Island Rum Brands has partnered with SL Beverages to re-launch their premium dry spiced Cuban rum Black Tears in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The brand is available in the market via Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI) and is gaining an important momentum in all of the UAE’s distribution channels.
Within the first six months of 2025, Black Tears Dry Spiced gained numerous listings in both the on- and the off-trade channels across the country, with customers like Hard Rock Café Dubai, Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, Coya Abu Dhabi, Conrad Dubai, Premium Cellars Ras Al Khaimah, Richmond Cellars Abu Dhabi, as well as MMI stores in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah to name just a few.
“The projected growth for the craft rum category in the UAE is 7.6% from 2025 to 2030, and Black Tears, the first spiced Cuban rum, is well positioned to gain traction within this trend,” stated Samrat Latkar, the owner of SL Beverages agency. “Since the beginning of the year, we’ve been rapidly gaining ground within the spiced rum category on the market, where tourism and expat community growth are both positively influencing rum consumption.”
Black Tears’ perfect serve, the Spiced Cuba Libre, has been featured in trial promotions across the on-trade channel, alongside exclusive creations of the local mixologists.
“UAE is an incredibly interesting market for up-and-coming craft authentic spirit brands – many trends are originating from there now,” commented Helena Zakmane, International Commercial & Marketing Director of Island Rum Brands.
“With the help of Samrat, we are strongly supporting the efforts of our partners at MMI with promotional activities and Black Tears introduction to many new customers across the Emirates.”
