Tag: Ian Forbes

Angostura gets spicy! Launches new rum & cola blend, non-alcoholic bitters on the horizon

As Carnival 2026 revs into high gear, Angostura has added a new flavour to the season with the launch of Angostura Cubata – Spiced Rum and Cola.

The product was unveiled at a media launch on January 20 where acting chief executive officer Ian Forbes said the premium rum-based beverage is a take on the classic rum and cola cocktail using aimed at younger, lifestyle-driven consumers

Forbes said Cubata was developed as a “signature serve” – a recognised cocktail or combination of spirit and mixer – packaged in a convenient ready-to-drink (RTD) format.

He explained that while Cubata is based on the traditional rum-and-cola combination, it differs in formulation.

While white rum and cola is known as a Cuba Libre, he said Cubata uses coloured rum, specifically Angostura Tamboo Spiced Rum, blended with cola.

He added the use of the Tamboo Spiced Rum and an alcohol content of seven per cent – which he described as being on the higher end of the RTD category – sets Cubata apart from similar alcoholic beverages.

“What we have created here is the first iteration of spiced rum and cola,” Forbes said.

Forbes said the product was developed in response to the continued growth of the RTD alcohol market, driven by convenience, experimentation and lifestyle-based consumption.

He noted that rum-based RTDs were emerging as a high-potential segment, particularly among younger consumers.

The target market, he said, includes 21 to 35-year-old urban professionals, creatives and hospitality workers, with the product also designed for quick service in bar environments.

Angostura chairman Gary Hunt, speaking at the launch, described Cubata as the company’s latest RTD innovation and said it was crafted to excite the local market, with plans for wider regional and international distribution.

Hunt said Cubata represents the company’s signature take on one of the world’s most popular cocktails, rum and cola, “reimagined for today’s on-the-go consumer.”

He said the product is being introduced ahead of Carnival and aligns with shifting consumer preferences toward convenience, flavour and brand identity.

“Today’s consumers want great taste, they want convenience and a brand that reflects who they are.”

Angostura to rebrand outlets

Hunt added Cubata would be available at Angostura retail outlets nationwide and at Angostura’s Solera Wines and Spirits locations, which he revealed will soon be rebranded as House of Angostura Wines and Spirits.

Bartender Neal Ramdhan pours a cup of Cubata at Angostura’s launch of the ready-to-drink rum blend at its head office on Eastern Main Road, Laventille on January 20.

Speaking with reporters after the launch, he explained the move is strategic, as it will better align the company’s outlet stores with the Angostura name.

“It’s very hard to connect Solera with Angostura. A lot of thinking has to go into it. In the branding world, you want to keep things simple. Apple is Apple, Microsoft is Microsoft. Nike is Nike. Adidas is Adidas.

“It’s very easy to connect House of Angostura with Angostura.”

He disclosed the rebranding proposal has already gone before the board and is expected to be rolled out soon, as part of a broader effort to harmonise Angostura’s corporate and product branding for stronger international appeal.

Hunt revealed the eventual goal is to open House of Angostura outlets in foreign cities with a large TT diaspora such as Brooklyn and Toronto to match the company’s international ambitions.

“Wherever we have diaspora, they are all yearning for Trinidad and Tobago, and Angostura represents a very strong cultural connection to our diaspora.

“Trinis abroad, they yearn for anything. If they have to travel 100 miles to get doubles, they will do it. So we’re going to make (buying Angostura products) easy for them.”

Non-alcoholic bitters coming

Hunt said his overarching goal as chairman is to position the company for long-term growth under a strategy he described as “Angostura 2.0 x3,” with targets to double revenue and triple profits by 2028.

As a result, the company is also looking ahead to longer-term trends, including the growth of non-alcoholic beverages, and confirmed that Angostura is actively considering non-alcoholic products, including non-alcoholic bitters.

“You cannot ignore the trends,” said Hunt as he noted the company always has its eyes on the ball.

