News

Hawaii’s Kuleana Rum Works has grown an incredible 84%

Published by
Fede

According to Nielsen, Kuleana Rum Works, an award-winning additive-free rum from the Island of Hawai’i, has grown an incredible 84% year-over-year, far outpacing the top rum brands in the U.S.

Calypso Rum gained 10% with 29% national distribution, while Diplomático Rum only rose 1% with 27% distribution. Both brands had over $5 million in yearly retail sales. Kuleana Rum Works, on the other hand, grew by 84%, with only 1% of its sales going to stores around the country. This shows not only how well the company is doing now but also how much promise it has for the future.

Steve Jefferson, the founder and CEO of Kuleana Rum Works, said, “We’re getting results that big brands aren’t.”” And most people haven’t even seen us on a shelf yet. We’re just starting to use the potential.

Kuleana Rum Works makes ultra-premium rums without any additives using fresh-pressed kō (heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane) that is grown and distilled in Kohala, Hawai’i. As more and more people want to know what’s in their spirits and how good they are, Kuleana’s dedication to purity and authenticity shows that ethical rum can compete and even lead on the national stage.

Fede

Born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, Federico is the founder of TheRumLab.com.

Recent Posts

  • Interviews

Guarding the Aloha Legacy: Robert Ramer at the Helm of Kōloa Rum

As Chief Operating Officer of the Kaua‘i‑based Kōloa Rum Company, Robert Ramer oversees the operations…

June 16, 2026
  • News

Ron Tepuy Joins Women Leading Spirits as Official Sponsor

Women Leading Spirits (WLS) is proud to announce Ron Tepuy, the new premium rum from…

June 9, 2026
  • Interview Of The Week

From Bartender to Industry Leader: The Rum Journey of Randolpth Ascaris Sánchez

With a career that began in the late 1990s, Randolpth Ascaris Sánchez has built a…

June 9, 2026
  • News

Women Leading Spirits Presents New Identity and NY Rum Fest 2026 Program

Women Leading Spirits (WLS) marks a key moment in its evolution with the launch of…

June 2, 2026
  • Interviews

Engineering Excellence in Every Drop: The Technical Mastery of José Pérez Cárdenas

With more than 38 years of experience in the aged‑spirits industry, José Pérez Cárdenas has…

June 2, 2026
  • News

Editor’s Choice: New York Rum Bars 2026

New York City’s nightlife scene is a beautifully volatile creature, constantly reinventing itself. Yet, amidst…

May 27, 2026