Modifications have been made to the regulations for use and administration of the designation of origin "Guatemalan Rum" in order to meet the requirements of the European Union.
The National Association of Manufacturers of Alcohol and Liquor (Anfal) published the new standard in the Diario de Centro America, after changes were made to the text to adapt it and sell it to the European Union.
Between 2009 and 2013 sales of wine in the country increased by 77%, followed by vodka, which increased by 43%, whiskey 38% and rum 31%.
In 2013 wine came top in terms of import volumes, with a total of 9,256 tons. At the same time, its distribution in bars, restaurants, liquor stores and supermarkets during the same period grew by 32%.
The evolution of the Panamanian economy brings changes in consumption patterns which favor imported wine and premium liquors.
Figures from the Comptroller General of the Republic up until August reveal that local production of alcoholic beverages stood at 176.8 million liters, 2.2 % less than the 180.2 million reported in the same period in 2012. This decrease was driven by the 10.2% decline reported in rum production which went from 5.3 million liters to 4.7 million.
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