The Integrated Development Programme for the ACP Caribbean Rum Sector provides funding of 70 million Euros from the European Community, matched by co-financing from the sector of some 88 million Euros.

The Programme which began in late 2002 and was expected to end on 30 June 2007 has now been extended until 30 June 2010. While the rider extends the service contract of the programme it does not increase the overall amount allocated for the project.

This extension will give producers more time in which to implement substantial projects to upgrade their facilities for rum distillation; ageing; blending and bottling; to improve and build waste treatment facilities and environmental management systems; for training and upgrading of skills; and to market their products in the European market.

It will also provide more time for the implementation of the Authentic Caribbean Rum Marque, a common seal of provenance and authenticity which has been developed under the auspices of the Programme to enhance the image and provide support to the marketing of ACP Caribbean rum in Europe and elsewhere.

The signing took place at the Sherbourne Conference Centre in Barbados. The agreement was signed by the Secretary General of CARIFORUM Edwin Carrington and the Chairman of the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA), Patrick Mayers.

It was endorsed by the Head of the Delegation of the European Commission to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Ambassador, Amos Tincani.

WIRSPA is the regional association of rum producers in the CARIFORUM countries and is responsible for implementation of the Programme on behalf of CARIFORUM. The project is subject to regular auditing, monitoring and evaluation

The aim of the Integrated Development Programme for the Caribbean Rum Sector is to enhance the competitiveness of the rum sector by making it export-ready in the segment of branded products.

The project has three main components: plant modernisation, meeting environmental needs and training; implementation of a distribution and marketing strategy; and building the institutional capacity building of WIRSPA.

The Programme operates through a series of cost sharing windows which grant the eligible companies a percentage of the funds (ranging from 28% to 50%) needed to implement their various upgrading and other projects. The companies provide the remainder of the funds themselves.

To date, some 119 projects have been approved with a total sectoral investment value of almost 40 million euros of which 13 million euros will come from grant resources provided by the EU.

In the area of upgrading distilleries, the projects catalysed by the Programme include new fermenting and distillation units, bottling lines, quality assurance, ageing of rum, safety standards and training.

In the area of marketing, projects include new product development and market testing, market research and brand promotions.

In the area of waste treatment, projects include feasibility studies for waste treatment systems, upgrading of current methods of disposal and installation of new systems so as to enable companies to meet environmental standards and international best practice.

A significant part of the Programme will begin with the launching of a major promotional campaign for ACP Caribbean rum in the UK market in the coming months under the umbrella of the Authentic Caribbean Rum Marque.

This, the first of several campaigns that will take place in key EU markets, will see brand owners from the Caribbean working hand in hand with WIRSPA to make a significant shift in trade and consumer awareness and availability of quality branded rum.

The Caribbean Rum Marque will signify to consumers that the product is authentic Caribbean rum and meets the highest quality standards. A Marque logo has been designed and registered regionally and internationally and licensing of regional producers to utilise it will commence shortly.

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