Rum Co. of Fiji has won Rum Distillery of the Year at this year’s Melbourne International Spirits Competition, with their premium rum ranges, Bati and Ratu winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.

Bati Dark Rum won Gold, while its new Coconut Rum Liqueur won the Silver medal for its smooth, tropical taste. Bati White Rum together with its new Banana Rum and Coffee Rum Liqueurs also won the Bronze medals. Ratu 5-Year-Old Spiced Rum also won Silver, and its 8-Year-Old Signature Rum Liqueur won Bronze.

The competition is judged by trade-only panelists, together with a mix of restauranteurs, sommeliers, retail spirits buyers, distributors and importers.

Mike Spencer, General Manager, Paradise Beverages, said: “This is wonderful recognition for all our people in Fiji who are passionate and work incredibly hard every day to make these incredible rums!”

Rum Co. of Fiji’s range of Bati Rum Liqueurs are new to the Australian market, and three of the flavours were recognised in the competition. The range includes a Coconut, Banana, Coffee and White Chocolate flavour; offering locals an exotic and refreshing twist to the emerging rum category.

Lucy Dodgson, Brand Manager, International Alcohol, Coca-Cola Amatil, said it’s the first time the new Bati Rum Liqueurs have been entered into a global spirits competition, and Australia is the first ever export market to experience the unique range.

“It has been fantastic to see the Australian market responding so positively to our diverse Rum Co. of Fiji portfolio. Consumers today are always on the hunt for something new and different, and our flavoured range of Bati Rum Liqueurs offer an exciting and refreshing alternative within the ever-evolving rum category,” she said.

Head of International Alcohol, Coca-Cola Amatil, Heath Baker, said while 2020 has thrown many challenges for the global alcohol industry, it hasn’t stopped consumers from enjoying our high quality, exceptional Fijian rum that can be enjoyed at the bar, or at home, with friends.

“Next year is shaping up to be an exciting year for Rum Co. of Fiji and we are looking forward to more Australians, and indeed the world, enjoying one of our fine rums. The shift in drinking trends and entertaining at home really sits well with our range because we are offering the consumer such a diverse range of flavour and bringing in the Liqueurs has solidified this for us,” he said.

Rum Co. of Fiji’s new award-winning Bati Rum Liqueurs are available online at Bayfield’s, Kemenys and Jim Murphy’s, or visit rumcooffiji.com/

Aussie winners at 2020 Melbourne International Spirits Competition

Australia Brandy Distillery of the Year
Vittorio Spirits

Australia Coffee Liqueur Distillery of the Year
Wolf Lane Distillery

Gin Liqueur Distillery of the Year
Barossa Distilling Company

Australia Liqueur Distillery of the Year
Lyre’s

Australia Fruit Liqueur Distillery of the Year
21^st Century Distillery

Australia Navy Strength Gin Distillery of the Year
The Craft & Co

Old Tom Gin of the Year
Greysons

Australia Pre Mixed Cocktail of the Year
Mister Mixer

Australia Rum Distillery of the Year
Milton Rum Distillery

Australia Whiskey Distillery of the Year
Mt. Uncle Distillery

Click here to see all the winners