About wray & nephew

Spirit of
the island

From Negril to Morant Bay, Montego Bay to Portland Point, every Jamaican has a connection to the green and yellow bottle — a story, a memory or a drink cupboard stocked with a flask or two. No dancehall party, or family gathering can run without Wray & Nephew, because it is everywhere in Jamaican culture — from ‘warding off evil spirits’, to making an uncle drop foot when his favourite record comes on! If Jamaica is the land of wood and water, Wray & Nephew runs through the green island just as much as any river.

mandeville montego bay port royal porus

Who we are

For nearly 200 years, Wray & Nephew has been close to the beating heart of true Jamaican culture: creativity. Even in 19th century, Jamaican born founder John Wray was sharing his best blended rums at his Shakespeare Tavern, keeping patrons of the Theatre Royal next door entertained with his jammin’ tipples. Two decades of success later, John Wray brought in his young nephew Charles James Ward, making him partner and as a result producing the iconic name and brand that we still know and love today. Ward went on to develop his legacy into one of Jamaica’s most premier companies and the number one producer of quality rums on the island. Ward was a great philanthropist, The Ward Theatre being his most significant donation to the people of Jamaica. This tradition of giving continues today with the J. Wray and Nephew Foundation.

Becoming a jamaican icon

Becoming a jamaican icon

One hundred and fifty years before Usain Bolt was popping style with a neck full of medals, there was another Jamaican icon running tings - Wray & Nephew’s legendary rums! These Wray & Nephew blends were such a success that its 10, 15 and 25-year-old rums won gold medals in London, Paris, Amsterdam, and New Orleans — medals that still shine bright on the bottles today. The company’s success wasn’t without its hardships — first with the death of John Wray himself in 1870, followed by the Kingston Earthquake in 1907, one of the worst in recorded history. With damage to the Jamaican capital destroying the Port Royal Street headquarters, Ward, rebuilt an even bigger and better facility. At almost 70 years old, Charles Ward’s ‘spirit’ in the face of hardship is the same ‘spirit’ ingrained in the brand today.

Growing bigger & bolder

After being bought by the Lindo brothers in 1916, J. Wray & Nephew continued to go from strength to strength, investing in new technologies such as mechanised bottle lines, bottle washing machines and advanced labelling systems that would change the game forever. With these innovations at their fingertips, expansion meant that even more customers around the world were able to enjoy their favourite spirit.

Wray arrives in the UK

From jerk chicken to 90’s jungle, patois to patties, the influence of the tiny but mighty green island has travelled far and wide – with the U.K. boasting one of the strongest Jamaican vibes. Starting with the Windrush generation, newly arrived Jamaicans brought with them a love for music, fashion, and of course, something to remind them of home — Wray & Nephew. Whether in a flask, bottle or a handful of miniatures, the beloved spirit rippled into living rooms, dancehalls, community centres and bars, as basslines boomed, and memories were made.

All profits made from every bottle sold around the World continues to be returned to Jamaica

Wray today

Wray & Nephew became a part of the Campari Group family in 2012 and in so doing, has helped new customers around the world enjoy the Jamaican favourite. Remaining bold and authentic - the black, green, and gold heritage has remained undiluted. All profits made from every bottle sold around the world is returned to the Jamaican business unit, as the famous rum is still made exclusively on the island.

 

Wray & nephew in Jamaica

Out of many, one people — Jamaica’s motto is the soul of Wray & Nephew, not just when it comes to diversity, but community, unity, and charity via the J. Wray & Nephew Foundation (JWNF). The charity work spans from scholarships to students in areas local to the company’s communities in Kingston, St. Elizabeth, and Clarendon, to celebrating Jamaican culture with murals, jam sessions and donating instruments.

The foundation offered ongoing support during Covid-19, supplying 10,000 food packages as soon as the pandemic hit the island, and donating $35 million JMD to help bars and restaurants in the most affected areas through the delivery of bar restart package including stock, PPE, sanitiser bottles and training to aid in their reopening. JWNF has been able to help support the island, and create the foundation for the next generation of Jamaicans to thrive.

out of many,
one people

Wray & Nephew in the UK

Known for championing Caribbean creativity in both food and music, whatever the vibe or the venue, Wray & Nephew isn’t far away — even in the U.K. From partnering with local takeaways and restaurants, to hosting hidden Wray Residencies and selling exclusive drops on Wray’s Yard Shop online, Wray & Nephew proudly backs Black-British creativity and businesses, while spreading the Jamaican values of community. Everything is rooted in the local community. 100% of all proceeds (such as tickets and drink sales) from all events – and all profits from Wray’s Yard Shop – go back to local causes. Wray & Nephew is proud of the diverse and talented team working hard behind the scenes making all of this happen – the photographers, content creators, creatives, strategists, and change makers will always reflect the community that we serve – whose energy, like our rum, is full of spirit.