Covid-19: Bacardi switches production and ‘raises spirits’ with $3m donation

By Luke Barras-hill |

Bacardi-rum-Covid-supportBacardi Limited is helping to produce hand sanitisers by shifting its production methods at a time of crisis.

The Bacardi Corporation distillery in Cataño, Puerto Rico, where more than 80% of the company’s rums are produced, has joined forces with Puerto Rico based manufacturer Olein Refinery to produce more than 1.7 million units of 10-oz hand sanitiser.

Bacardi’s temporary change in production began on 17 March and will continue as necessary.

More than half a million of the hand sanitisers are being donated to local communities, with Bacardi already beginning to distribute products to USPS workers, firefighters and police. Bacardi employees and contractors are also receiving the hand sanitisers.

COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYEES

Vinay Golikeri, Managing Director, Bacardi Global Travel Retail said: “During these unprecedented times, it’s important that we come together. Across markets, Bacardi people are working hard and shifting resources to help our communities and partners.

“We are immensely proud of our primos working in production in Puerto Rico, and across other facilities, to help produce hand sanitisers which are in high demand presently.

“Our priorities in global travel retail are focused on our most important responsibility and commitment – our people. First and foremost is the safety and well-being of our primos, most of whom are working from home all over the world. We are also doing everything we can to support our retail ambassadors in-store in locations that are still trading.

“This is an incredibly challenging time for everyone, and I am very proud of my team and their support for each other. Since our creation in 1862, Bacardi has survived and thrived during all kinds of transformation and turmoil and, once again, we will come together to work towards recovery.”

Raw-materials-Bacardi

The Bacardi Corporation distillery in Cataño, Puerto Rico is supplying ethanol to help produce hand sanitiser.

The firm confirms that the emergency action will not disrupt the supply or production chain of its world-famous rum.

In supplying ethanol, Bacardi is helping to produce products conforming to World Health Organization recommendations (70% alcohol) to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Further distribution expansion is planned next week to non-profit organisations such as Fondos Unidos (United Way).

“This is a family-owned business and we know what it means to take care of a community in need,”  said Jose Class, VP, Supply Chain & Manufacturing, Bacardi Latin America and the Caribbean.

“In the 158 years of Bacardi, we’ve endured our share of challenging times and have learned that resilience, optimism and community are what will help us come out stronger.”

COMMUNITY SUPPORTHand-sanitisers-Bacardi

Separately, Bacardi Limited has pledged $3 million worth of financial aid and other support to help alleviate some of the devastation caused to the global bars and restaurants industry.

A campaign dubbed #RaiseYourSpirits will help frontline workers, partners and friends deal with the fallout of closures in the nightlife and entertainment quarters. The $3m donation adds to the $1m offer from Patrón last week.

Bacardi says it is working with organisations such as Another Round, Another Rally; Core; James Beard Foundation; Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation; and Tales of the Cocktail Foundation to funnel support to those hardest hit by the pandemic.

Efforts are focused particularly on assisting grassroots bars and bartenders across countries, cities and neighbourhoods.

Support and outreach for the on-trade community is being provided by local teams, brands and people dedicated to combatting hardship, with an Instagram hashtag #RaiseYourSpirits established for people to follow the journey.

Mahesh Madhavan, CEO of Bacardi Limited said: “Bacardi is a family company, and for us, business is personal. We always say that love for our brands is built in bars, and now it is our turn to show them our love.

“We don’t have all the answers today on how best to help everywhere, but we are committed to do what we can to see our industry through this crisis.

“These may be the darkest of days for bars and restaurants, but I am certain that when we come out on the other side, people will emerge from isolation with a renewed zest to live life to the fullest and celebrate together with friends and family.”

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