When Varela Hermanos, S.A. in Panama, Central America, added its newest 7-year-old premium rum to its Ron Abuelo line, it had a special challenge to meet with its packaging.  To continue to deliver the distinctive shelf appearance and unique brand identification introduced with the first Ron Abuelo spirit would require a careful match for its bar top cork stoppers and tin capsules. 

To help with this all-important packaging aspect, it called upon the global resources and experience of Saxco International Inc. of Horsham, Pa., worldwide packaging specialists for the wine and spirits industry.  �Our challenge was to meticulously match the burgundy color and signature identification for the 750-mL bottle�s stoppers and capsules,� explains Jerry Maya, regional sales representative for Saxco International. Saxco sourced and supplied the required burgundy-colored plastic top cork stoppers with an embossed brand identifier on top from long-time vendor J.C. Ribeiro in Portugal.

In addition, the packaging firm provided an embossed top burgundy tin capsule with side signature identifications from Alcan in France, another prominent resource in its worldwide cordon of vendors.

�The new Ron Abuelo aged rum is being targeted at male and female consumers, 25 and older, who enjoy a lively action-oriented lifestyle,� says Daniel Fabrega, export manager for Varela Hermanos, S.A.

The newest spirit in the Ron Abuelo line will be rolled out to markets in Panama, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Bolivia and in several U.S. states including Florida, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Colorado, Georgia and the District of Columbia.  Plans also are underway to bring it to rum enthusiasts in Spain and Italy.