The Grenada Distillers Limited (GDL), formerly known as the Grenada Sugar Factory has earned for yet another year more fame and glory on the overseas market.
The company entered two internationally recognized competitions in 2007 for spirits and came out victorious at both events.
At the World Spirits Award that took place in Germany, GDL was among 14 distillers that were awarded the distillery classification of World-class Distillery last year.
The classification is not only a means for distillers to assess their current position on an international scale, but it also gives them competitive advantages in connection with dedicated marketing measures and the support offered by World Spirits.
The local distillery entered four products, and with the exception of one that won a silver, they all won gold in the categories entered.
The gold-winning products are Spicy Rum, Superior Light, and Old Grog. The Rum Lemon received the silver award.
Additionally, Grenada Distillers received two prestigious prizes at the International Wine and Spirit Competition which was held in London, England.
The International Wine and Spirit Competition is regarded as a very prestigious world-class event.
The Woodlands-based company entered only two products, and secured prizes for both.
Silver was received for the Old Grog rum, and a bronze for the Camerhogne Spice Liqueur in the category of fruit and spice liqueurs.
The local rum factory competed against other products from around the world. The products are tasted by internationally acclaimed tasting experts.
In an exclusive interview with GRENADA TODAY, General Manager of GDL, Howard Mc Eachrane explained what the prestigious awards mean for the local company.
Mc Eachrane said the awards that were being received for about a decade now help the company in its effort to export its product to overseas buyers."It also gives us an indication as to the quality of the products that we are making and to make sure that our production management maintain a consistent quality to this level," he added.
Mc Eachrane indicated that while it is a challenge for Grenada Distillers to enter the international competitions and be able to have the products that are entered get recognition, it serves as a bench mark for the company's production department to be reassured that its line of products are of international standards.
"The good thing about that, is that it keeps you on your toes, it keeps you challenged to maintain a high level," he said.
At present, Grenada Distillers has ten products for sale such as Clarke's Court Pure White Rum, Old Grog, Camerhogne Spice Liqueur, Rum Lemon, Rum Punch, Spicy Rum, Special Dark, Clarke's Court White Ball, and Superior Light.
The company also offers a bi-product - methylated spirits. Only late last year it added on its line the Rum Sorrel.
The rum factory boss said Grenada Distillers will be considering entering the Rum Sorrel as one of the products at this year's competition.
He said the choice of products is made based on those which show growth on the export market.
Mc Eachrane spoke of plans in the pipeline to develop the rum-producing factory as a major player in the industry.
He said once the factory was able to replaced some aged equipment, it will be able to become more competitive with the product range internationally.
The company's main export markets are Europe, USA, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Mc Eachrane said they are now receiving interest from China and the Province of Quebec in Canada.
He said the Chinese are particularly interested in Special Dark and Old Grog.
The first shipment of Superior Light will be made to Canada sometime next month.
Established in 1991, Grenada Distillers employs approximately 55 persons, and has a payroll of over one million dollars annually.