“The Gen Z’s and the millennials are the ones that set the trend. And companies can go irrelevant if they don’t adapt to the change and the changing sentiments and tastes and preferences of the new generation.”

He said while the growth trend in the alcohol-imitation beverage sector may not be popular in TT as yet, ignoring it will be unwise.

“It’s very early. But whatever happens up north always happens here, guaranteed. So we have to keep our eyes on that.”

He added the company’s executives are “very much in tune” with what’s happening in the beverage industry globally.

“They have brought it to the board’s attention, and we are actively considering it. We are the trendsetter locally and in the region. So we will be at the front of it.”

As Carnival 2026 revs into high gear, Angostura has added a new flavour to the season with the launch of Angostura Cubata – Spiced Rum and Cola.

Angostura Founders Reserve 1824 gets artistic with packaging

ANGOSTURA Ltd has introduced limited-edition, artistic packaging for its premium rum, Angostura Founders Reserve 1824.

In a news release on December 24, Angostura said the limited-edition packaging is available in designs from four leading TT artists – Sara Knights, Nicholas Huggins, Shawn Chong-Ashing and Bianca Peake.

The release highlighted Ashing’s and Peake’s contribution who chose to represent dance through the ages with his contribution.

“This design references the smooth flow of the nation’s culture through the depiction of a belé dancer and a masquerader.

“Bianca Peake’s exclusive design pays homage to Trinbagonian identity through her distinctive watercolour artwork, exploring our sense of self as a nation in a declaration of identity through art.”

CEO Ian Forbes said the packaging honours Angostura’s legacy and craftsmanship while embracing modern creativity.

“Each box in this limited-edition release is a collector’s item for both rum enthusiasts and connoisseurs of fine art,” Forbes said.

The limited-edition packaging is available at Angostura Solera Wines and Spirits at M6 Plaza, Chaguanas; Gopaul Lands, Marabella; Albion Energy Plaza, Port of Spain; Angostura’s head office, Laventille and East Gates Mall, Trincity. It will also be available in duty free stores from next week.

Angostura looks to shake up New York

ANGOSTURA continues to explore opportunities to enhance its global brand as it has launched a bold campaign in New York, celebrating the company’s iconic bitters and world-renowned rums.

Designed to increase brand awareness, the comprehensive campaign is being rolled out throughout November.

This includes major large format placements on a billboard, digital kiosks and hand-painted wall in Williamsburg and Lower Manhattan. These areas were chosen for their strong cocktail culture and proximity to high-foot-traffic areas, on-premises accounts, and public transit.

In August, Angostura rums and bitters took centre stage in Times Square, New York City, one of the most iconic advertising locations, as its products lit up in a 15-second advertisement running in a continuous loop.

The current campaign in New York focuses on Angostura bitters range and marks a significant step in the company’s accelerated growth strategy within its largest international markets.

The New York City campaign is being driven by an Angostura bitters-led theme, “Inspiring Cocktail Creativity”, to elevate everyday drinks into crafted cocktails. The US is Angostura’s largest international market, and the company is expanding its footprint throughout the country.

Angostura advertises on a digital board in New York.. –

Angostura’s acting CEO Ian Forbes said, “This campaign represents an important time for the Angostura brand in the US as our goal is to deepen visibility, strengthen relevance with our consumers, and highlight how Angostura bitters transform mixology – whether at home or behind the bar.”

“By amplifying our presence in New York, Angostura is reinforcing its international expansion. The company will continue to pursue high-impact opportunities across global markets, ensuring its iconic bitters and rums remain essential to cocktail and culinary cultures worldwide. Our products are available in over 170 markets.”

Angostura commercial manager Leesha Alexander recently spoke to TV6 about expanding the company’s footprint.

“We’ve been able to show up in a grander scale outside of TT as well,” she said.
She said the company has featured its products in Greece, UK and New York.

