Since April 14, rum lovers across the UK can find Chairman’s Reserve Rum listings in 449 stores nationwide. Thanks to distributor Mangrove Global, Chairman’s Reserve Original—a blend of pot and column-still rums from Saint Lucia—now reaches a wider audience with a retail-friendly price point. This follows the brand’s existing presence at 139 Waitrose stores with Chairman’s Reserve Spiced.
Nick Gillett, managing director of Mangrove Global, emphasized for Retail Times the importance of this new distribution milestone:
“This is an exciting development for Chairman’s Reserve. Not only is it an exceptional liquid, but it carries all the Caribbean provenance of being distilled on Saint Lucia.”
The brand recently secured a Protected Geographical Indication (GI), reinforcing the unique heritage and authenticity behind every bottle of Chairman’s Reserve.
Rum’s growth in the UK shows no signs of slowing. The IWSR projects an 8% increase in the super-premium-and-above category between 2022 and 2027. Notably, dark rum has gained significant traction, especially in the UK’s on-trade market, which experienced a 5% value increase according to CGA Strategy.
Even more interestingly, customer behavior has shifted post-pandemic. More consumers are now choosing to enjoy premium spirits like Chairman’s Reserve at home rather than in bars or restaurants.
Produced by St. Lucia Distillers, Chairman’s Reserve offerings reflect the spirit of the island. Located in the lush Roseau Valley, this distillery stands as Saint Lucia’s only rum-making facility.
The Original blend pairs pot and column distillation techniques, yielding a rich and smooth rum with notes of cooked banana and caramelized fruit. Made with treated rainwater and diverse local ingredients, the rum offers both complexity and refreshment.
Earlier this year, St. Lucia Distillers earned Geographical Indication status for its full rum portfolio, including Chairman’s Reserve offerings. This recognition celebrates the producer’s craftsmanship, regional identity, and meticulous production methods—qualities that distinguish it from competitors on the shelf.
Mangrove Global continues to grow its presence in the UK’s grocery market. Over the past two years, the distributor has landed listings for several premium spirits, including Chairman’s Reserve, Bearface Canadian Whisky, Molinari Sambuca, VIVIR, and Indri Indian Whisky.
Alongside the Chairman’s Reserve expansion, Tesco will also begin stocking Stauning HØST Danish whisky in 196 stores, and Indri Trini Indian whisky will increase its distribution to 151 stores.
Since April 14, shoppers can find Chairman’s Reserve in 449 Tesco stores in the UK. This listing brings a taste of Saint Lucia’s heritage straight to the shelves—and into the hands of more rum enthusiasts across the UK.
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Retail Times Article — Saint Lucia’s Chairman’s Reserve lands in Tesco, written by Fiona Briggs
The image of the article is courtesy of © Mehrad Vosoughi via Canva.com
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