Omnicane Ltd Enters Premium Rum Market with Launch of Major Philippe

PRESS RELEASE:

OMNICANE LTD ENTERS PREMIUM RUM MARKET WITH LAUNCH OF MAJOR PHILIPPE

Leading Mauritian Agro-Industrial Company Leverages Sustainable Practices and Rich Heritage for New Spirits Venture

Omnicane Ltd, Mauritius' leading energy and agro-industrial company, today announced its strategic expansion into the premium spirits market with the launch of Major Philippe Rum. This new venture marks a significant milestone in the company's diversification strategy, building upon nearly a century of sustainable sugarcane expertise to create a distinctively Mauritian luxury spirit.

Major Philippe Rum is distilled from locally grown sugarcane using Omnicane's proven circular economy approach, which has earned the company international recognition including the PwC Sustainability Award 2023 and 2024. This venture efficiently utilises existing distillation capabilities previously used for bioethanol, maximising resource usage while transforming sugarcane by-products into high-value goods. The rum is inspired by a lineage of adventurers and entrepreneurs who helped establish Mauritius as a global leader in sugar production.

"Major Philippe represents the perfect intersection of our agricultural heritage, commitment to innovation, and vision for the future," said Jacques M. d'Unienville, CEO of Omnicane Ltd. "By vertically integrating our production with premium rum distillation, we're creating a product that embodies the adventurous spirit of our island and opens new economic opportunities for our community."

Sustainable Spirits from Field to Bottle

Major Philippe Rum showcases Omnicane's award-winning environmental practices throughout production. The company uses a closed-loop system where sugarcane residue powers the distillation process, captures and repurposes 25 tons of CO2 daily, and converts distillation by-products into natural fertilisers that return to the fields. As a Bonsucro-certified producer, Omnicane meets the highest global standards for sustainable sugarcane.

These eco-friendly practices will make Major Philippe one of the most environmentally responsible rum brands available today, perfect for consumers who want luxury products that respect the planet.

Global Market Leadership and Competitiveness

With Mauritius exporting over USD 250 million in sugar products annually and the global rum market projected to reach USD 17.5 billion by 2027, Major Philippe enters a thriving marketplace. Mauritian rums have seen a 35% increase in export value over the past five years, outpacing global industry growth rates of 12%. The island's unique terroir, featuring volcanic soil and ideal tropical growing conditions, produces sugarcane with exceptional aromatic qualities making Mauritian rum increasingly sought after in premium spirits markets.

"Our analysis shows that premium, sustainably-produced spirits from distinctive regions can command price premiums of 40-60% over standard offerings," said Bertrand Thevenau CEO – Properties, Retail & Brands of Omnicane. "With Mauritius already recognised for producing some of the world's finest sugarcane, yielding up to 12 tons of sugar per hectare compared to the global average of 9.5 tons, we're perfectly positioned to compete in the highest tiers of the global spirits market."

A Rum Born from Adventure and Heritage

The Major Philippe collection features three distinctive expressions, each named after significant Mauritian landmarks in the South of the Island where Major Philippe's influence is still seen today: Britannia (a pure cane juice white rum), Mon Trésor (an oak-aged gold rum of exceptional purity), and Ilot Brocus (in two variants - a spiced rum and an indulgent sweet dark rum liquor which only launches in 2026). Each expression captures the distinctive flavours shaped by Mauritius' volcanic terroir and tropical microclimate.

This thoughtfully crafted range embodies the pioneering spirit of explorers and visionaries who established Mauritius as a significant player in global sugar production a century ago. The Major Philippe name honours those bold individuals whose legacy has shaped the island's agricultural heritage. Since Omnicane's founding in 1926, this tradition of excellence has been preserved through generations of passionate entrepreneurs.

"In every sip of Major Philippe, you can taste the culmination of a century of Mauritian expertise," remarks Thevenau. "These expressions represent not just our island's exceptional terroir, but our commitment to innovation while respecting the traditions that made Mauritius renowned in the rum world."

The company plans to initially target premium spirits markets in Europe, Africa, and Asia, with a special focus on luxury hospitality sectors.

ENDS

About Omnicane

Established in 1926, Omnicane is a leading energy and agro-industrial company committed to driving sustainable solutions in Mauritius as well as in Rwanda. Their advanced thermal power plants in Mauritius contribute to 26% of the country's annual electricity needs and with their hydroelectric plant (Omnihydro – operational since 2019) in Rwanda producing 2.5% on the Rwandan grid demand.

The company's integrated ecosystem encompasses sugarcane cultivation, renewable energy generation, bioethanol production, and property development. Omnicane holds Bonsucro and Fairtrade certifications, demonstrating its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices by exploring alternative fossil-free energy sources like solar, biogas, hydro, and wind power.

About Major Philippe Rum

Major Philippe is a premium Mauritian rum distilled from locally grown sugarcane that embodies the bold spirit of explorers who once sailed to these shores seeking fortune and adventure. The collection features three distinctive expressions, each named after significant Mauritian landmarks in the South of the Island where Major Philippe's influence is still seen today: Britannia (a pure cane juice white rum), Mon Trésor (an oak-aged gold rum of exceptional purity), and Ilot Brocus (in two variants - a spiced rum and an indulgent sweet dark rum liquor to be released in 2026). Each expression captures the distinctive flavours shaped by Mauritius' volcanic terroir and tropical microclimate.

Produced using sustainable practices throughout the process, Major Philippe stands as one of the most environmentally responsible rum brands available today. The closed-loop production system, CO2 capture technology, and conversion of distillation by-products into natural fertilisers create a premium spirit that respects the planet while delivering exceptional quality.

More than just a rum, Major Philippe invites drinkers to journey through the island's vibrant cultural tapestry, a liquid testament to ancestors who dreamed beyond horizons and whose love of celebration flows through every drop, connecting drinkers to the adventurous spirit that continues to define Mauritius today.