Editing Matugga Distillery

==Summary==

Blending distilling skills honed in Scotland with its African and Caribbean roots, Matugga is helping to redefine the burgeoning rum category, worth over £1bn in the UK alone. With 25k+ bottles sold to date, we’re raising to grow our commercial operations in the UK and have future aspirations of expanding into international markets.

* Award-winning artisanal rum portfolio with over 25,000 bottles sold.
* With 37% growth, rum is one of the fastest growing spirits categories.
* Press features include James Martin’s Saturday Morning show.
* Stocked in Co-op stores and Master of Malt.

==Idea==

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Inspired by the lush fertility of our family land in Africa and the spirit of Jamaica, our rum distillery in Scotland is a shining example of what can happen when cultures collide with purpose, passion and skill.

The UK rum market is worth over £1bn with 37% growth over the past two years, but we feel that there is little locally produced rum available within mainstream retail.

As one of the first UK businesses to produce rums distilled from scratch, we champion authenticity and quality through our award-winning brands Matugga and Liv. We've already sold 25k+ bottles through our online stores, retailers such as Co-op and Master of Malt as well as DUGAS, leading French distributor.

We’ve featured on James Martin’s Saturday Morning show, in many print publications, and have a community of 20k+ social media followers. Our virtual rum tastings, distillery tours and pop-up shop at Scotland’s largest designer outlet bring new enthusiasts to the rum category.

Our "Cane to Cask" vision underscores our ethics and ambition. We’re planning to develop a sugarcane plantation on our family's land in Matugga, Uganda with the intention of supporting our own supply chain and supporting local livelihoods.

Investment will help us to expand our team, develop commercial activities and purchase new distilling equipment.

This is an opportunity to become a co-owner of an exciting UK distillery.

==Team==

Jacine Rutasikwa - Founder / Managing Director

With extensive experience in marketing alongside a Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications. Jacine serves on the Drinks Trust’s Community Committee and is an Ambassador for Women's Enterprise Scotland.

Paul Rutasikwa - Founder / Head Distiller

A rum and whisky connoisseur, Paul perfected his distilling skills at Heriot-Watt University's Brewing and Distilling programme. Formerly a Chartered Professional Civil Engineer by profession, he is skilled in providing technical leadership. He serves on the board of the Scottish Distillers Association. Paul is supported in production by Drew (Assistant Distiller) and Graham (Part-Time Production Assistant).

David Reid - Marketing Director (PT)

A award-winning Marketer with over experience in the drinks industry, David is in his 3rd year with Matugga acting as Marketing Strategist & Creative Director.

Sarah Banyard - Digital Marketing Manager (PT)

Experienced marketing individual.

Expert business support and financial guidance is provided by Karen Sawkins, Lesley Stayman and DC Consulting.