Celebrating Craftsmanship & Economic Impact in the Spirits Industry
In September 2024, WSA members proudly took part in the Joint-Rum Initaitive (RJI) cocktail reception, an event celebrating the rich heritage and craftsmanship of rum production, organised by the WTO alongside the Public Forum in September 2024. This exclusive tasting featured some of the finest rums from Latin America, the Caribbean, and beyond, showcasing their cultural and economic significance. The event provided a platform for countries to present their best rums in a friendly tasting competition, highlighting the region’s longstanding tradition in rum-making.
The reception was proudly supported by WSA members Diageo and Rémy Cointreau, featuring an outstanding selection of rums from:
- Barbados: Mount Gay (Rémy Cointreau)
- Guatemala: Ron Zacapa XO (Diageo)
- Philippines: Don Papa (Diageo)
- Venezuela: Cacique (Diageo)
The Spirits Industry’s Global Contribution
During the event, WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the significant economic role of the spirits sector, noting its $730 billion contribution to global GDP and its support for 36 million jobs worldwide—a workforce equivalent to that of the entire United Kingdom. This recognition underscores the vital role the spirits industry plays in global trade, employment, and economic growth.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Collaboration with the WTO
WSA is honored to have been part of this event and remains committed to working alongside the WTO to promote a fair, transparent, and sustainable trade environment for spirits worldwide. We look forward to continuing our engagement in global discussions that support economic development, cultural heritage, and responsible industry practices.
