Award-Winning Additive-Free Rum from the Island of Hawai'i, Kuleana Rum Works, Generates Monumental 84% Year-Over-Year Growth, Significantly Outpacing Top U.S.-Based Rum Brands, According to Nielsen

KOHALA, Hawai'i, Aug. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Kuleana Rum Works, the award-winning additive-free rum from the Island of Hawai'i, is pleased to announce recent monumental success, with 84% growth year-over-year growth projected, significantly outpacing some of the fastest-growing U.S.-based rum brands, according to Nielsen data ending June 2025.

Among brands with more than $5 million in annual retail sales, Calypso Rum grew 10% with 29% national distribution, and Diplomático saw just 1% growth with 27% distribution. In comparison, Kuleana Rum Works achieved its 84% growth with just 1% national distribution—underscoring not only performance, but vast future potential.

"We're delivering results that major brands aren't touching," said Steve Jefferson, Founder and CEO of Kuleana Rum Works. "And most consumers haven't even seen us on a shelf yet. We're just beginning to tap the potential."

Kuleana Rum Works produces ultra-premium, additive-free rums from fresh-pressed kō (heirloom Hawaiian sugarcane), cultivated and distilled in Kohala, Hawai'i. As consumer demand for transparency and quality in spirits continues to rise, Kuleana's commitment to purity and authenticity proves that principled rum can both compete—and lead—on the national stage.

About Kuleana Rum Works 
Founded in 2013 in Kohala, Hawai'i, Kuleana Rum Works' mission is to discover, make, and share world-class rum and celebrate Hawai'i in everything we do. The company grows heirloom kō (Hawaiian sugarcane) on its estate farm and produces ultra-premium, additive-free rums that consistently earn top global awards.

To learn more, visit the company website https://kuleanarum.com/ or check them out on IG.

Communications Contact
Taylor Foxman
Founder & CEO
The Industry Collective
609-432-2237
[email protected] 

Company Contact
Steve Jefferson
Founder & CEO
Kuleana Rum Works
808-345-1319
[email protected] 

SOURCE Kuleana Rum Works