WIRD recognised for sustainable sugarcane practices

Barbados-based West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD) has become the first distillery in the Caribbean to receive Bonsucro’s Chain of Custody (Choc) certification.

Bonsucro is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable sugarcane production, processing and trade globally.

The certification means consumers are guaranteed that the sugarcane used to make WIRD rum is produced, sourced and traded responsibly.

Andrew Hassell, managing director at WIRD, which is owned by Maison Ferrand, commented: “Our sustainability focus goes beyond our value chain. That is because we recognise that we can only create a better and brighter future by addressing how interconnected all the aspects of rum-making are in the battle against climate and social change – from sugarcane fields to our consumers’ hands.

“By adhering to Bonsucro’s principles, we, as a distillery, collectively strive to be a true reflection of our core values and be on the side of high ethical standards as sugarcane users.”

Furthermore, Hassell said WIRD is reinvesting all profits back into the distillery to grow its operations and increase employment by 40%.

Danielle Morley, Bonsucro chief executive officer, added: “I’m so pleased to see the first rum distillery in the Caribbean achieve Bonsucro certification.

“It’s a really positive step for Barbados and the wider region. Congratulations to the team at the West Indies Rum Distillery for their leadership and achievement.”

Last month, the owner of Foursquare Distillery funded research into Barbados’ rum history, which will support the island’s application for a geographical indication.