Lyaness bartender Alexandra ‘Lexie’ Constantinescu has passed away while on holiday in Cuba after competing in a cocktail competition.
Cuban rum brand Ron Santiago de Cuba has announced the appointment of Antonio Naranjo as new global brand ambassador.
Moët Hennessy has launched Cuban rum brand Eminente in the UK, France, Germany and the Czech Republic.
I have just returned from the celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of Havana Club International. Standing in a huge hall with more than 1,000 people – mostly employees but also people associated with the company and the eponymous Cuban rum brand – it became obvious what a force for good an alcoholic drinks brand can be.
Havana Club owners Cuba Ron and Pernod Ricard are lobbying for the creation of a geographical denomination for Cuban rum.
Pernod Ricard has announced the name of the Cuban rum brand that will appear in the US, should the trade embargo ever be lifted.
Havana Club grew by 15% in 2010, following strong performances in Cuba, Germany, France and the UK.
Cuba: Havana Club rum sales fell by 3.5% in 2009, compared to 2008.
In his inaugural column for Drinks International, Branson takes a wider look at the overall non-alcoholic spirits sector to identify which brands will thrive and which won’t survive.
