20 personalities decipher the last 10 years, and provide food for thought for the next 10.
How has the rum market changed over the last 10 years?
Among spirits, rum is the second best-selling segment at the SAQ, behind vodka. During the Covid period, rum even overtook vodka. This craze is not new, but after 10% growth in recent years, rum is experiencing more moderate growth here. On average, rum accounts for 17% of annual sales of spirits.
Over the last 10 years, the variety of rums available at the SAQ has changed considerably. We listen to what our customers want, and they’ve been asking for more and more arrangés and single casks. We’ve also moved up the rum range, even though Captain Morgan remains our best-selling reference.
As far as agricole rums are concerned, we’ve had a few problems with ethyl carbamate standards in agricole rums. But we’re finding more and more references that comply with the relevant regulations. Quebec consumers have become more aware of the quality of agricole rums, and now know how to distinguish them from other rums. In any case, there’s a demand for it.
How do you think things will develop over the next ten years?
I think that consumers will continue to educate themselves, to appreciate quality rums and new rum producers. They’re even producing in Quebec these days! In general, Quebec spirits are very successful at the SAQ, particularly gin. I think we’ll also see more and more quality products that meet our Quebec standards.
Do you have any news you’d like to share with us?
Here is an overview of the products we have just released into the network, to the delight of our rum lovers: Plantation Guatemala Gran Anejo, Charrette, Rhum Ambré, Savanna Intense, Savanna Métis, Savanna Créol 52, Savanna Lontan 57 Grand Arôme, Mount Gay Eclipse, Lemon Hart Blackpool, Flor de Cana 25 Ans…
And by the end of the year : Gosling’s Family Reserve Old Rum, Barbancourt Blanc Rhum Agricole, Barbancourt 8 Ans Réserve Spéciale, Savanna Herr 57 Grand Arôme, Caracas Club 8 Ans, Relicario Superior, Fair Rhum gé de 5 ans en Fûts de Bourbon. We are also expecting some Clairin (4 products!), but the date of arrival is still uncertain…
