Babco UK announces investment in Neptune Rum

Drinks brand business Babco UK has acquired a 50 per cent stake in premium spirits brand Neptune Rum.

Babco UK - which has worked with brands including Irish spirits producer Ha'penny, Míl Gin and Tofka Vodka - is looking to move further into brand ownership as a complement to its current service offering.

Neptune Rum is a pot and column-distilled spirit aged in ex-Bourbon oak casks and has proved popular with drinkers since its launch in 2017. Its first expression, Barbados Gold, was joined by Neptune Rum Caribbean Spiced in 2020, with five more expressions currently in development.

Chris Bowen, managing director of Babco UK, said: "We are delighted to announce this investment in Neptune Rum which shows our commitment and passion for the rum category in the UK. This acquisition is part of our plan to move further into brand ownership and support premiumisation. 

"We were initially attracted by the strength of Neptune Rum’s brand identity and values which are backed by exceptional quality and natural ingredients.

"There is an excitement in the rum segment today, and with more than 65 global awards, Neptune Rum is the most exciting brand to watch. We are confident that with our expertise in building and growing drinks brands, we will continue to drive growth and set them up as a global brand."

James Strickland, CEO of Neptune Rum, said: "We are really excited by Babco UK’s investment in Neptune Rum. We are so passionate about quality, sustainability and supporting ocean clean-up initiatives, which is something Babco shares. 

"This investment provides us with a fantastic opportunity to tell our story, share our exceptional rums and expand our ocean clean-up programs on a much larger scale. We are thrilled to enter this new chapter with Babco by our side."

11 February 2021 - Bethany Whymark