London | 8 May 2014

The 2014 Distillers’ City Debate – RUM

J.P. Morgan
138-142 Holborn
London
UK
EC1N 2NQ

Tel: 020 7405 7091
Email: KLyons@lbmw.com
Web: http://www.Distillers.org.uk

Is rum changing direction; are clubbers the past and connoisseurs the future?

Thursday May 8, will see the City of London immersed in distillers, financiers and suppliers debating the future for global spirits. This year’s Annual Distillers’ Debate focuses on rum, with the hot topic being “The future for rum lies with connoisseurs not clubbers”.

Hosted by J P Morgan, chaired by Chris Pitcher of Redburn, with analytical scene-setting from Melissa Earlam of UBS, the motion will be proposed by Ed Pilkington, Marketing and Innovation Director at Diageo, and opposed by Chris Searle, who retired this month after 32 years with Bacardi.

Is luxury the future for rum, or volume and value? Should rum copy Scotch? Where does rum fit within the range of global spirits available on the market today? Will the debate help change minds? A vote will be taken on arrival and at the end to compare and contrast the effect of the debate.

David Grant, past Master of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, said “This looks like being pretty lively. Expect Diageo to lay out their plans for super-premium rum brands in a setting which should be bristling with City drinks watchers, and Bacardi unlikely to deign to look over their shoulder! With Melissa Earlam of UBS leading off and Chris Pitcher, Drinks analyst with Redburn in the chair, any marketing puffery is likely to be quickly punctured. There will be a vote at the start and again at the end to see just how persuasive they are.”

Entrance is by pre-booked ticket, available from the offices of The Worshipful Company of Distillers

Debate details
Doors open 18.00
Debate 18.15-19.45
Buffet supper (£45 per person, limited numbers) 19.45-21.00
Tickets for the debate are free but limited and must be obtained in advance from Kim Lyons  KLyons@lbmw.com.

The Worshipful Company of Distillers
Founded in 1638 the Worshipful Company of Distillers, one of the Livery Companies of the City of London, today remains at the hub of the distilling industry providing support and funds to city and industry based charities.  www.Distillers.org.uk