“Mauricia: Expertise passed down through generations for world-class rum made in Mauritius”

Mauricia

• Florence Harel de Coriolis, Head of Marketing at New Grove Distillery: “The global demand for premium and artisanal rums is booming, and Mauritius is gradually establishing itself as a reference for quality rum production.” 
• Yannick Noel, Business Unit Manager, Rum & Export at Grays Inc. Ltd: “Every decision, from the choice of cask to the ageing period, reflects patient mastery of both time and materials.”
• Yann Charlotte, Manager, Operations & New Business Development at Made in Moris: “The traceability ‘from field to bottle’ highlights every stage of Mauritian know-how.”
• Devesh Dukhira, CEO of the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate: “We promote the Mauritian origin and authenticity of our products by highlighting our quality labels and international certifications.

From the cane fields of the Terra estate to the copper stills of New Grove Distillery, Mauricia Pure Cane Rum is the result of over two centuries of expertise. Rooted in Mauritius’s volcanic terroir and refined by continuous innovation, it embodies a tradition where heritage, craftsmanship, and sustainability converge to produce a spirit recognised well beyond the island’s shores.

Mauricia Pure Cane Rum is not only the product of distillation and ageing. It is the result of more than two centuries of expertise, cultivated in the volcanic soils and subtropical climate of Mauritius and refined through continuous innovation.

An art and mastery preserved by Grays, which produces high-quality rum under the Mauricia brand through the Agriterra sugar mill and the New Grove Distillery.

Speaking during an exclusive press visit to La Maison de Mauricia, the Agriterra sugar mill, and the New Grove Distillery in the north of the island, Yannick Noel, Business Unit Manager, Rum & Export at Grays Inc. Ltd, described the essence of Mauricia’s distinct identity. “Mauricia stands out for its unique aromatic signature,” he said. “Mauritius, with its subtropical climate, volcanic soils, and microclimates, offers exceptional conditions for growing sugarcane. These natural conditions give Mauricia rums a rich aromatic palette, slightly mentholated and peppery, with natural spicy notes.”

La Maison de Mauricia, founded in 1819 and still managed by the same family, has evolved without losing sight of its heritage. In 2018, the distillery underwent significant modernisation, with the installation of new filtration systems and fermentation equipment. Freshly pressed cane juice is transferred to the distillery in under three hours, fermented for 30 hours with a custom-designed yeast, and then distilled.

“The role of the master distiller and cellar master embodies the alliance between cultural heritage, expertise passed down through generations, and constant innovation. Every decision, from the choice of cask to the ageing period, reflects patient mastery of both time and materials,” Yannick Noel said.

New Grove Distillery, widely regarded as a pioneer in Mauritius, now produces four Single Estate rum brands, operates three ageing cellars, and employs three different types of distillation equipment. The opening of its Visitor Center at L’Aventure du Sucre in November 2025 is intended to strengthen the link between rum, local history, and cultural tourism. Sustainability underpins the entire operation: with 6,000 hectares under cultivation and a processing capacity of 336 tonnes per hour, the Terra group applies circular economy principles, green energy, reduced agricultural inputs, and full traceability. The Made in Moris label actively supports this approach, promoting both innovation and Mauritian heritage in local and international markets.

Florence Harel de Coriolis, Head of Marketing at New Grove Distillery, explained that the global rum market is undergoing a period of rapid growth: “The global demand for premium and artisanal rums is booming, and Mauritius is gradually establishing itself as a reference for quality rum production. Rum tourism is a strategic growth area, attracting visitors eager to discover the secrets of Mauritian rum-making and to take part in tastings. This dynamism benefits the local economy and strengthens Mauritius’s image as a premium destination for spirits enthusiasts.”

“Rum tourism is a strategic growth area, attracting visitors eager to discover the secrets of Mauritian rum-making”

Grays operates under a Single Estate model, integrating production from plantation to bottling, ensuring quality, traceability, and consistency. This approach has earned numerous international awards for New Grove rums. The installation of a new double-retort still marks what Harel de Coriolis described as “a major technological advance”, enabling a greater concentration of aromas, the production of more complex rums rich in esters, and improved energy efficiency.

“Moving from a cane mill in 1838 to a modern pot still in 2025 symbolises a time loop—a return to the source, enriched by two centuries of expertise. New Grove Distillery is an example of how tradition and modernity can coexist,” the Head of Marketing added.

At Terra’s Agriterra sugar mill, the process of transforming cane into sugar remains as rigorous as it is technical. Michael Ah-Sing, Process Control & System Manager, outlined the journey:

“We wanted our guests to experience the complete journey of sugarcane, from its arrival at the factory to the final product. It begins with mechanical feeding of the cane, shredding, milling, clarification with heating and liming, and evaporation to produce concentrated syrup. This syrup crystallises to form ‘massecuite’, which is then separated in centrifuges to isolate sugar crystals from the residual molasses. The sugar is dried, packaged, and made ready for shipment. On average, we produce between 80,000 and 85,000 tonnes of specialty sugars each year. The site operates continuously during the harvest, from early July to mid-December, requiring high levels of control, precision, and responsiveness.”

Devesh Dukhira, CEO of the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate, highlighted the role of certification and geographical indication. “We promote the Mauritian origin and authenticity of our products by highlighting our quality labels and international certifications – BRCGS, SMETA, Fairtrade, Bonsucro,” he explained. “The granting of a geographical indication for Mauritian sugar in December 2024 was a key milestone. It guarantees quality, traceability, and uniqueness while protecting our agricultural heritage. Our integrated sustainability strategy uses the entire cane – sugar, molasses, bagasse for energy, compost – and electricity generation from bagasse, reducing fossil fuel dependence and reinforcing our low carbon footprint.”

For Yann Charlotte, Manager, Operations & New Business Development at Made in Moris, innovation is an essential part of the brand’s identity: “Innovation is a pillar of competitiveness for our members. Made in Moris is an ecosystem that encourages new ideas while promoting our industrial and artisanal heritage. Grays is no exception. We commend their ecoSPIRITS closed-loop distribution system, which eliminates single-use glass from their supply chain without compromising quality or story. The traceability ‘from field to bottle’ highlights every stage of Mauritian know-how, reinforcing trust in our Made in Moris products.”

From volcanic fields to copper stills, Mauricia rum is the product of meticulous craft, sustainable practice, and a lineage of knowledge handed down over two centuries. Making it an expression of Mauritian terroir recognised on the global stage.

From Field to Glass

The Mauricia range reflects the breadth of its craftsmanship:

• Mauricia Creation– a white rum with menthol and spice, fresh fruit, and raw sugar notes.
• Mauricia Signature– aged for 18 months, with aromas of citrus, verbena, honey, and smoked wood.
• Mauricia Heritage– a blend aged three to five years, with flavours of gingerbread, candied orange peel, and chocolate.
• Mauricia L’Intendance– a complex, vegetal rum awarded Grand Gold at the Concours Mondial Spirits Selection in Guadeloupe.