NASSAU, N.P., BAHAMAS — 14 September 2026 — John Watling's Distillery, Ltd., producer of JOHN WATLING'S Rum, has signed a distribution agreement with Lexir UK Ltd., marking the brand's entry into the United Kingdom and another important milestone in building an international presence for a distinctly Bahamian brand.

The agreement represents the first commercial distribution of JOHN WATLING'S Rum in the UK, introducing an authentic Bahamian premium rum to one of the world's most influential spirits markets. The company is completing modifications to its labels and packaging to meet UK and European regulatory requirements, with its first commercial shipment expected during October 2026.

"This is an important milestone for John Watling's and for our ambition to build a Bahamian brand with a meaningful international presence," said Jose Portuondo, Managing Partner of John Watling's Distillery. "From the day we filled our first barrel, our ambition has been to produce rums that could proudly represent The Bahamas on the world stage. Entering one of the world's most established spirits markets is another step towards achieving that vision."

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

The expansion follows growing international recognition for JOHN WATLING'S Rum. In 2026, JOHN WATLING'S Paradise Rum received four major international honours: a Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago, Two Stars from the International Taste Institute in Brussels, and Silver Medals from the International Wine & Spirit Competition in London and the USA Spirits Ratings in San Francisco. Paradise was also recognised by Forbes among the world's best rums.

"International recognition tells us that the quality can compete," Mr. Portuondo said. "Distribution gives us the opportunity to turn that recognition into international business."

BUILDING AN INTERNATIONAL BAHAMIAN BRAND

The agreement builds on John Watling's international footprint. In the United States, JOHN WATLING'S Rum is sold through Total Wine & More, one of America's largest wine and spirits retailers.

"Our objective goes beyond exporting rum," Mr. Portuondo said. "We want to demonstrate that products created in The Bahamas can compete internationally and that Bahamian brands can earn their place in major global markets."

BUILDING ON DEEP UK–BAHAMAS TIES

John Watling's UK agreement builds on centuries of ties between The Bahamas and Britain. The two nations share His Majesty King Charles III as Head of State, and the brand participated in activities surrounding the King’s Coronation at Westminster in 2023. It is now partnering with The Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship in London, bringing Bahamian rum and hospitality to UK and Commonwealth audiences.

"For us, entering the UK is about more than opening another market," Portuondo said. "It is about building on long-standing connections and sharing something distinctly Bahamian. Every bottle of JOHN WATLING'S carries a little liquid sunshine from The Bahamas."

TURNING TRADE AGREEMENTS INTO TRADE

The expansion demonstrates opportunities for Bahamian exporters through the CARIFORUM–UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which provides preferential access to the UK market for qualifying goods.

Her Excellency Smita Rossetti, British High Commissioner to The Bahamas, said: "I will be delighted to see John Watling’s served and available for sale in the United Kingdom. The CARIFORUM–UK Economic Partnership Agreement creates real opportunities for Bahamian businesses exporting to the United Kingdom and it is wonderful to see a Bahamian brand using it to enter the UK market."

EXPORTING THE PRODUCT, PROMOTING THE DESTINATION

For the Nassau & Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB), led by CEO Joy Jibrilu, the brand can now be incorporated into UK travel and trade events as an authentic taste of the destination.

"We have already seen the power of Bahamian food and drink to promote the destination through the success of Ainsley's Taste of The Bahamas," Jibrilu said. "Having JOHN WATLING'S available in the United Kingdom gives us another authentic way to share the taste, culture and hospitality of Nassau and Paradise Island."

"That is where exports and tourism reinforce each other," Portuondo said. "Whether you discover JOHN WATLING'S in Nassau or London, every bottle becomes an ambassador for The Bahamas."

FROM NASSAU TO THE WORLD

Known as The Rum of The Bahamas, JOHN WATLING'S Rum is produced at the historic Buena Vista Estate in Downtown Nassau. Since opening in 2013 at the 230-year-old estate, John Watling's Distillery has welcomed more than one million visitors from around the world and evolving from start-up to global award-winning premium spirits brand, remaining firmly rooted in The Bahamas.

MEDIA CONTACT

Diane Phillips & Associates
Nassau, N.P., Bahamas
Email: Diane@dpa-media.com; (242) 376-2177