Pembrokeshire-based rum maker Barti is scaling-up production on the back of a growing order book. Now stocked by Tesco and Co-op, its award-winning Barti Spiced Rum and Barti Cream Liqueur are available in retail stores throughout Wales in addition to independent outlets and online.
To support further growth it has secured a £200,000 loan from the Development Bank of Wales as well as a loan of £27,000 from Pembrokeshire Lottery. The finance will be used to fund product development and pursue export global opportunities in Canada and Japan. Barti will also build a bespoke mobile bar for use at outdoor events.
The business was established by director Jonathan Williams in the summer of 2017. He also runs The Old Point House in Pembrokeshire which has a seaweed inspired menu.
Vanilla, cinnamon, clove and sweet citrus make up the main flavour profile of Barti Spiced Rum and Barti Cream Liqueur. Wild laver seaweed is then infused before being bottled in recycled glass and branded using labels that are a biproduct of cane sugar at bottling and distribution unites in Neyland and Hensol in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Mr Williams said: “This is the golden quarter for our industry, so it was important that we had the working capital required to purchase the stock needed to fulfil the increasing demand from Tesco and Co-op customers. We are also excited to be developing some new products as well as exploring export opportunities for our product range.
“Barti is a great tasting and stylish product that celebrates Pembrokeshire and is also environmentally friendly.
“We’re proud to be Welsh and we’re passionate about Pembrokeshire so it was only natural that we work with Welsh funders who share our vision of Barti becoming the best-selling rum in the world.”
Kelly Jones, portfolio executive with the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Jonathan has turned his passion for cooking, local storytelling, sustainability and the sea into a thriving business that has every potential of becoming another great Welsh export given the increasing market demand for premium, artisan craft drinks. Barti is a great brand that is gathering real momentum with customers wanting to enjoy a unique flavour combination. The mobile bar will mean that Barti will be found at events and festivals next year in addition to a growing list of retail stockists.”