“We are also waving that flag for Angostura and TT, just really focusing on innovation – very important part to our strategy.”

She said an Angostura brand ambassador recently visited Easter Island, a remote volcanic island, renowned for its archeological sites, in Chile.

“Even though we don’t have a direct trade with Easter Island, the product is available at the bars out there. We continue to promote the distribution of our products We are at most major markets where the product is allowed.”

Forbes said bitters has blazed a trail and opened markets for Angostura’s premium rums.

“Our premium rums are in approximately 60 countries around the world, and there is the opportunity now to follow the part blazed by Angostura (bitters)..It’s a tag-team arrangement where Angostura opens the markets for our premium rums to follow.”

Angostura to the world

Already operating in over 170 markets worldwide, Angostura continues to expand its global reach, introducing its range of alcohols and bitters to new markets while adopting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

In his chairman’s message in the limited summary consolidated financial statement for the year ending September 2024, Terrence Bharath said Angostura could report increases in its international and regional markets with branded revenue growing by $7.4 million, or three per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

Bharath said growth was driven by increased sales in bitters of 28 per cent in Australia, 18 per cent in Latin America and one per cent in North America.

Angostura’s website added, “Over the past year, we have expanded our reach into untapped territories, introducing our world-renowned rums and bitters to consumers in Kyrgyzstan, Nepal and El Salvador.

“This recognition cements our position as a true global ambassador of TT’s spirit with a strong global presence across 170 markets worldwide.”

On December 9, during Angostura’s Earning Call meeting at the House of Angostura, Laventille, Bharath said he was unsure whether any other local or regional business was as global as Angostura.

Angostura’s business efficiency and shared services executive manager Rahim Mohammed said the international business continues to grow.

He said Angostura soft-launched its line of premium rums in Athens and participated in the Athens Bar Show earlier this year and it “stole the show.”

“We went back into China this year (as well), and that has been going excellently. Within a month, we had a re-order twice the size of the first order.

“And we’re also making a breakthrough in some of the African markets.”

Mohammed said before year-end Angostura will have a presence in Mozambique – which has a population of over 34 million people – by introducing its bitters.

Angostura also has a presence in Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar.

The company also won the TTMA’s Innovator of the Year award for 2023.

Bharath, pointing at a barrel which displayed bottles of the company’s new products, said, “When you look at something like this you think… ughhhh, a rum-shaped bottle.

“This took four years to design. Meticulously, every bottle was looked at. Hours and hours of work of our committee, of management, of foreign entities, of the people responsible for design, colours, the labels.”

Bharath said the new bottles are designed with corks and a new weight, which allows it to go into many European countries, the US and many of the larger global markets.

“They require you to have a different composition of makeup of the bottle, biodegradability and the cork has to be of a certain standing. It’s a work of art.”

Saving the environment

Angostura is also working to become more environmentally friendly, and chief operating officer Ian Forbes said the company was extremely pleased with receiving the TT Chamber Green Agenda award.

“While we got the award for 2023, it was based on a body of work that started over ten years ago.”

He said he was happy that the board of directors saw the need to do environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicatives.

“Two years ago, possibly more, we started focusing on our ESG impact. While we know the companies that you deal with measure their success in terms of financial performance, in the world of tomorrow, based on climate action, success will be measured not only on financial performance but on the social impact that you leave, the environmental impact and governmental structures. Angostura is a company that embraces this.”

In a release on November 11, Angostura said the company embeds sustainability into everything from its distilling process to packaging, striving to reduce its environmental effect.

Angostura has been leading in sustainable innovations through environmental initiatives such as eco-friendly packaging, renewable energy integration, ISO 14001:2015 certification and a water-resource recovery and anaerobic digester facility.

The company has programmes to recycle glass, plastic and cardboard, eliminating the use of plastic bags at its Solera retail outlets by integrating reusable bags.

