26th April 2022
We’re thrilled to announce the new certification of Mount Gay Distilleries against the Bonsucro Chain of Custody Standard (ChoC). Located on the island of Barbados in the Caribbean, the distillery is the oldest rum producer in the world, with a legal deed showing rum making equipment dating all the way back to 1703! This consequently makes Mount Gay Rum the oldest rum in the world. The Distillery has since been acquired by the Rémy Cointreau Group, and exports its products worldwide.
Mount Gay’s Quality Assurance Manager, Twanna Waterman, told us how this Bonsucro certification is integral to achieving its vision of becoming “a leading, sustainable, high-end rum house”. She explained how the certification demonstrates the company’s commitment, not only to promoting the sustainable production of sugarcane and its derivatives, but to also protecting the welfare of workers in the industry. Twanna told us how the Bonsucro ChoC Standard reinforces the company’s pledge to work towards a more sustainable future for this “valuable crop” and all those involved in its production.
The journey to certification
Over the past four years, 100% of Mount Gay’s imported molasses has been certified by Bonsucro, therefore, Bonsucro ChoC certification offered the logical next step to progress even further with its sustainability objectives. To reach this important milestone, a cross functional team of 15 staff was assembled and trained on the requirements of the Standard. A designated Bonsucro certification team leader, Twanna Waterman, and deputy team leader, Thandeka Best, were also appointed. These team members will continue to play a key role in maintaining the certification.
Lessons learnt
Through becoming Bonsucro certified, Twanna noted how Mount Gay Distilleries has become more attentive to tracking the origins of its molasses, which has invigorated its commitment to sustainable sourcing. The traceability afforded by the Bonsucro ChoC certification allows for these molasses to be tracked right the way through the supply chain, from producer to customer. The certification process also highlighted the importance of consistent organisation and documentation of mass balance data.
Above all, Twanna explained how the Bonsucro certification has generated a positive shift in the organisation’s mentality towards sustainability: “the certification will change the way we perform our day-to-day tasks, as Bonsucro and sustainability will now have to be at the forefront of our operational decisions.”
Next steps for Mount Gay Distilleries
Following this fantastic achievement, Mount Gay Distilleries will now pursue the Bonsucro Production Standard certification for its small milling facility in St Lucy in 2023-2024.
Are you a buyer of sugarcane materials who wants to put sustainability at the core of their supply chain and deliver positive change? Learn more about Bonsucro certification and contact our team to get started.
