By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Miami Rum Renaissance Festival, one of the leading rum conferences in the world, is looking to expand its role in the industry.

For the first time, the 2015 edition of the festival will include the International Trade Exposition for Rum, a trade-only exhibition that will bring together rum producers and spirits manufacturers together with distributors, retailers, importers and the like.

It could be a crucial event for Caribbean producers looking to find distributors in the United States market.

“An important aspect of the International Trade Exposition for Rum’s mission is to bring our friends in the trade together to further the understanding and appreciation of rum,” said Rob Burr, festival organizer and rum expert. “From the great sipping rums to the essential ingredients for creating fine cocktails, it’s important for professionals to know their rums and discover new expressions that may bring value to their business.”

According to the festival, thousands of producers, importers, distributors and retailers will converge for the rum expo.

“We’re seeing a great increase in select vintage rums from many countries, authentic editions from select distilleries by year, private label bottlings from dozens of small producers and limited edition collector’s series rums that are very difficult or impossible to find in North America,” Burr said. “In the new age of rum discovery, we’re leading the way by bringing all the most important people in the rum industry together in Miami.”

This year’s Rum Renaissance Festival and Expo will run concurrently from April 17 to April 19.