Chairman’s Reserve Rum, produced on the tropical island of Saint Lucia, is set to hit the shelves of Tesco stores nationwide, thanks to a new listing secured by the spirit’s distributor Mangrove Global. From 14th April, rum-lovers will be able to purchase Chairman’s Reserve Original – a delicious aged rum with notes of cooked banana and caramelized fruits – in 449 stores spread across the UK. Chairman’s Reserve Spiced, the brand’s spiced variety, is already available in 139 Waitrose stores.
Nick Gillett, managing director at Mangrove Global, commented on the listing: “This is an exciting development for Chairman’s Reserve. Not only is it an exceptional liquid, but it carries all the Caribbean provenance of being distilled on Saint Lucia – a characteristic that is now protected thanks to recently securing a Protected Geographical Indication (GI). The spirit is already well-loved by the on-trade for these precise characteristics, and with this latest listing will now be available to the masses, at an affordable price point.”
The growth of rum in the last decade is well-established, but research carried out by the IWSR predicted a continued 8% growth in the UK[1], for super-premium-and-above rums between 2022 and 2027. A key part of this growth is that of dark rum, especially in the UK’s on-trade, which enjoyed an increase in value of 5%[2] according to insights gathered by CGA Strategy. But customer behaviours have changed since the pandemic, with more people continuing to enjoy more premium spirits at home, as opposed to in-venue.
Chairman’s Reserve is part of the SPIRIBAM portfolio of Caribbean rums, produced in St. Lucia’s only distillery, which lies nestled in the Roseau Valley on the West of the island. The Original rum is a delicious blend of pot and column-still rums that lends itself well to be enjoyed neat, or as a base spirit for rum cocktails. It uses diverse raw materials, and is blended with treated rainwater to capture the end result – a satisfyingly refreshing spirit. To best enjoy it, try the signature serve Piton Paloma (Chairman’s Reserve Original with Pink Grapefruit Soda) or sip it!
The rum’s producer, St. Lucia Distillers was granted a Geographical Indication status earlier this year for its portfolio of rums – including Chairman’s Reserve. This status not only protects the distinct qualities of the range and its production methods but recognises the traditions and expertise that are poured into every bottle – creating a portfolio of rums that stand out from their competitors. And with this latest supermarket listing, that distinct quality will be readily available to more of the UK’s rum lovers.
This listing marks a series of wins within the Grocery Channel for distributor Mangrove Global who, in the last two years have secured several new listings within Waitrose and Tesco, including Bearface Canadian Whisky, Molinari Sambuca, VIVIR, Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Rum and Indri Indian Whisky.
Alongside the launch of Chairman’s Reserve Rum in Tesco, Stauning HØST Danish whisky will also be newly listed in 196 Tesco and the existing Indri Trini listing will be increasing its distribution to 151 stores.
Chairman’s Reserve Original 70cl will be available from the 14th April at Tesco stores nationwide.
Signature Serve, The Piton Paloma
Ingredients:
50ml Chairman’s Reserve Original
25ml Pink Grapefruit Juice
15ml Fresh Lime Juice
Top with Pink Grapefruit Soda
Method:
Shake the first three ingredients together with ice and strain into a cubed ice-filled tall glass. Top with grapefruit soda and stir.
Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit.
