Camikara has set a new global benchmark by becoming the first-ever Indian rum to win the prestigious ‘Rum Brand of the Year’ at The Spirits Business Awards 2025 in London. By claiming this top global honour, Camikara has surpassed iconic and long-established rum brands from traditional powerhouses such as the Caribbean, Latin America and other legendary rum-producing regions.
India’s deep-rooted connection with cane spirits
India has always had a natural affinity for rum, long before whisky became the dominant spirit of choice after colonization. With sugarcane growing abundantly from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the country has historically been a rum-drinking nation, deeply connected to cane-based beverages for thousands of years.
Ancient references to sidhu in the Rigveda further underscore India’s early mastery of fermenting sugarcane. Though colonial influence later shifted consumer preferences toward whisky, India’s roots in cane spirits never disappeared—they simply waited for revival.
A new era for Indian rum
In recent years, India’s rum landscape has undergone a dramatic evolution. A category once viewed through a mass-market lens is now stepping confidently into the global spotlight, fuelled by distillers who are embracing the country’s rich sugarcane heritage and diverse climates to craft refined, world-class rums. Today, with modern Indian rums like Camikara reclaiming global attention, the country is returning to a legacy that has always been its own.
Industry commentary
“By championing pure cane-juice aged rum and allowing India’s terroir to shape its character, Camikara has challenged outdated notions of what Indian rum can achieve. This remarkable international win is more than an accolade—it is a defining milestone for India’s rum category and strengthens Camikara’s position as a powerful Indian contender on the world stage. We’ve gone from being overlooked to leading the conversation,” said Shalini Sharma, Head of Marketing, Piccadily Agro Industries Limited.
