The essence of Jamaican rum, a spirit deeply entwined with the island’s cultural identity, is at the heart of a spirited legal dispute. The question of what truly defines “Jamaica Rum” has ignited a debate between producers, threatening to redefine the industry’s future.
At the core of the controversy are amendments approved in October by Jamaica’s Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) to the geographical indication (GI) designation for Jamaica Rum, initially established in 2016. The most contentious change prohibits aging rum outside of Jamaica.
The Spirits Pool Association (SPA), representing Jamaica’s six rum distilleries—Appleton, Clarendon, Hampden Estate, Long Pond, New Yarmouth, and Worthy Park Estate—championed the amendment. SPA argues that a robust GI is essential for official recognition in key export markets like the EU and the US, safeguarding Jamaican rum against competitors and reinforcing its premium status.
However, National Rums of Jamaica (NRJ), a major player owning Long Pond and a majority stake in Clarendon, is challenging the ruling. NRJ’s ownership includes the government of Jamaica, Demerara Distillers of Guyana, and the Barbados-based West Indies Rum Distillery (Wird), which is owned by French spirits firm Maison Ferrand.
Maison Ferrand’s business model hinges on exporting rum in bulk for overseas aging, a practice now prohibited under the revised GI. NRJ contends that rum aged abroad remains authentically Jamaican, citing centuries of historical precedent. A hearing on NRJ’s appeal is slated for April 28.
Christopher Gentles, general manager of the SPA, asserts that aging rum in Jamaica is crucial to preserving its authenticity and uniqueness. “What we’re saying is, if you truly believe in Jamaica rum, age it in Jamaica,” he stated. The SPA also emphasizes that local aging retains value-added processes within Jamaica, benefiting the economy through refining, bottling, labeling, distribution, and rum tourism.
Dev Gangjee, professor of intellectual property law at the University of Oxford, notes that GIs create product distinctiveness and value. This includes price premiums, regional production anchoring, and promotion of regional history and geography. Successful GIs include Scotch whisky, champagne and Parma ham.
The outcome of this legal battle will not only determine the future of Jamaican rum but also set a precedent for other Caribbean nations grappling with similar GI disputes, such as Barbados.
Related topics:
