Colombia’s department of Caldas Liquor Industry (ILC) will export 1.2 million bottles to the United States this year. This volume marks a significant step in the Colombian state-owned company’s internationalization strategy to strengthen its presence in the North American market. By securing robust distribution contracts, the distillery aims to capitalize on the rising global demand for premium spirits.
ILC General Manager Diego Angelillis Quiceno confirmed these 2026 export targets. He explained that the company is prioritizing its flagship brands, Ron Viejo de Caldas and Aguardiente Cristal. Currently, these products enjoy strong professional and consumer acceptance among both the Latino community and local U.S. markets.
New contracts boost presence in North America
The company signed strategic agreements to ensure its brands reach key U.S. states. These contracts secure the logistics required to meet the projected volume of 1.2 million units. Consequently, the entity expects international sales to account for a growing share of its total revenue.
Strengthening the distribution network enables the company to compete with global brands in a demanding market. To support this, the firm adjusted its production processes to meet international health authority standards. Currently, the Manizales plant in Caldas operates under strict schedules to guarantee timely shipments to ports of departure.
Brand modernization and portfolio diversification
ILC rebranded its traditional products to appeal to younger consumers in global markets. This visual overhaul coincides with the launch of new product lines targeting specific market niches. For instance, Ron Viejo de Caldas Gran Reserva Especial has established a strong presence in the premium aged rum segment.
This brand update has significantly improved positioning at international industry trade fairs. The company invested in a packaging design that reflects the heritage and quality of Caldense spirits. Consequently, the new visual identity enhances product shelf recognition in specialized liquor stores abroad.
Sustainability and social responsibility in production
The distillery simultaneously reinforces its social responsibility and environmental care programs in the region. The factory currently sources water from its own springs and protects the surrounding forests to ensure the purity of its water supply. For this reason, sustainability became a fundamental pillar for the certification of its production processes.
The bottling plant received technological improvements to reduce material waste and optimize energy consumption. Meanwhile, the company supports local initiatives that promote responsible drinking among adults. Since social responsibility is a requirement for many external markets, these actions facilitate entry into new territories.
Financial results and transfers to the department
The commercial management of the ILC generates fundamental resources for health and education in the department of Caldas. During the last fiscal year, the company reported profits that exceeded 60,000 million pesos (US$16.5 million). Such surpluses allow the regional government to finance infrastructure projects and social welfare programs.
Angelillis Quiceno highlighted administrative efficiency as the driver of these positive results. The manager stated: “At the close of 2023, we had income close to 400,000 million pesos (US$110 million). Therefore, the goal for the current period is to maintain financial stability while participation in the global market grows. Ultimately, the export of the 1.2 million bottles is the central axis of corporate growth.”