Additionally, the company is also phasing out diesel-powered forklifts, moving towards electric and CNG-powered ones to reduce emissions, the release said.

Angostura set to open 2 new Solera stores

Angostura’s chief financial officer (CFO) Amar Seechan anticipates a positive outlook for the remainder of the year, with the company expecting a stronger performance in the fourth quarter – as people tend to spend money on its products during the Christmas period.

These sentiments were shared during Angostura’s Earning Call meeting at the House of Angostura, Laventille on December 9.

Angostura, in its limited summary consolidated financial statement for the period ending September 2024, reported $94.3 million in profits after tax, down from $104.4 million the year before.

Revenue also saw a decline, reaching $697.9 million compared to $720.1 million in 2023.

The company’s profit before tax amounted to $126.5 million, a decrease from $149.1 million the year before.

Despite a ten per cent decrease in profit after tax compared to its 2023 figure, chief operating officer (COO) Ian Forbes announced that two new Solera Wines and Spirits stores will be opened before year-end, with the possibility of more being opened in 2025.

The locations and opening dates for the two new stores were not disclosed, but are expected to be announced later this week.

Angostura’s chairman Terrence Bharath said he understands the public wants more, hence the expansion of the Solera brand.

“I guarantee you Solera is going to grow. Solera is going to take off. We are bringing to the communities, the brands.

“You don’t have to drive into Port of Spain, Marabella or around the savannah, you’re going to get the brands coming to you in your neighbourhood.”

Bharath said owing to cost of living in the capital, people have now moved to other areas which are developed.

“Trincity is a massive hub. Chaguanas is a massive hub. Brentwood is a city by itself.

“When you drive up there you think you’re in the US. That’s where you have to focus and bring it to the people.”

Angostura also experienced some personnel changes in management this year as its CEO Laurent Schun was said to serve solely in an advisory capacity for the remainder of his tenure.

Manager of human resources Cindy Wilson resigned effective December 31, according to an announcement on the TT Stock Exchange website on October 15.

Curtis Durity resigned as executive manager of local sales with effect from June 24, while Melissa Sophia Charles-Barber resigned as executive manager of marketing on February 26.

On September 23, businesswoman Tricia Coosal was appointed a director of Angostura.

Asked if the company was being run by a management team and if there was a need for a CEO, Bharath said, “The CEO’s term comes to an end on January 14. We have put things in place to recruit a replacement.

“In the meantime, Ryan Mohammed, Amar Seechan, Ian Forbes and corporate secretary will run the operations of Angostura.”

Bharath said Forbes acted as the CEO during covid19 and even won the TTMA’s Manufacturer of the Year Award while at the helm.

“They are a dedicated team with loads of energy. They know the business inside out and share my vision and the board’s vision.

“There’s a lovely synergy that goes on there.”

NGC congratulates Champions of Business awardees

THIS year marks the fourth consecutive year the National Gas Company of TT Ltd (NGC) has joined the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce (TT Chamber) to sponsor two of the Champions of Business awards – the Business Hall of Fame and the Green Agenda Award.

The award ceremony, which serves to recognise the invaluable contributions of the local business community, was held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), Port of Spain, on November 7.

In a release on November 15, NGC congratulated the 2024 Business Hall of Fame inductees – George Janoura, founder and managing director of Janouras Custom Design Ltd, one of the largest uniform manufacturers in the Caribbean; and Junior Sammy, whose group of companies has been a leader in the regional construction industry.

“The captaincy, business acumen and pioneering vision of these gentlemen has enabled them to leave an indelible mark on the local business landscapes,” said NGC.

Speaking at the award ceremony, NGC chairman Dr Joseph Ishmael Khan, said, “The Business Hall of Fame award gives us a chance to recognise business leaders whose achievements and service to the country deserve to be celebrated. Through a combination of vision, passion and hard work, these individuals would have transformed their companies into models of business success and good corporate citizenship.”

