Our History
From its beginnings in John Wray’s Kingston tavern to a global, award-winning rum. We’re proud of our journey and the people we’ve supported along the way.
How it started
1825
How it started
J.Wray & Nephew is the oldest registered company in Jamaica and was born in 1825 when company founder, John Wray, a wheelwright living in the parish of St. Ann, opened The Shakespeare Tavern in Kingston. Over time, the city grew steadily and eventually became Jamaica’s capital in 1877, and The Shakespeare Tavern became a massive success.
A family business
1860
A FAMILY BUSINESS BEGAN
In 1860 Wray brought his nephew, Charles James Ward, into the business. Ward was a gifted entrepreneur and, under his leadership, J. Wray and Nephew began a period of growth and prosperity. Wray retired in 1862 and died in 1870, leaving Ward as the sole proprietor.
Becoming award-winning
1862
BECOMING AN AWARD-WINNING RUM
Ward developed the tavern and liquor-dealing business into one of Jamaica’s largest exporting commercial enterprises. He then took the brand global and Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum won three gold medals from three world fairs; London 1862, Paris 1878, Jamaica 1881. Spot them on our bottle, below our iconic logo.
Championing culture
1912
CHAMPIONING CULTURE IN THE COMMUNITY
Ward may not be a household name in Jamaica, but during his life he was a noted entrepreneur, and benefactor. Supporting Jamaicans with affordable housing and, after funding rebuilding the theatre after an earthquake, in 1912 Ward, Custos of Kingston (1889-1913), donated the Ward Theatre to the Government of Jamaica for fellow Jamaicans to support the community and the arts.
Taking our spirit global
1916
TAKING OUR UNDILUTED SPIRIT GLOBAL
In 1916 The Lindo Brothers & Co purchased J.Wray & Nephew – almost immediately thereafter, the new company, J. Wray & Nephew Ltd., purchased the Appleton Estate and added the distinctive rums coming from that source to the J. Wray & Nephew portfolio, and significantly increased the company’s production capacity.
Jamaican culture in the UK
1948
Jamaican culture lands in the UK
From jerk chicken to 90’s jungle, patois to patties, the influence of the tiny but mighty green island has travelled far and wide – with the U.K. hugely benefitting from Jamaican influences, making our diverse culture what it is today. Starting with the Windrush generation, newly arrived Jamaicans brought with them a love for music, fashion, and of course, something to remind them of home — Wray & Nephew. The beloved spirit rippled into living rooms, dancehalls, community centres and bars, as basslines boomed, and memories were made.
Joining Campari Group
2012
JOINING THE CAMPARI GROUP FAMILY
Italian spirits company Gruppo Campari bought J. Wray & Nephew Ltd. in 2012, expanding its global presence to bring our special Jamaican spirit to more people worldwide. While distributing the brand in the UK, Campari Group made it their mission to keep Wray & Nephew true to its spirit, with every bottle still made in Jamaica and a portion of brand profits from every bottle goes back to Jamaica. We are proudly one of the island’s largest employers and support various initiatives in Jamaica, including donating $35 million JMD to the COVID relief fund, and investing over $149,000 JMD in education initiatives in Kingston, Clarendon and St Elizabeth since 2016 (JWN Foundation).
JWN Foundation
2012
THE JWN FOUNDATION
We set up the JWN Foundation as a way to give back to and assist the wider society in Jamaica. Focusing on education, cultural expression and social inclusion, we actively play our part in ‘transforming lives and communities for a better Jamaica’.
Learn more about the JWN Foundation
Wray Forward
2021
LAUNCHING WRAY FORWARD
We started Wray Forward as a free and inclusive programme to support Black businesses across the UK by giving access to knowledge, promoting ownership and facilitating growth. We’ve supported over 3,800 businesses in the community so far with a variety of initiatives, pushing for equity that will introduce a new wave of Black British changemakers to disrupt the UK business world.