Mooka Rum, founded by Lebogang Mooka in August 2022, made a reputation for itself by receiving the highest score from South Africa at the 2023 London Spirits Competition. It received a silver medal solely due to Lebogang's smart thinking and inventiveness in producing high-quality spirits that also reflect her cultural roots and journey so far.

Image Features: Mooka Rum, Silver Medal Winner at The 2023 London Spirits Competition Showcasing LSC Sticker at The Front of The Bottle

We received entries from 80 countries, and only 12 South African spirits won medals. Mooka Rum received a Silver Medal and the highest score (80/100), making it the highest-scoring rum in South Africa at the 2023 London Spirits Competition.

Mooka's choice to enter the spirits sector was purposeful. Despite having worked in corporate for 15 years, she recognized her leadership qualities and sought a venture that aligned with her interests. She discovered a niche in the market by choosing rum over gin and intended to produce a one-of-a-kind, artisan barrel-aged spirit.

Image Features: Lebogang Mooka

Mooka entered the London Spirits Competition purposefully to develop a reputation for her newly launched brand. The competition's rigorous evaluation process, which included blind tastings by worldwide experts, resulted in a prized seal of approval.

"My objective as a new brand owner was to establish credibility with my customers. Entering the London Spirits Competition allowed Mooka Rum to be tried, tasted, and approved by well-trained experts all over the world," Lebogang explained.

The win in the London Spirits Competition considerably increased Mooka Rum's brand credibility. The recognition from worldwide experts boosted trust among both customers and partners.

"The competition's win increased brand trust. I've been approached by event companies for partnerships, gained more social media followers, and Mooka Rum is now in high demand in South Africa," Lebogang said.

Image Features: Earthbound Distillery, one of the best distilleries in South Africa where Mooka Rum is produced

After their win at the competition, Mooka Rum's sales increased by an astonishing 25% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This tangible development was attributed to effective marketing activities conducted after the competition won.

Mooka Rum successfully formed ties with local travel agents and event companies after winning the Silver Medal. The award distinguished Mooka Rum, making it the favored choice for people looking for an award-winning spirit.

Lebogang highlighted the London Spirits Competition's unique quality and force, positioning it as one of the most important spirits competitions worldwide. Personal meetings and conversations with key individuals, like Sid Patel, CEO of the London Spirits Competition, proved the competition's loyalty to its participants.

"The London Spirits Competition is a world-class event. The quality and significance are unbeatable, and the personal investment shown by figures such as Sid encourages me to participate again," Lebogang stated.

Catch this exclusive interview, where Mooka Rum's owner, Lebogang Mooka, discusses the brand's history, obstacles, and future possibilities with Sid Patel, CEO of the London Spirits Competition.

The London Spirits Competition looks to recognize, reward, and help promote spirits brands that have successfully been created to identify with and target a specific spirits drinker. Mooka Rum's 2023 win reflects this ambition and provides an inspirational success story.

Looking ahead, owner Lebogang Mooka joined to boost her brand's credibility, and after winning silver last year, she now aspires for Gold in the 2024 London Spirits Competition. This aim shows the brand's dedication to constant advancement and innovation.

[[relatedPurchasesItems-63]]