Bonbonnet, France – Plantation Rum announced on June 29 that its brand name will change.
The Plantation portfolio is a collection of award-winning rums, several of which are produced at the company’s West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados.
Companies have increasingly come under pressure for things with perceived racial connotations, especially since the death of African American George Floyd while being arrested by police in the United States.
In a media statement, Plantation Rum confirmed that its rum production methods and the liquid inside the bottle will not change.
“As the dialogue on racial equality continues globally, we understand the hurtful connotation the word plantation can evoke to some people, especially in its association with much graver images and dark realities of the past,” said Alexandre Gabriel, Plantation Rum Master Blender.
“We look to grow in our understanding of these difficult issues and while we don’t currently have all the details of what our brand name evolution will involve, we want to let everyone know that we are working to make fitting changes.”
The statement said Gabriel, with the help of a dedicated team, has grown this family business over the last 30-plus years to exemplify creativity, teamwork and inclusiveness across all departments.
“We consider our company’s cultural diversity a fundamental strength,” said Angelique Jullienne, marketing and communications director. “We have always drawn on our multi-culturalism to guide our actions, our communications and our relationships with customers and colleagues around the world. We strongly affirm our policy that everyone associated with Plantation Rum and West Indies Rum Distillery is treated with respect and dignity.”
“More than ever, Plantation understands that this is a time for global reflection and a moment to improve ourselves and the communities we live in. As a company, Plantation strives to support a better future and to show support for communities everywhere.
Stephanie Simbo, Plantation Rum global brand manager, said: “We pride ourselves on making delicious rum for people to enjoy and never want any part of their experience to create feelings of discomfort.
“To that end, we want to be on the side of actions and solutions. As you can imagine, evolving a brand name is a significant undertaking . . . We humbly ask that everyone have patience as we move to make these changes as quickly as possible.”
The Plantation brand is available in more than 80 countries. (PR)
