J Wray & Nephew on Thursday announced that it has appointed Brown-Forman as the exclusive distributor of the Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum and Appleton Jamaica Rum brands in Mexico as of July 1, 2011.

Wray & Nephew managing director Paul Henriques noted that the company is excited to forge the new partnership with Brown-Forman, whilst expressing gratitude to Casa Cuervo, the outgoing distributor for Appleton Jamaica Rum in Mexico.

“We are very excited at the prospect of working with the Brown-Forman team as we continue to build the Appleton Jamaica Rum brand in Mexico. Brown-Forman is an industry leader in Mexico and Appleton Jamaica Rum is an excellent fit for their portfolio. Appleton has been well established in Mexico for many years and we are confident that together we will continue to build on this strong foundation and take it to great heights.

“At the same time I would like to thank the team at Casa Cuervo, our distributor in Mexico for over 20 years,” Henriques said.

In commenting on the new partnership, Brown-Forman general director Randy McCann noted that the addition of Appleton Jamaica Rum to the company’s portfolio will serve to strengthen the position of both companies in Mexico.

“For us it is very important to have Appleton Jamaica Rum in our portfolio. It is the rum that offers the highest quality in the market, in addition to being a leading brand,” said McCann.

“We feel that it is an excellent fit in our portfolio, adding another dimension to our spirits presence in the Mexican market. This will serve to strengthen both of our companies in the market.”

Appleton currently sells four expressions in the Mexico market, Appleton Estate V/X Jamaica Rum, Appleton Estate Extra 12 Year Old Jamaica Rum, which was launched in 2010, Appleton Special Jamaica Rum and Appleton White Jamaica Rum. Appleton Jamaica Rum is the number one imported rum in Mexico.