Ron Arehucas: The legacy of rum is also written with a female voice

From the heart of the Canary Islands, a century-old distillery demonstrates that female leadership is not a trend: it’s a tradition. Ron Arehucas honors the memory of those who paved the way and resolutely supports the women who lead its evolution today. Today, Priscila García, Export Manager for this brand, reveals historical details about the role of women at this renowned distillery. 

When it comes to history, few brands can speak with the authority of Ron Arehucas. Founded in 1884, it has a history deeply connected to the Canarian identity, a commitment to quality, and a leading role for women. 

Leaving a Mark Since 1965

“Far from being a recent addition, women have been part of the soul of Ron Arehucas for decades. As early as 1965, a woman was appointed to the company’s board of directors, a move ahead of its time. Two years later, María Teresa assumed the presidency following the death of founder and president Alfredo Martín. Her daughter Concepción would later take on an important role,” says Priscila. 

One of the most significant milestones occurred in 1990, when Carmen Martín, with a long history of internal management, took the helm during a period of profound crisis, guiding the company with a firm, resilient, and transformative vision. She was named Honorary President. Her leadership marked a turning point. 

“Like any large company, not only did we have women in important positions, but we also counted on their work in various positions. There is evidence that, in the 1970s, there were a significant number of female workers on staff in the production department. In the 1990s, they joined administrative positions, effectively taking on the role of head of administration,” says Priscila. 

29% are women

According to Priscila García, at Ron Arehucas, women have always had a voice and, most importantly, a vote. From the boards of directors to the production workers in the 1970s, the presence of women has been normalized, integrated into daily operations, and key decisions. 

“Currently, 29% of the workforce is made up of women who occupy strategic positions. Beyond the numbers, the profiles stand out: from the Head of

Administration to the Head of Trade Marketing, including the Internal Auditor, the Head of Wholesale Sales and Hospitality in the Canary Islands, and myself, in charge of the brand’s international expansion,” she says. 

Ron Arehucas currently has 112 employees, including local workers (in the Canary Islands) and national workers (on the Iberian Peninsula). 

“El lado canario de la vida”

At Ron Arehucas, they have the philosophy that everyone who is part of the company should be an ambassador for the brand. According to Priscila, everyone has “El lado canario de la vida” in their DNA, and they are not just selling rum, but also the brand’s connection and roots in the local customs. 

“We are part of a love brand, and that’s what we convey, because that’s what we want to endure. Our women are unique for their familiar, natural, open, friendly, and carefree nature, which, unintentionally and without forcing it, gives us the ability to make people end up loving the brand as if they were born in the Canary Islands and had known it all their lives,” she says. 

Priscila advises that it’s important to observe a lot, be versatile, and have an open mind to experiment. “Rum has technique, but also culture, emotion, and storytelling. And that’s where women have a unique sensitivity to connect,” she reflects. 

Connecting through empathy

Ron Arehucas’ approach goes beyond the organizational chart. It’s a vision of a company where leadership is built on empathy, collaboration, and shared passion. This emotionality isn’t a rehearsed speech: it’s reflected in the work environment, in the human relationships, and in the way people lead. 

Today, we are proud that the women of Ron Arehucas are part of Women Leading Rum & Spirits. In a world moving toward gender equality, Ron Arehucas is proof that when we truly invest in female talent, we reap decades of authentic and sustainable leadership. This is not a story told through marketing, but from the living memory of a company that learned long ago that the best rum is not just distilled: it is also inherited, transformed… and led.

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Source of information

The information and image in this article are courtesy of Ron Arehucas.