Malibu Original Liqueur

Malibu is an iconic coconut-flavored liqueur with a history that spans several decades and continents. Originally launched in 1978 under the name "Coco Rico," it was created by Tom Jago of International Distillers & Vintners (IDV). The product was famously designed to simplify the preparation of Piña Coladas for bartenders before gaining massive global popularity as 'summer in a bottle.' Its signature white bottle has become a symbol of the brand, although early versions were actually clear bottles spray-painted white by a refrigerator painter.

While the brand is deeply rooted in Caribbean culture, its production history is diverse. For many years, the base white rum was exclusively produced at the West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados. Today, the distillation of the rum still carries a Caribbean heritage, but the final blending and production are handled primarily in Canada, with additional facilities in the United States and Spain to facilitate global distribution.

Ownership of the brand has transitioned through major industry players. Following its time under Diageo (formed by the merger of IDV and United Distillers), it was sold to Allied Domecq in 2002. Since 2005, the French spirits giant Pernod Ricard has been the ultimate owner, managing the brand through its dedicated subsidiary, The Absolut Company.