“A rum for the future” – Two Drifters and Blue Caterpillar introduce carbon-negative rum to travel retail
Two Drifters is bringing fresh energy to the evolving rum category with its Blue Caterpillar partnership championing its strong sustainability message in the evolving rum category.
Spirits distributor Blue Caterpillar has signed a strategic distribution agreement with Two Drifters Distillery, the UK producer of the world’s first carbon-negative rum.
The partnership will see Two Drifters’ sustainably produced rums launched in global travel retail and select domestic markets throughout the Caribbean, North, Central and South America from June.
Founded by husband and wife team Russ and Gemma Wakeham, Two Drifters Distillery in Devon, UK has become a benchmark for sustainable spirits production, with each bottle produced removing over 1kg of CO₂ from the atmosphere.
The operation runs entirely on renewable energy and incorporates advanced carbon capture practices in partnership with Climeworks, allowing it to remove more CO₂ from the atmosphere than it emits. This commitment to sustainability also extends to its packaging – featuring lightweight glass bottles manufactured in the UK, compostable seals, and labels made from waste sugarcane fibre.
Blue Caterpillar will introduce the brand’s four core SKUs – Pure White Rum, Signature Rum, Lightly Spiced Rum and Overproof Spiced Pineapple Rum – across its extensive network of travel retail and domestic retail partners.
The partnership comes at a pivotal time for the rum category. According to IWSR data, the segment is undergoing a shift towards premiumisation which is driving moderate growth, while eco-conscious purchasing behaviours continue to rise.
Two Drifters’ offering aligns with both demands, providing a compelling combination of rich flavours and strong sustainability credentials, the partners said.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Blue Caterpillar to bring our vision of sustainable rum to new audiences across the Americas,” said Two Drifters Distillery Co-Founder Dr Russ Wakeham.
“From the beginning, we’ve set out to prove that exceptional rum can be made with carbon negativity at its heart. This partnership marks a big step toward our goal of capturing 1% of the global rum market by 2035 – while making a meaningful difference for the planet along the way.”
“Two Drifters is exactly the kind of brand we want to champion – innovative, committed to quality and genuinely sustainable,” added Blue Caterpillar CEO Michael Gebrael. “Their rums present a unique proposition for both travel retail and domestic consumers seeking new, premium experiences with a purpose.” 
