Over $31,000 In Sales At Bacardi Vendor Market
This year’s Bacardi Black-Owned Vendor Market in Bermuda drew over 1,100 attendees, generated $31,000 in sales for local Black-owned businesses, and launched a new digital directory to extend support year-round.
A spokesperson said, “Family-owned Bacardi proudly celebrates the success of the 4th Annual Bacardi Black-Owned Vendor Market in Bermuda, welcoming more than 1,100 attendees in celebration of Black History Month and generating over $31,000 in recorded sales for participating local Black-owned businesses.
“Held on February 27 at the Bacardi Global Headquarters, the free event brought together 50 Black-owned Bermudian businesses across food, retail, beauty, artisan goods and professional services. Now in its fourth year, the Market continues to grow in visibility and cultural relevance, reinforcing its role as a meaningful platform to celebrate entrepreneurship, creativity and community.
“New this year, Bacardi launched a Digital Vendor Directory featuring all participating businesses, ensuring that support extends well beyond Market day. The directory, available via @thebacardiguy on Instagram, provides continued exposure and access to new customers year-round.
“The impact of the initiative was evident in vendor feedback.”
Ashley Stephens, founder of Ashley’s Lemonade, shared: “Opportunities like this make such a meaningful difference — the exposure, the connections, and the overall boost were invaluable. It was a reminder of how powerful it is when brands create space for entrepreneurs to shine.”
The spokesperson said, “The Vendor Market forms part of the broader Bacardi Corporate Sustainability strategy of People and Planet. In advance of the Market, Bacardi hosted its 2nd annual entrepreneurial Masterclass, “The Power Hour: Think Bigger, Start Smarter,” equipping vendors with practical tools to build scalable businesses and think beyond Bermuda from the outset.
“The initiative also aligns with the continued investment of Bacardi in workforce development through Shake Your Future, a free global bartender training program that Bacardi has launched across several countries and provides underemployed and unemployed young adults with the skills needed for sustainable careers in hospitality. Earlier this month, Bermuda participants of Cohort 4 travelled to London to receive internationally recognized certification at the European Bartending School, further strengthening pathways to sustainable careers in hospitality.”
Managing Director, Bacardi International Limited. Douglas Mello said, “The Bacardi Black-Owned Vendor Market reflects who we are as a family-owned company founded on entrepreneurship, Through initiatives like the Vendor Market, the Digital Vendor Directory and Shake Your Future, we are committed to giving back to our community and creating long-term economic opportunity.”
The spokesperson said, “To learn more about how Bacardi supports communities, visit www.bacardilimited.com.”
