Ron Arehucas and Women Leading Rum & Spirits Establish Gran Canaria as the Host of the First International Bootcamp in the Sector

Gran Canaria became the epicenter of female leadership in the spirits industry with the celebration of the first International Bootcamp – Zafra Experience 2026. Over three days, professionals from Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean participated in a program that combined technical training, territory, culture, and a strategic vision for the future of rum. The initiative, organized by Women Leading Rum & Spirits (WLR&S) with Ron Arehucas as the main host, set a new precedent for the category.

For Larissa Arjona, President of WLR&S, the greatest takeaway from this edition was understanding the value of genuine connections within the sector. As she explained: “The main learning was the value of real, strategic networking. Beyond meeting people, participants understood the power of building authentic relationships within the industry—relationships that can evolve into collaborations, business opportunities, and long-term professional growth.” That approach set the tone from the very first day.

The opening session took place at Ron Arehucas, where participants learned about the history, production model, and philosophy of one of Europe’s most emblematic rum houses. A dynamic emerged that, according to Priscila García, Export Manager of the brand, goes beyond traditional notions of leadership: “In my opinion, experiences like this can change the way we do things in general. I wouldn’t focus on female leadership because I believe that has already been more than proven, but rather on the powerful synergy that emerges from these exchanges… together we are stronger, and that is exactly what I learned in this first WLRS – Zafra Arehucas 2026 Bootcamp.”

The second day delved into the technical and strategic dimension of the sector. Participants toured the distillery, analyzed global trends, and engaged in exchange sessions that, according to Arjona, marked a turning point: “The talks and, above all, the exchange dynamics among participants marked a turning point. The value wasn’t only in the content, but in understanding what each woman contributes from her experience, creating a much richer, more diverse, and more global vision of the sector.”

For García, this day also strengthened the connection between brands, territory, and community: “The connection between our brand, the invited brands, and the industry professionals who attended—even those not directly linked to a spirits brand—was strengthened through transparency, education, history, culture, and of course, good vibes.”

The third day took the group to Agaete and Finca La Laja, where agriculture, gastronomy, and Canarian identity became part of the experience. It was a day marked by group cohesion, something García sums up in a single word: “MAGIC. The group integrated perfectly, everything flowed effortlessly, everyone was able to be themselves and contribute, and for me there is nothing more magical than feeling comfortable within a community.”

Arjona shares that collective vision: “Unity. Because we managed to bring together talent, experience, and purpose in one space, creating a strong community where each woman adds, contributes, and elevates the others.”

The Bootcamp also opened new opportunities for the organizations involved. For Arehucas, this edition represented a key moment of recognition: “Above all, the door of respect has opened… as a family-owned company from a small territory, being able to show that even small players can do big things fills us with even more pride for our brand and our teams.” García adds that, from a business perspective, “interesting, innovative, and important opportunities have opened—and more are coming. No spoilers yet, but exciting things are on the way.”

For WLR&S, the impact is equally strategic. Arjona explains: “There is now a clear opportunity for expansion into key rum tourism destinations. This Bootcamp has shown that there is real interest in connecting education, experience, and territory, allowing WLR&S to position itself as a global platform that integrates training, culture, and specialized tourism within the category.”

The closing moments left space for personal reflections. García highlighted: “I learned something different from each of them. Everyone brought their own touch and everyone left a mark.”

Arjona emphasized the collective potential: “They are a true example to follow… this is only the beginning—the impact they can generate together is even greater.”

Both agreed on what they take away from this first edition. García: “The joy the group radiated from the very first second, the enthusiasm that Arehucas and the island of Gran Canaria generated…”

Arjona: “I take with me a strengthened network and an even clearer vision of the potential of rum tourism as a growth platform for the industry.”

The Zafra Experience 2026 Bootcamp was sponsored by Ron Arehucas and supported by partner brands such as Ron Abuelo, Planteray Rum, Bacardí, Botran, Ron Centenario, Citadelle Gin de France, Xibal Gin, Pedro Mandinga Rum, Barceló, Rhum Barbancourt, Ron Millonario, Ron Tepuy, Canaïma Gin, Cocuy Saroche, Cacique, and Bacan.