News

Carbon-Negative Rum Enters Travel Retail: Two Drifters & Blue Caterpillar Lead the Way

Published by
Maythe Monoche

The spirits industry takes a bold step toward sustainability as Two Drifters Distillery and Blue Caterpillar join forces to introduce carbon-negative rum to the global travel retail market. This strategic distribution partnership marks a major milestone for eco-conscious spirits and highlights growing consumer demand for sustainable choices.

A Strategic Launch Across the Americas

Starting in June, Blue Caterpillar will distribute Two Drifters’ lineup of sustainably produced rums across travel retail and select domestic markets in the Caribbean, North, Central, and South America. This move brings greater visibility to carbon-negative rum in regions that are both culturally tied to rum and increasingly interested in sustainability.

As The Moodie Davitt Report originally shared, Blue Caterpillar’s CEO Michael Gebrael described the partnership as a perfect match. “Two Drifters is exactly the kind of brand we want to champion – innovative, committed to quality, and genuinely sustainable,” he said. “Their rums present a unique proposition for both travel retail and domestic consumers seeking new, premium experiences with a purpose.”

Two Drifters: Sustainability at Its Core

Founded by husband-and-wife duo Russ and Gemma Wakeham in Devon, UK, Two Drifters Distillery has become a pioneer in sustainable spirits. Every bottle of their carbon-negative rum removes more than 1kg of CO₂ from the atmosphere. The distillery achieves this impressive result by using 100% renewable energy and partnering with Climeworks, a leader in carbon capture technology.

Their sustainability efforts go beyond production. Two Drifters uses lightweight glass bottles made in the UK, compostable seals, and labels crafted from waste sugarcane fiber. This holistic approach to eco-friendly packaging further reinforces the brand’s mission.

Introducing Four Premium Expressions

Blue Caterpillar will roll out Four Drifters’ core range through its retail network. These include:

  • Pure White Rum
  • Signature Rum
  • Lightly Spiced Rum
  • Overproof Spiced Pineapple Rum

Each expression combines craftsmanship with environmental responsibility, meeting the expectations of a new generation of rum drinkers.

According to data from IWSR, rum is experiencing moderate growth, fueled by two converging trends: premiumization and a surge in eco-conscious consumer behavior. Two Drifters meets both demands head-on with high-quality, flavorful rums that also support the environment.

Dr. Russ Wakeham, Co-Founder of Two Drifters, shared his excitement with The Moodie Davitt Report:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Blue Caterpillar to bring our vision of sustainable rum to new audiences across the Americas. From the beginning, we’ve set out to prove that exceptional rum can be made with carbon negativity at its heart.”

He added that the partnership moves the brand closer to its ambitious goal: “Capturing 1% of the global rum market by 2035 – while making a meaningful difference for the planet along the way.”

The Future of Carbon-Negative Rum

This collaboration signals a larger shift in the spirits industry. As carbon-negative rum gains traction, it sets a new standard for how quality and sustainability can go hand in hand. For retailers and travelers looking to support responsible brands without compromising on flavor, Two Drifters offers a solution worth toasting.

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Source of information

The Moddie Davitt Report Article“A rum for the future” – Two Drifters and Blue Caterpillar introduce carbon-negative rum to travel retail, written by Hannah Tan.

The image of the article is courtesy of © Sandra Dans via Canva.com

Maythe Monoche

Maythe Monoche is a Venezuelan social communicator and poet with an international career, specialized in marketing and content strategy. Since 2024, she has been editor of TheRumLab.com, sharing stories about a spirit deeply intertwined in her homeland’s culture. Her work blends creative writing, editorial production, and storytelling with UX methodologies, helping brands and media outlets across different countries craft messages that are not only read, but also felt.

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