Diageo lucked out. The worst of Hurricane Irma passed to the north of St. Croix, where Diageo’s Captain Morgan Distillery is located, a Diageo spokesperson told us. All of our employees were safe, the distillery was well-prepared, and we experienced only minimal impact. We are now closely watching the next storm, Hurricane Maria, and preparing appropriately.”
In a related development, Diageo said it would donate $1 million to aid relief efforts in U.S. Virgin Islands.
The funds are in addition to the $250,000 Diageo and its brands have committed to hurricane relief support over the past month.
“The US Virgin Islands has been home to Captain Morgan since we opened our distillery on St. Croix in 2010. As a native of the USVI I am delighted Diageo and the Captain Morgan brand is able to support our community and people in this way,” said Cynthia Arnold, Operations Director, Diageo USVI.
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett applauded “Diageo’s contribution toward the rebuilding efforts in the USVI,” saying it “will be a strong infusion of support for hurting Americans and devastated islands. I am grateful for Diageo’s commitment to partnership in the Virgin Islands. I look forward to continuing to work with Diageo team members and other generous partners as we all collaborate to rebuild our US Virgin Islands as we persevere through a destructive hurricane season.”