Facilitating U.S. market access for exceptional Guadeloupe rums
Colibridge supports Guadeloupe producers and connects their rums with importers, distributors, and specialized communities in the United States.
Over a decade of exploration, sharing, and commitment alongside the women and men who make rum.
Why Colibridge
The U.S. rum market is undergoing a profound transformation. A growing community of informed enthusiasts, collectors, and specialized clubs is actively seeking authentic expressions rooted in identifiable terroir and craftsmanship.
Yet Guadeloupe rums remain largely invisible and difficult to access in the United States. Their richness, diversity, and deep cultural roots make them unique expressions — on par with the most recognized spirits — but the connections needed to bridge supply and demand are still missing.
This observation is not based on intuition. It draws on over ten years of active involvement within U.S. rum communities, where the feedback is consistent: a strong interest in Guadeloupe expressions, but virtually no access.
Colibridge was born from this conviction: the quality, diversity, and heritage of Guadeloupe rums naturally deserve structured and respectful access to the U.S. market. Our role is to create durable bridges between Guadeloupe and the United States, by facilitating connections rather than imposing them.
How I approach the market
An approach built on facilitation, transparency, and respect for identities.
Facilitator, not trader
Colibridge acts as a bridge between producers and partners, without substituting for them or taking a direct commercial position.
Respect for producer identity
Each producer has their own positioning, pace, and story. Support is adapted to each identity.
Translating expectations
Interpreting U.S. market expectations for Guadeloupe producers, and vice versa, to align exchanges.
Qualified, long-term relationships
Prioritizing relevant connections built over time, rather than superficial introductions.
Reducing friction
Minimizing risks, misunderstandings, and administrative obstacles to smooth market access.
What I do
Comprehensive support to facilitate your access to the U.S. market.
Qualified introductions
Direct connection with key players in the U.S. market: importers, distributors, and independent bottlers.
Product-market alignment
Analysis and alignment of your products with U.S. market expectations and trends.
Sample coordination
Coordination of sample shipments and organization of professional visits.
Export support
Assistance with export preparation and coordination of administrative and legal procedures.
Local liaison
On-the-ground presence in Guadeloupe to facilitate exchanges between partners.
Community access
Connection with rum clubs and enthusiast communities in the United States.
About me
My journey in the rum world began over ten years ago, driven by curiosity and a desire to understand, share, and connect. From creating events and masterclasses to leading clubs and conferences in the United States, each step reinforced my conviction: Guadeloupe rums deserve a distinctive place on the international stage.
I am Olivier, founder of Colibridge, based in Guadeloupe. With over 15 years of international experience, I have built a unique expertise at the intersection of the French and American markets.
Passionate about rum, I founded the Boston Rum Social Club and created Boston Rum Week , initiatives that allowed me to build a strong network within the industry and enthusiast communities in the United States.
As Secretary of the Rum Consumers Alliance , I am committed to promoting quality rums and facilitating exchanges between producers and informed consumers.
Fluent in both French and English, I serve as a natural cultural and linguistic bridge between Guadeloupe and the American market.
"Giving visibility to the women and men who, from cutting the cane to bottling, keep an exceptional craft alive."
Ecosystem & references
- Boston Rum Social Club
A community founded in Boston, bringing together enthusiasts and professionals from across New England and the United States.
- Boston Rum Week
An annual event gathering producers, importers, and enthusiasts from New England and the United States.
- Rum Consumers Alliance
A network of American rum clubs committed to education, transparency, and consumer advocacy.
- Rum Social Club
An editorial and community platform dedicated to rum education and sharing, primarily followed in North America.
Who we serve
Producers & Distilleries
You are a rum producer in Guadeloupe looking to explore opportunities in the U.S. market. Colibridge supports you in understanding the market, identifying the right partners, and initiating the first commercial steps.
- Market opportunity analysis
- Identification of suitable partners
- Export process support
U.S. Partners
You are an importer, bottler, distributor, or brand in the United States looking for authentic Guadeloupe rums. Colibridge offers you privileged access to local producers and unmatched on-the-ground expertise.
- Verified producer selection
- Local expertise and guidance
- Simplified logistics coordination
Questions producers ask about exporting rum to the U.S.
These are questions I regularly hearing from producers.
Is exporting rum to the United States complicated?
Exporting rum to the U.S. is not impossible, but it does require a solid understanding of how the market works.
There are regulatory aspects to consider, including U.S. import rules and TTB requirements for spirits. In practice, however, the main challenges are not purely administrative or legal.
The U.S. operates under a three-tier system. Success depends largely on working with the right importers, distributors, and market partners. Access to the right people and communities often matters more than administrative processes alone.
Is there really a market for Guadeloupe rum in the U.S.?
Yes. There is a large and growing community of rum enthusiasts in the United States actively seeking new origins, distinctive styles, and authentic producers.
The challenge is not demand, but visibility. Many excellent rums fail simply because they never reach the audiences that would value them.
Are there restrictions on bottle sizes for the U.S. market?
Historically, bottle size restrictions were a real limitation. This is no longer a major barrier today.
The U.S. market operates with standards of fill for distilled spirits. Commonly used formats include 700 ml, now standard in Europe, as well as sizes such as 375 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, or 1 liter.
Smaller formats may also be used in specific contexts, such as tasting sets or limited editions, provided regulatory requirements are met.
Are certain yeasts or fermentation practices restricted in the U.S.?
No specific yeast restrictions apply in the United States for rum production.
Some limitations that exist in other markets, such as Canada, do not apply to the U.S. market.
If regulations are manageable, why do so many producers hesitate?
Because exporting to the U.S. is not just a compliance exercise.
It requires understanding how the market functions in practice, choosing the right entry points, and reaching the right audiences.
How can Colibridge help?
Colibridge exists to bridge the gap between Caribbean producers and the U.S. market.
Not by selling a generic export process, but by helping producers understand how the market truly works, where their rum fits, and how to connect with the right people.
Let's talk
Have a project? A question? I'd be happy to discuss it with you. Feel free to reach out for an initial conversation with no commitment.