Travellers Liquors Limited, a Belizean company that has etched its name in the rum industry, began its remarkable journey in the 1950s. What started as a small bar in Belize City has since transformed into an internationally recognized brand, thanks to the creativity, foresight, and determination of its founder, Don Omario. Today, Travellers continues to grow under the Perdomo family, maintaining its tradition of quality and excellence.
The Birth of Travellers Liquors
In 1953, Jaime Omario Perdomo Sr., known as Don Omario, opened a bar named Travellers in Belize City. The name was inspired by the bar’s clientele, who were mostly travelers coming in or out of the city. Initially, Travellers sold imported liquors, beers, and locally made rums. To stand out from the competition, Don Omario began creating unique rum blends, combining various flavors and essences for exclusive sale at his bar.
The Development of One Barrel Rum
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- Photo by Travellers Liquors
As Travellers’ rums gained popularity, Don Omario sought ways to ensure consistency in his blends. This led to the development of the award-winning ONE BARREL aged rum recipe. However, growing competition in the rum industry made it challenging to find spirits of consistently high quality. In response, Don Omario partnered with Luis Alberto Espat, who built a distillery in Belmopan.
The Expansion and Modernization of Travellers Liquors Limited
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- Photos by Carolee Chanona
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- Photo courtesy of Travellers Liquors Ltd
In the 1970s, Don Omario’s sons, Romel and Mayito, joined the family business, contributing enthusiasm and youthful energy that fueled the company’s growth. In 1983, Travellers was registered as a limited company, with Don Omario’s children named as shareholders. When Luis Alberto Espat decided to sell his interest in the distillery in 1989, Travellers acquired his shares, gaining full control over all aspects of production.
Since then, Travellers has continuously upgraded its distillery, incorporating innovative techniques and cutting-edge technologies to produce the finest rum available today. The aging and bottling plant infrastructure has also been modernized to meet strict export standards. Travellers now exports its products to Europe, Canada, and the United States.
The Perdomo Family Legacy
Image courtesy Travellers Liquors Ltd
Don Omario’s creativity and foresight laid the foundation for the success of Travellers Liquors Limited. Today, the Perdomo family continues to honor his legacy, creating award-winning products that maintain the high standards Don Omario established. The family’s mission is to make Travellers the largest and most successful Belizean rum company, offering a diverse range of quality products for all tastes, both locally and internationally.
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Travellers’ dedication to quality and excellence has garnered numerous awards over the years. Some of their most notable accolades include:
- The Fifty Best 2022 Silver Medal for Best Flavored Rum – Kuknat
- The Fifty Best 2019 Gold Medal for Best Aged Rum – 1 Barrel
- BIN 2019: 92 Points Superb Liquor Rank
- WSWA 2014 Gold Award – 1 Barrel
- Rum Renaissance Fair 2012 Gold Award & Best in Category – Miami, Florida
- International Rum Fest 2010 Gold Medal – Ybor/Tampa, Florida
- San Francisco World Spirits 2009 Gold Medal – San Francisco, California
- International Rum Fest 2008 Gold Medal – Ybor/Tampa, Florida
- International Rum Fest 2007 Gold Medal – Ybor/Tampa, Florida
- International Rum Fest 2006 Gold Medal- Ybor/Tampa, Florida
Looking Toward the Future
The story of Travellers is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and family values. From its humble beginnings as a small bar in Belize City, the company has grown into an internationally recognized rum producer under the guidance of the Perdomo family. The company’s success can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation, as well as the vision and foresight of its founder, Don Omario.
The Perdomo Family at the launch of Travellers’ Belizean Rum
As the company looks towards the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of becoming the largest and most successful Belizean rum company, both locally and internationally.
With an ever-expanding range of award-winning products, Travellers Liquors Limited continues to build upon its legacy, ensuring that the spirit of Don Omario and the Perdomo family’s dedication to excellence lives on.
In a world where competition is fierce and the demand for quality is high, Travellers stands out as a shining example of how a small, family-owned business can achieve great success. As the company continues to expand and evolve, it is poised to maintain its position as a leader in the rum industry, all while staying true to its Belizean roots and the values that have defined its success for generations.
Featured Photo by Travellers Liquors / Miles Geban
