How to Import Brazilian Rum
My dream is to import fine Brazilian rum ( cachaca ) and popularize CAIPIRINHAS. What does it take to import liquor from a country like Brazil and what is the legal aspect of distribution?
This is at least two questions....Importing and marketing. I'm not prepared to recommend marketing, but as far as importing the fine Brazilian rum...
photo: http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=000004366043
What you can do from home
Contact the American Chamber of Commerce of Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
- Chamber of Commerce of Brazil - Rio de Janeiro
- Praca Pio X, 15, Andar 5
- Rio de Janeiro 20040
- Brazil
- Phone: 55 21 32139200
- URL: http://www.amchamrio.com.br
- Email: desenvolvimento@amchamrio.com.br
- Mr. Sergio B. Raposo, Dir.
This is an organization of ..."American, Brazilian, and multinational corporations; individuals. Active members reside or have a business in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; nonresidents are honorary members. Aims to promote bilateral trade and to assist the development and growth of the Brazilian economy ... prepares reports on economic, political, and social developments; reports on trade opportunities.It publishes a Trade Opportunities Bulletin and a membership directory."
Or contact the Brazilian Government Trade Bureau of the Consulate General of Brazil in New York
- Brazilian Government Trade Bureau of the Consulate General of Brazil in New York
- 1185 Ave. of the Americas, 21st Fl.
- New York, NY 10036
- Phone: (917) 777-7777, (917) 777-7799
- URL: http://www.brazilny.org
- Email: trade@brazilny.org
- Fred Arruda, Deputy Consul Gen
This organization matches Brazilian exporters and U.S. importers
What you can investigate in Brazil
To explore the legal, geographic and trade environment for Brazilian Cachaca see this comprehensive site.
Brazilians take their unique product seriously. There's even a Museum dedicated to it.
Contact for cachaca producers or exporters in Brazil
There are myriad companies involved in the production or distribution of Brazil's national drink. Many producers proudly offer the history of the drink and their company on informative Web sites. Here are some places for further investigation.
- Cachaca Export Ltda.
- Commerce, Import and Export
- Rua 26 n.109 - Sl.01 - Setor Marista
- Goiania - Goias - Brazil - CEP 74150-080
- Phone: 55 (62) 35414647
- Fax: 55 (62)35414617
- Ypioca
- Caipisamba
To learn about about U.S. import requirements:
TTB Reiterates Position on Cachaca
Washington, DC - The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is responding to recent statements indicating that the Bureau has changed its policies in reference to the Brazilian product Cachaca. TTB has not changed its policy and continues to adhere to its long-standing position.
TTB regulates the production, labeling, importation, and marketing of alcohol beverages within the United States under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA). Under the standard of identity provisions of the FAA Act, historically, TTB has classified Cachaca as either a rum or distilled spirits specialty product. The name "Cachaca" may appear as additional information on the label.
While TTB remains open to considering a petition to adopt Cachaca as a distinctive product classification, no such amendment to the Federal regulations has been made, nor is there a petition currently under review.
For additional information, contact the TTB Alcohol and Formulation Division at www.alfd.gov or call 1-866-927-ALFD(2533).
Released January 18, 2004
http://www.ttb.gov/itd/importing_alcohol.shtml
This is the site for information about importing alcoholic beverages into the U.S.- everything the U.S. Government wants you to know and abide by. It includes links to the many required forms.
But it's not just the Federal government who has a vested interest in the wholesale and retail liquor industry, each state has its own E.g., New York State Liquor Authority Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control
- Zone 1
- State Liquor Authority
- 317 Lenox Ave.
- 4th Floor
- New York, NY 10027
- Phone: (212) 961-8385
- Fax: (212) 961-8283
Who else?
- http://www.brazzil.com/messages/695.html
- http://www.preissimports.com/
- Current U.S. importer of Ypioca products, Ramona, CA office at 760-789-6010.
- http://www.preissimports.com/Spirits/html/selections_335.html
- http://www.rum.nl/pages/about_profile.htm
FYI: Both the trade press and news media are interested in cachaca.
- Market Wire
- December 11, 2007 Tuesday
- Boca Loca Cachaca Approaches 2008 With New Veteran Leadership, Market Growth & Expansion
- Rhonda Follrath
- Boca Loca Cachaca Company
- 303/645-4840
- Datamonitor NewsWire
- October 17, 2007
- Bacardi investing in Leblon Cachaca
..." Steve Luttmann, president and CEO of Leblon, said: "Cachaca is the third most consumed spirit in the world, and the Caipirinha has now become a standard cocktail in the US and around the world. With Bacardi's involvement as a strategic partner and investor in our company, Leblon Cachaca will be able to lead the Caipirinha trend in the US and around the world."
- Beverage Industry
- February 1, 2007
- Brazilian rum; Soccorro Inc. introduces Cuca Fresca Cachaca Pure Gold and Premium Brazilian Rum;
- Soccorro, New York, N.Y.
- Phone: 914/646-0749
- URL: www.cucafrescaspirit.com
- Distribution: Florida and Northeast
"If You Hear 'Cachaca,' Don't Think of Rum"
There are a few things that really irk the average Brazilian. One is to argue that Diego Maradona, the Argentine soccer great, was better than Pele. Another is to confuse samba, the quintessential Brazilian rhythm, with...
December 24, 2004, TODD BENSON - The New York Times
Cachaca invasion; New Products; Excalibur Enterprise;
..."Excalibur Enterprise, New York City, has launched a line of super-premium cachacas, a Brazilian-style rum, in the United States. The Excalibur portfolio includes an unaged cachaca as well as six handcrafted, aged Cachacas from small producers. In addition to Beleza Pura Cachaca, an un-aged, super-premium Cachaca produced with selected lots of sugar cane and wild yeast, the offering will include two varieties of Cachaca Rochinha: Single Barrel 5 Year-Old and Single Barrel 12 Year-Old; GRM Silver, Small Batch 2 Year-Old; and Armazem Vieira in three styles: Esmeralda Solera 4 Year-Old, Rubi Solera and Onix Solera 16 Year-Old. ..."
October 1, 2004, Beverage Industry
Good luck.
