________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Barti Rum
at somewhere between 400 and 500 independent retailers , bars , and restaurants throughout the UK .”
The brand ’ s conscious decision to focus on one variety with undivided marketing attention paid off ; that is , until Jonathan had another somewhat crazy idea . “ Although we do some product collaborations like coffee and chocolate with other local companies , we followed the route of having a single product offering until last Christmas , when we decided to create a limited-edition cream liqueur ,” Fran shares .
Barti Rum ’ s cream liqueur uses a coconut product , meaning it is plant-based and therefore available to a wider audience , and the product has recently won not one , not two , but seven World Drinks Awards . “ We knew it was going to be a success , and we forecasted how many bottles we might need , but I can categorically say it was not enough – we sold out immediately and the scarcity created a buzz like no other marketing campaign I ’ ve come across ,” Fran reveals . “ We had to limit people ’ s orders and customers were taking bottles out of our hands as we delivered to local outlets .
“ We thought the buzz would die down after Christmas , but we had a huge list of pre-orders even in January . Having researched the trend of cream liqueurs becoming more popular and given the demand , we decided to keep the cream liqueur as a constant offering . Now , as we approach Christmas 2024 , we ’ re stocking up to ensure we don ’ t fall into the cream liqueur drought we experienced last year .”
Seaweed solutions
Before we discuss the future , we ’ re keen to ask Fran about Jonathan ’ s latest venture , Blue Carbon . “ The project is in its infancy , but
Jonathan is working with various scientists on the concept of using seaweed as a carbon capturing tool ,” Fran says . “ It is a similar concept to trees being used to sequester carbon , but there are specific potential advantages like using less land and locking the carbon underwater . Once we ’ ve got scientific evidence , there ’ s an opportunity to create spaces within the sea to plant seaweed for the pure aim of capturing carbon .
“ Although Barti Rum will be part of the Blue Carbon project , we also have our own sustainability initiatives . Our bottles are made using 50 percent recycled glass , our packaging is plastic free , and we use 100 percent biodegradable labels – even the adhesives we use do not contain microplastics . We ’ ve just received B Corp accreditation , which is super exciting and proves that we ’ re a business striving for environmental protection and social equality .”
With 2025 round the corner , our conversation ends by discussing what the new year will bring for Barti Rum . “ We ’ re currently in the process of repurposing an old freezer trailer into a bar where we can serve Barti Rum cocktails at events and festivals ,” Fran reveals . “ Having just received B Corp status , we will also continue to drive our sustainability initiatives in 2025 and beyond .”
Under Fran ’ s leadership , Barti Rum is sure to continue growing across the UK , especially given its successful growth in just seven years . If you ’ re not already sold by the rum ’ s promise of spiced deliciousness , you can turn to page 26 to read our taste test review . ■
www . bartirum . wales
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