Friday, May 27, 2011

Red Stripe to bottle Smirnoff, Gold Label rum in Kingston

By McPherse Thompson, Business Reporter, The Gleaner, Jamaica. Red Stripe Jamaica has invested US$1.8 million (J$153 million) in a new spirits bottling line as the vodka market opens up domestically, allowing it to produce onsite under two labels owned by parent Diageo, and in the process shed some of its carrying costs.

The line, to be unveiled during a tour of the Spanish Town Road, Kingston plant today, has a production capacity of 3,600 bottles per hour or 60 bottles per minute of Smirnoff Vodka 21, Smirnoff Apple and Cranberry, as well as Gold Label rum which had hitherto been imported or manufactured under arrangements with other companies.

Installation of the new line will allow expansion of Red Stripe's spirits-production capacity, as well as improve quality control and reduce energy costs, the company said Wednesday.

Red Stripe, the operating name for Desnoes and Geddes Limited as well as the brewery's flagship beer, said the spirits plant would realise a minimum of US$1.2 million per annum for the company.

For the complete story, click HERE. Please visit us at The Rum Shop for all your rum-related needs, including purchasing rum on-line, rum recipes, rum tasting notes, rum event information and rum consulting services. "Got Rum?" Magazine is back in circulation, get your free copy HERE.

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