Caribbean rum producers will again this year host a major distilling conference in collaboration with the Ethanol Technology Institute. According to the West Indies Rum & Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA), this year’s conference will be held in the Dominican Republic from 8-11 October.
The Caribbean event, whilst addressing all spirits, will have a special focus on rum, providing delegates with detailed information on beverage alcohol processes. A packed programme also provides for networking events and distillery visits. WIRSPA’s Networking Showcase, which provides industry suppliers with an opportunity to promote their products and services to spirits producers will precede the event on the 7th October.
The Ethanol Technology Institute (ETI), a subsidiary of Lallemand Biofuels and Distilled Spirits, has been educating distilled beverage producers in the multidisciplinary sciences of alcohol & spirits production, through the so-called Alcohol School, for over 35 years. The ETI also publishes the internationally renowned 600-page Alcohol Textbook, an indispensable reference for the fuel alcohol and distilled spirits industries, now in its 6th edition.
According to Chairman of WIRSPA, Komal Samaroo, “We’re proud to host this international event in the Caribbean for the second year. It is directly linked to the regional rum industry’s quest to be internationally competitive by keeping abreast with the latest technology and know-how”. He added, “Aside from the valuable exposure to new practices and technology, it is an excellent opportunity for networking and an opportunity to spread the word about our quality rum practices.”
Evon Brown, Head of the Jamaica Rum industry, said “The first event in Jamaica last year was a tremendous success, with over 120 persons involved. It exposed our producers to new ideas and methods, but just as important, it allowed us to demonstrate to the world why we are considered the home of authentic rum.”
“We have a great story to tell about rum and we will also welcome all visitors to our first-class facilities” stated Augusto Ramírez, Head of the Dominican Rum Producers Association and President of Ron Brugal. “We’re extremely happy that this year’s conference will be in the Dominican Republic.
Graeme Walker, Scientific Director of the ETI, said, “this second event in the Dominican Republic promises to have even more to offer. We have an impressive list of international and Caribbean presenters which will redound to the benefit of participants. Our ongoing collaboration with WIRSPA has been excellent and the continuing interest in this session shows that we’re doing something right.”
The event will be held at the El Embajador Hotel, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from 8–11 October 2019, and is open to spirits producers from the Caribbean and further afield.