The world’s largest premium rum distillery partners with Olein Refinery to combat shortage of product in Puerto Rico
A shift in production by Bacardi at the world’s largest premium rum distillery is helping supply ethanol required to produce the much-needed hand sanitizers that are in high demand as a result of COVID-19.
The Bacardi Corporation distillery in Cataño, Puerto Rico, where more than 80% of the company’s rums are produced, has partnered with Puerto Rico based manufacturer Olein Refinery to provide raw materials that will enable the production of more than 1.7M units of 10-ounce hand sanitizer.
At 70% alcohol, these products are in line with the recommendations by the World Health Organization for containing the spread of the virus.
Over half a million of the 10-ounce hand sanitizer units produced in partnership with Bacardi will be donated to local communities.
Bacardi has begun distribution of the free hand sanitizers, made with the ethanol provided by Bacardi distillery, along with disinfectants produced by Olein, to USPS workers, firefighters and police.
The company plans to expand distribution next week to non-profit organizations including Fondos Unidos (United Way). Bacardi employees and contractors also received the free product as the health and safety of people is always top of mind for the family-owned company.