On Wednesday, June 9, 2026, the Ambassador of Haiti to France, Louino Volcy, participated in the official opening of the 3rd edition of the Mondial du Rhum (World Rum Festival), held at the Carreau du Temple in Paris from June 9 to 11, 2026, under the theme "Lands and Territories of Rum" and taking place under the patronage of Emmanuel Macron, President of France.

As the guest of honor at this international event, Haiti is participating for the first time with a delegation composed of producers and entrepreneurs from the Franco-Haitian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, all determined to promote the country's rums and clairins (a type of rum distilled into a light, alcoholic beverage) to the Parisian public.

Speaking at the event, Haiti's Ambassador to France, Louino Volcy, emphasized that featuring Haiti at the third edition of the Mondial du Rhum 2026 highlights Haitian excellence, pays tribute to the artisans of Haitian expertise in the spirits industry, and conveys the image of a nation standing strong despite current challenges.

The first day of the Mondial du Rhum was marked by a conference dedicated to the resilience and revitalization of the rum ecosystem in Haiti. Hosted by Haitian Ambassador Volcy, Ms. Emmelie Prophète, and Jean Didier Gardère, who produces and markets several traditional Haitian spirits, the event featured: 1716 White and Aged Rum : agricultural rums distilled from pure sugarcane juice or syrup; 1716 Clairin Kombit : a premium, typically Haitian spirit produced using artisanal methods; and 1716 Bitters : aromatic bitters inspired by old apothecary recipes.

These spirits are produced by Distillerie 1716, owned by the Haitian family company UNICA SA, founded in 2019 by Jean-Didier Gardère. The "1716" brand is a historical nod to the year an ancestor of the Gardère family settled in Saint-Domingue, now Haiti, and began cultivating sugarcane. The distillery itself is located in the Savanne Longue region of Thomonde (on the Central Plateau).

Haitian painting was also celebrated at this international event with an exhibition of works by Prospère Pierre Louis, Joseph Eddy Pierre, and Sully Gutemberg, curated by the Marassa Gallery under the direction of Michèle Frish.

Furthermore, during the exhibitors' evening, the jury of the Mondial du Rhum Awards presented the Republic of Haiti with the "Grand Prix Terroir" distinction in recognition of the country's exemplary contribution to the rum ecosystem.

The Embassy of Haiti strongly encourages the Haitian community living in France, as well as the general public, to visit the Haitian stands at the 2026 Mondial du Rhum to support Haiti's participation in this event and to showcase the excellence of Haitian expertise.

IH/ S/ HaitiLibre