Edmund Subryan, acting president of NGC, left, presents the Green Agenda award to Angostura’s chief operating officer, Ian Forbes, at the TT Chambers Champions of Business award ceremony on November 7. – Photo courtesy Angostura

The Green Agenda award went to Angostura Ltd for its efforts to build a more sustainable business, through a keen focus on water and energy use, sustainable packaging, design and waste management.

“This award category aligns with NGC’s strategic objective to address its own carbon footprint, while advocating for education, awareness and adaptation to a warming world,” said Dr Khan.

He added that this award gave NGC the opportunity to spotlight others in the business community who share similar commitments and ideals and are making a difference on the planetary front through innovation, efficiency, green technologies and an environmental ethos.

“As a locally grown company in operation for almost half a century, we at NGC understand what it takes to build a successful business. We know the mantle of responsibility that is borne by business leaders. We also understand the unique and evolving challenges facing companies today, as we strive to balance people, profit and planet. Because we understand the journey, we respect success when we see it,” said Dr Khan.

Angostura wins Green Agenda award for sustainability

ANGOSTURA has been awarded the Green Agenda award from the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce for its efforts towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The award was presented at the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber’s Champions of Business Awards and Gala at the National Academy for the Performing Arts on November 7.

In a release on November 11, Angostura welcomed the award and said the company embeds sustainability into everything – from its distilling process to packaging – striving to reduce its environmental effect.

“We are deeply honoured by this recognition from the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the National Gas Company,” said Ian Forbes, Angostura’s chief operating officer.

“This award serves as a testament to hard work and dedication. Angostura champions initiatives to encourage responsible alcohol consumption and recycling efforts beyond production,” it added.

The company has programmes to recycle glass, plastic and cardboard, eliminating the use of plastic bags at Solera retail outlets by integrating reusable bags.

Additionally, the company is also phasing out diesel-powered forklifts, moving towards electric and CNG-powered ones to reduce emissions, the release said.

Angostura celebrates Caricom’s 50th anniversary with Tribute

ANGOSTURA is marking Caricom’s 50th anniversary with a special limited spirit called Angostura Tribute Caricom.

The rum and bitters maker presented its batch of Angostura Tribute Caricom to Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Dr Amery Browne at the House of Angostura, Laventille, on August 7.

Only 240 bottles of Angostura Tribute Caricom were produced.

The bottles will be given to Caricom for regional and international hospitality events at international missions and embassies of its 15 member states, Angostura said.

The rum will be displayed and sampled at various events hosted by the embassies, it added.

Produced in collaboration with West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers Association (WIRSPA) the exclusive Angostura Tribute was created by an all-female blending team.

Angostura’s chief operating officer Ian Forbes said this initiative is a heartfelt tribute that speaks to the unity, progress, history and vibrant culture of the Caribbean region as it marks the culmination of a year-long celebration of Caricom’s 50th anniversary.

“The presentation of this blend recognises the collective success of Caricom in promoting regional integration and development while also celebrating Angostura’s 200th anniversary.

“The Caricom 50th anniversary rum is more than just a beverage; it is a celebration of our shared heritage and the future of Caribbean rum. We are proud to partner with Angostura in this endeavour, highlighting the remarkable talent within our region,” said Vaughn Renwick, chairman of WIRSPA.

Browne recognised the international acclaim of Caricom’s rums and attributed this appeal to Caribbean diversity and creativity.

“Ours is the best and it is central to our island vibe appeal. Our little nation may not be a superpower, but we do have superpowers. These are our diversity and our creativity. These are our superpowers. These powers are on full display in all of Angostura’s products.”

He expressed his gratitude when receiving the rum and recognised Angostura’s success in the global market as an integral part of national progress:

“I am honoured and humbled to officially receive this very special edition Angostura tribute, Caricom rum, as an integral part of the commemorative events for Caricom’s golden anniversary – our 50th anniversary.”

