Kingston, Jamaica – In a exceptional milestone of nationwide and enterprise historical past, J. Wray & Nephew Restricted, Jamaica’s first registered firm, celebrates its two hundredth anniversary. 200 years of steady operation, innovation, and group partnership which have formed each Jamaica’s financial panorama and the worldwide spirits trade.
Jamaican Rum
Based in 1825 by entrepreneur John Wray, the corporate has stood the check of time, remodeling from a single tavern in Kingston into one of many Caribbean’s most iconic and enduring producers of rums and spirits. With this anniversary, J. Wray & Nephew cements its place not solely as a pioneer of the Jamaican rum trade however as a pillar of nationwide improvement, philanthropy and tradition.
As Jamaica’s oldest company, J. Wray & Nephew Ltd has performed an important position in shaping the nation’s financial system, tradition and as a number one flag bearer of Model Jamaica globally over time, the corporate has expanded its attain, exporting premium Jamaican spirits to over 60 international locations worldwide and serving to to construct international recognition for the distinctive qualities of Jamaican rum.
Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
Its portfolio consists of internationally celebrated manufacturers corresponding to Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, the world’s top-selling high-strength white rum, and Appleton Property Jamaica Rum, one of many oldest and most revered rum manufacturers globally. These manufacturers have change into family names and have contributed considerably to the nation’s export financial system, and are a serious contributor to the nation’s gross home product (GDP)
J. Wray & Nephew’s rums have gained prestigious awards at international exhibitions courting again to the 1800s, together with gold medals in London, Paris, Amsterdam, New Orleans, and Jamaica. These accolades underscore the corporate’s long-standing dedication to high quality, innovation, and excellence in spirits manufacturing.
Along with model and market management, the corporate has invested closely in infrastructure and job creation throughout the island. It established one of many Caribbean’s most fashionable mixing and bottling crops within the Nineteen Seventies and developed a nationwide retail community that introduced industrial exercise and employment to a number of communities.
JWN has been a pacesetter in sustainability within the trade, investing in waste remedy and vitality options to produce the rising demand for Jamaica rums. Since its acquisition in 2012 by the Campari group, has invested vastly into modernising the corporate’s operations.
Pleasure Spence Grasp Blender
The corporate has additionally been a trailblazer within the spirits trade, having appointed Joy Spence because the world’s first feminine Grasp Blender in 1997, a historic second for gender fairness and management within the international beverage sector. In 2002, it reached a serious industrial milestone when it surpassed a million circumstances of Appleton Property bought worldwide, marking its stature as a world powerhouse.
Past commerce, J. Wray & Nephew has demonstrated a powerful and sustained dedication to nationwide improvement by means of its charitable arm, the JWN Basis. The muse focuses on serving Jamaican communities and underprivileged populations by means of schooling, social improvement, and capacity-building programmes. This institutionalised philanthropic effort builds on the corporate’s historical past of group care and cultural preservation.
“2 hundred years in the past, J. Wray & Nephew turned Jamaica’s first registered firm. Right this moment, we’re not solely celebrating our endurance, however our contribution to the nation’s industrial material. This second is a tribute to Jamaican resilience, creativity, and enterprise. It’s a celebration that honours not simply our longevity, however our evolution as a company citizen that has constantly tailored to serve Jamaica’s financial improvement whereas constructing a world model,” mentioned Daniel Caron, Managing Director of J. Wray & Nephew Restricted.
To have a good time its two hundredth anniversary, the corporate will maintain a year-long program of occasions. These occasions will honor its wealthy historical past, the individuals who constructed the corporate, and the communities it serves.
One exercise is a particular promotion. A part of the proceeds will help the JWN Foundation. This may assist enhance studying and group facilities throughout the island.
“Our bicentenary is not only a celebration of our previous; it’s a strong assertion about the way forward for Jamaican enterprise. For 2 centuries, we’ve proudly carried the spirit of Jamaica throughout the globe, and we stay dedicated to honouring our roots whereas forging daring new paths for the generations to return,” Caron added.
two hundredth Anniversary: “The Spirit of Jamaica”
For its two hundredth anniversary, the spirits firm will spotlight its lengthy help of sports activities, music, and tradition. This reveals the sturdy partnership the corporate has with Jamaica. This connection is proven by the federal government calling its Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum model “The Spirit of Jamaica.”
J. Wray & Nephew Restricted is beginning its third century. It’s ready to showcase Jamaican innovation. The corporate values its heritage and has international ambitions.