Two of the leading personalities within the spirits industry will openly debate the future of the global rum category in London next month for the latest annual Distillers Debate organised by the Worshipful Company of Distillers.
Two of the leading personalities within the spirits industry will openly debate the future of the global rum category in London next month for the latest annual Distillers' Debate organised by the Worshipful Company of Distillers.
Ed Pilkington of Diageo will propose the debate, "The future for rum lies with connoisseurs not clubbers," which will be opposed by Chris Searle, formerly of Pernod Ricard who has looked after a number of leading global rum brands, including Bacardi.
The event is the latest in a series of City debates organised by the Worshipful Company to address the future of global spirits. It has recently covered the opportunity for spirits in China and the category growth for gin.
The annual Distillers' Debate "looks to assess the different views held within the spirits industry on matters critical to its long term future".
Its annual debate will be hosted by finance company, JP Morgan at its offices at 138-142 Holborn in London's EC1 and will be chaired by Chris Pitcher, a partner in beverages and tobacco at finance equity company, Redburn. Melissa Earlam of UBS will start proceedings with an analysis of the rum category.
The debate will also give the chance for trade members to take part, ask questions and then vote to see which part of the argument has won.
The event runs from 6pm on May 8 with the free debate taking place between 6.15pm and 7.45pm. A number of tickets are still available for a sit-down supper for £45.
To attend contact Kim Lyons, assistant clerk, The Worshipful Company of Distillers, on KLyons@lbmw.com.