September 2019 marks a significant milestone for Hawaii’s Kōloa Rum Co., as the brand celebrates a decade in business on the island of Kauaʻi. Having achieved year-over-year double digit sales and revenue increases since year one, the Kōloa Rum Company expansion will allow for increased production and distribution to accommodate the brand’s growth.
“We are so proud of our brand’s journey over these past 10 years and know we wouldn’t be here without the support of our community here on Kauaʻi and our fans around the world,” said Bob Gunter, CEO of Kōloa Rum Co. “This expansion is a dream come to life, and we look forward with anticipation and excitement for the future that lies ahead.”
Plans will more than double the size of the current operation to a 45,000 square-foot distillery and warehouse at the company headquarters, which will also include a tasting room, company store and free-standing café. The company will break ground for the new distillery on Sept. 18 with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and community celebration.
To recognize and honor the agricultural heritage of the town of Kōloa, where commercial sugar production operations were first introduced in 1835, expansion plans also include the planting and cultivation of 10-12 acres of sugar cane fields on site. Additionally, Kōloa Rum will refurbish old plantation camp structures into a Caretakers Cottage and a museum that will tell the story of the rich history of sugarcane production in the area.
“Cultivating and using our own sugarcane is a big part of our history on Kauaʻi, and that’s very important to us,” adds Gunter. “We will be growing and processing cane on site to make our rum, and we are actively partnering with local farmers to increase sources of cane sugar on the island with the goal of one day being able to use only Kaua‘i-grown cane in our products.”
Kōloa Rum Co. was founded to create superior Hawaiian rums and ready-to-drink cocktails using locally sourced ingredients. In doing so, Kōloa Rum provides quality employment opportunities for the community of Kauaʻi and provides meaningful support to the local agricultural industry by increasing cultivated acreage and preserving open space.
The new headquarters for Kōloa Rum Co. will be located in the town of Kōloa, along Maluhia Road across from Anne Knudsen Park. Completion of the project is currently projected for September 2020.