.
But all that is no good to hoteliers who desperately need to have sufficient stocks of the “golden liquor”
“You can’t deliver rum punch if you have no rum,” said one hotel general manager.
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