Destilerías Arehucas is a century-old Canary Islands industry dedicated to the production of a wide range of liquors. Among them we can highlight its rum, Ron Arehucas, considered the best Spanish rum. Among its varieties of this liqueur we can highlight, especially, its white or Carta Blanca and golden or Carta Oro variants. In addition, Arehucas has been leading the distilled spirits sales market in the Archipelago for more than 50 years. The factory is located on the island of Gran Canaria, in the municipality of Arucas, from which it takes its name.
Arehucas and its island soul
Destilarías Arehucas emerged as a family business founded in 1884 in the Canary Islands. For more than 135 years, it has been dedicated to the production of high quality rums and liqueurs using artisanal methods and carefully selected raw materials.
Today, the distillery has become a benchmark in the industry thanks to the quality of its products and the passion they put into each production process. In addition, Arehucas has products, such as its well-known rums and liqueurs, which have received multiple awards and recognitions both nationally and internationally.
Arehucas is not only concerned and committed to the quality of its products, but also to the environment and sustainability. For this reason, they work with a focus on social and environmental responsibility, implementing sustainable practices in all their production processes.
History of the Arehucas Factory, an emblem of the island of Gran Canaria
The San Pedro Factory
On August 9, 1884, La Fábrica de San Pedro was inaugurated in Arucas, Gran Canaria. It was mainly dedicated to the production of sugar and, to a lesser extent, to the production of sugar cane spirits and rum. It is, therefore, the forerunner of the current Destilerías Arehucas. The artisanal process to convert sugar cane juice into rum, combined with the use of modern mills, made "La Fábrica", as it was popularly known, achieve its first successes.
Suppliers to the Spanish Royal House and Court
In 1885 the first milling was obtained with five million kilos of sugar cane. The quality of its liqueurs earned it the Silver and Bronze Glass and the Title of Suppliers of the Spanish Royal House and Court, which was granted by the Queen Regent Doña María Cristina of Austria.
Inauguration of La Fábrica
It was 1892, only 8 years after the inauguration of La Fábrica, and the rum that came out of Arucas was already highly appreciated throughout the islands.
The quality of rums is improved
In 1909, a Guillaume still was acquired from the Egrot et Grangé factory in Paris to improve the quality of the rums. At the beginning of the 20th century, years of crisis and war for the country, Arehucas continues to grow thanks to the quality of its rum and the efforts of its workers.
The Arehucas Rum appellation is born
The factory made a strong entrance in the 1940s, with Don Alfredo Martín Reyes as its manager. During these years, the name Ron Arehucas was born, known as "the one with the keys", due to the symbolism of San Pedro on its different labels.
Arehucas Distilleries
In 1965 La Fábrica changed its name to Destilerías Arehucas and began a period of expansion supported by an intention to collaborate in the social and cultural community of the Canary Islands.
Artemi Liquor Factory
In 2006, Destilerías Arehucas acquired the Artemi Liquor Factory, thus forming the largest group of distillates and spirits in the Canary Islands, in order to maintain the history of Canary Island rum and its historical link with the archipelago.
Arehucas today
Destilerías Arehucas is today a centenary company, with a consecrated history, and proof of this are its unique facilities in the municipality of Arucas on the island of Gran Canaria, as contrasted by its more than 95,000 annual visitors.
Consolidated as a prestigious brand based on the quality and history of its branded rums, it has managed to establish itself as a benchmark for Canary Island society and a fundamental pillar for making the image of its product, the roots and tradition of Canary Island culture known to the world.
Currently, Destilerías Arehucas is striving to increase its presence outside the Canary Islands, mainly in the rest of Spain as well as internationally, exporting to more than 10 countries.
The Canary Islands is a land with a thousand things to see, explore and learn about. If you are interested in learning more interesting facts about the Canary Islands, here is a link to the Explora Canarias section of Marca Canaria.
Photos: Arehucas and Cabildo of Gran Canaria
