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Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, has called for a stronger focus on expanding Jamaica’s presence in the global spirits market, describing the country’s rum industry as a valuable export sector with significant untapped growth potential.

Addressing the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers’ Association (WIRSPA) and Spirits Pool Association (SPA) Cocktail Reception in Kingston, Seiveright said Jamaica’s internationally recognised rum heritage provides a strong platform for increased exports, investment and value-added manufacturing.

The Minister noted that Jamaica’s rum exports earned approximately US$57 million (J$9.1 billion) in 2024, but argued that the industry’s broader economic footprint extends far beyond export earnings.

According to Seiveright, the sector supports economic activity across agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, retail and transportation, while helping to generate jobs and foreign exchange.

“When we look at rum, we see agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, export earnings, intellectual property, rural livelihoods, employment and Brand Jamaica,” he told industry stakeholders.

Seiveright also highlighted the scale of the international opportunity facing Jamaican producers.

He pointed to a 2024 study conducted by Oxford Economics and International Wine and Spirits Research on behalf of the World Spirits Alliance, which found that the global spirits industry contributes approximately US$730 billion (J$117 trillion) to global Gross Domestic Product and supports approximately 36 million jobs worldwide.

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

The minister argued that Jamaica possesses several advantages that position it well for future growth, including a globally respected rum tradition, a strong tourism sector, recognised brands and a reputation for authenticity and quality.

“For Jamaica, that presents significant opportunities. We already possess one of the world’s most respected rum traditions, a globally recognised brand in Jamaica Rum, strong tourism linkages and a reputation for quality and authenticity,” Seiveright said.

“The challenge and opportunity before us is to continue increasing exports, strengthening value-added production and capturing a greater share of global demand.”

A major focus of his presentation was the importance of retaining more value within Jamaica through local ageing, bottling, blending and other value-added activities.

Seiveright said Jamaica’s Geographical Indication protections play a critical role in ensuring that more economic benefits remain within the country while safeguarding the integrity and reputation of Jamaica Rum internationally.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining a policy environment that supports business growth and investment while balancing broader national obligations.

“Government and industry will not always agree on every issue. That is normal and healthy. But partnership remains essential,” he said.

The Minister noted that Jamaica had gone ten consecutive national budgets without introducing new taxes on a net basis before Hurricane Melissa, which caused an estimated US$12.2 billion (J$1.95 trillion) in damage.

According to Seiveright, the challenge for policymakers is balancing competitiveness, investment and growth with the need to finance reconstruction and critical public services.

Meanwhile, WIRSPA Chairman and SPA Chairman Clement ‘Jimmy’ Lawrence said Caribbean manufacturers must continue adapting to evolving global trade conditions, shifting supply chains and increasing international competition.

Lawrence noted that discussions during WIRSPA’s Annual General Meeting focused heavily on trade policy, market access, tariffs and competitiveness, all of which have significant implications for Caribbean exporters.

He stressed that the Caribbean spirits industry remains an important contributor to manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, employment and foreign-exchange earnings throughout the region.

The event also saw the launch of WIRSPA’s Sustainability Report, outlining environmental, social and governance initiatives being undertaken by producers across the Caribbean.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a special award to internationally acclaimed Jamaican Master Blender Dr Joy Spence in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Jamaica Rum and the wider Caribbean spirits industry.

The reception brought together regional industry leaders, exporters, manufacturers, policymakers and trade specialists from across the Caribbean to discuss opportunities and challenges facing one of the region’s most important export industries.