A Shift in Consumption Trend Boosts Growth Opportunities in the Craft Rum Market

Based on a recent report from Transparency Market Research Inc., the global population is more inclined toward consuming crafted beverages and blends rather than traditional mass-produced spirits. Nowadays, consumers are looking for high-quality products with distinct flavors. Above all, the popularity of craft spiced rum, flavored spirits, and imported premium brands is increasing among young adults.

Craft rum is the fastest-growing segment among its counterparts. This trend is creating significant business opportunities for craft rum producers. We also need to consider that the number of craft distilleries has grown significantly in the last few years, particularly in North America and Europe.

Brands are investing in research and development activities to produce spirits with unique flavors, utilizing different types of fruits, spices, herbs, and botanicals, as well as expanding their production capacity. They are also putting a lot of effort into getting their raw materials from farmers with a lot of experience growing fruit and sugarcane.

Furthermore, international industry leaders are collaborating with local micro-distillers to expand their operations into newer markets. For instance, the analysis reveals that the craft rum market could also witness significant growth opportunities in Asia Pacific and Africa. Manufacturers are adopting innovative and more eco-friendly packaging solutions, such as tanks, sustainable bottles, craft rum boxes, and kegs, while launching their products.

Industry Leaders

Among the key players, we can mention: 

• 25° South Distillery
• Arizona Craft Beverage, Inc.
• Bacardi Limited (the top brand that holds the major revenue share in the rum industry)
• Bristol Spirits Ltd.
• Burning Barn Rum
• Cardinal Spirits LLC
• Devon Rum Company
• Kōloa Rum Company
• La Hechicera Company
• Lyon Distilling Company LLC
• Merser & Co.
• Muddy River Distillery
• Stilldistilling Spirits Pvt. Ltd.
• Wicked Dolphin Rum

In brief, the two key drivers of the development of the craft rum industry are the increase in the consumption of handcrafted spirits and the surge of the millennial population. Although, the expansion of the tourism and hospitality sectors in developing economies has also influenced this market. Still, the high cost of raw materials and availability of substitutes may restrain the growth trend in the craft rum market.  

Transparency Market Research estimates that by 2031, the global rum market will reach US$ 25 billion. Likewise, the US, India, the Philippines, France, Spain, Canada, and the UK are the top five fastest-growing international rum markets.