Angostura Tribute Caricom rum marks Caricom’s 50th anniversary. – Photo by Venessa Mohammed

Browne said making gifts of the rum to overseas missions would also be an approach to showcasing, marketing and expanding Trinidad and Tobago’s export base.

“A key part of diplomacy as well is the ability to give a gift – not just any gift. Something like a signature Angostura product says a lot. It’s a demonstration of value. The packaging also carries the name of the country, ethos of the country, and we pride ourselves in that signature island flavour.”

Browne lamented the past challenges of the Caribbean region post-pandemic and described the ministry’s efforts in rebuilding key aspects of the region’s economy.

“The importance of this anniversary is particularly poignant to our small island developing states that have been working to rebuild our economies after the pandemic, to safeguard the livelihoods of our citizens and to earn space and recognition on a global stage.”

He hinted at the ministry’s efforts in improving economic activity, increasing regional connectivity through air and sea travel, building climate resistance and pursing climate justice, and achieving sustainable development through agricultural initiatives to advance the safety and security of Caricom people.

“Our heads of government have also focused on building a platform for the success of the region’s youth and future generations for the next 50 years and beyond. In this vein as a core building-block for youth engagement, Caricom has been working to create digital resilience, including in artificial intelligence and data analytics, encouraging youth participation in agriculture and revitalising West Indies cricket.”

With reporting by Kristen-Le Chelle Winchester

MP thanks Angostura for donating school supplies

KRISTEN LE-CHELLE WINCHESTER

Laventille East/Morvant MP Adrian Leonce has thanked Angostura for its support for students entering secondary school in September.

On July 31 at House of Angostura, Laventille, Angostura donated $1,200 book vouchers and schoolbags stocked with notebooks, stationery and other school supplies to top SEA students in the Laventille/Morvant community. This was part of its latest initiative of recognising academic excellence in the community and giving students educational support.

Leonce thanked Angostura for its continued efforts to support his constituents. He recalled its efforts during the pandemic and with social initiatives in the area.

“Angostura is family to many of us within the constituency. It is not just giving us funding or donating, but actually being present and being part of our community. I feel very blessed to be here to see that you all continuously (support) and to see that you are committed to building our social structure.”

Leonce also congratulated the students, saying education is important in building the future of the nation.

“When you plant seeds of encouragement with education you change the future of the individual, the household, the community and the society. When we plant these seeds of encouragement within the schools, it is very important for us to change and build our social structure.”

Angostura chief operating officer Ian Forbes said Angostura is deeply committed to the education and well-being of the Laventille/Morvant community.

“This celebration is a testament to the importance of fostering a culture of academic excellence and recognising the bright young minds who are poised to make significant contributions to our society.”

Forbes added, “By adopting schools within our community, we aim to uplift the educational standards and ensure that every child has equal access to quality education.”

Addressing the children, Lisa Morris-Julian, Minister in the Ministry of Education, said “We want an environment where every child has an opportunity to learn. As you receive your schoolbags today, see beyond the stationery and the vouchers and understand that it is indeed an investment.

“We need to have citizens who are prepared and there is nothing wrong with preparing our children for tomorrow from now.”

Speaking to Newsday, one of the parents of the children said the Angostura SEA grant is “a very good initiative.

“This is very impactful. I think a lot of other agencies should get on board, especially in communities like ours.”

Global wine boss new CEO of Angostura

Laurent Schun, former managing director of global wine and spirits company Pernod Ricard is the new CEO of Angostura, taking over from acting CEO, Ian Forbes.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in a media release.

Schun managed the Carribbean and Central America region for Pernod Ricard. According to his linked in profile he re-imagined route-to-market operations, and expanded the marketing and trade teams for better distribution. He also reshuffled the organization to find ways to work in response to covey19 during the peak of the pandemic.

The release said Schun’s tenure will start on Tuesday.

Forbes will resume his position as Chief Operating Officer, the release said.