Norway-based Island Rum Company has successfully secured undisclosed funding from private investors to enhance its global market reach and upgrade its production facility in Cuba. The funding round, which was completed in November 2024, involved five private investors who acquired minority shares in the company.

The investment aims to strengthen distribution channels and brand marketing efforts, focusing particularly on strategic markets such as the UK, France, and Italy. Additionally, the funds will be allocated to modernizing and expanding the rum production facility in Cuba, which is vital for the company’s growth trajectory.

Henrik Björck, Chairman of the Island Rum Company Board, emphasized that this investment aligns with their global growth ambitions. He stated, "Both our international and Cuban teams have developed commercial and marketing plans for 2025 and beyond, supported by this new financial backing."

The Island Rum Company, established in 2012, produces about 100,000 nine-litre cases of rum annually. It operates in Cuba through a joint venture with Grupo Azucarero, known as Ron Vigia. The company is also gearing up for its next investment round, planned to close in April.

To facilitate the expansion and modernization at the Cuba production facility, Ron Vigia will oversee the project, which includes enhancing the bottling line and acquiring new mixing equipment. Plans also involve the installation of solar panels to ensure a reliable electricity supply. The company anticipates completing this work within the year, depending on results from the forthcoming investment round.

Island Rum’s flagship brands, Black Tears and La Progresiva, are distributed in 45 markets globally. Recently, the company announced its entry into the German market through a partnership with local importer and distributor Kammer-Kirsch, set to bring Black Tears and La Progresiva to German consumers this month.

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