ROAD TOWN, Tortola, Virgin Islands — Local food brand Nyammin’ has been named the Official Rum Cake Partner for the 14th annual Christmas in July celebration, bringing one of the British Virgin Islands’ most cherished culinary traditions to one of the Territory’s largest summer events.
This year’s festival is scheduled for Saturday, July 25, at Pond Bay, Virgin Gorda, where hundreds of boats and thousands of visitors are expected to gather for the annual beach celebration. Organisers say the event regularly attracts more than 500 vessels and over 6,000 attendees, making it one of the Caribbean’s premier nautical festivals.
Celebrating a BVI Tradition
Nyammin’s signature rum cakes are handcrafted in the Virgin Islands using locally produced rum from the historic Callwood Rum Distillery on Tortola—the Territory’s only operating rum distillery and one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the Caribbean.
The rich, dark cakes are inspired by the traditional black cakes enjoyed in many Virgin Islands homes during the Christmas season. Dried fruits are soaked in Callwood rum before being incorporated into the recipe, giving the cakes their distinctive flavour and texture.
Co-founder Chanelle Harrigan said the partnership provides an opportunity to showcase an authentic piece of Virgin Islands culture.
“In our household, and for many of our friends and family, Christmas in the BVI isn’t complete without black cake or rum cake. We’re proud to bring that tradition to everyone attending Christmas in July this year.”
Samples, Giveaways and Local Flavour
Festival-goers will be able to visit the Nyammin’ booth throughout the day to sample the cakes, purchase products and participate in giveaways celebrating local cuisine and culture.
The company hopes the partnership will introduce even more residents and visitors to one of the Territory’s most recognisable desserts while highlighting locally produced ingredients.
Giving Back to the Community
Nyammin’ is also using the event to support charitable causes in the Virgin Islands.
The company announced that 10 percent of all sales made during Christmas in July will be donated to two local non-profit organisations:
- Beyond the Reef, which works to restore and protect Caribbean marine ecosystems while promoting environmental education and community engagement.
- Kickin’ It, a movement dedicated to celebrating Virgin Islands culture, supporting local creatives and strengthening connections within the wider Virgin Islands community.
A Growing Local Brand
Since launching its signature rum cakes in 2024, Nyammin’ has steadily expanded its presence throughout the Territory, earning a loyal following among residents and visitors alike.
The cakes are now available at several retail outlets, including the Callwood Rum Distillery, Initial Artistry (BVI Apparel House) at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, Swirlzzz, KennyTeesat the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, Bobby’s Marketplace in Road Town, The Bunker BVI, Trellis Bay Market during Full Moon parties, and Peter Island Resort.
Founded in 2019 by Virgin Islanders Chanelle Harrigan, Alyssa Harrigan-Jones and Kevin Jones, Nyammin’ was established with the mission of promoting Caribbean culture and identity through authentic cuisine, while sharing the flavours and traditions of the British Virgin Islands with a wider audience.
With its selection as the official rum cake partner for Christmas in July, the company hopes to make its traditional BVI dessert an essential part of one of the Territory’s most anticipated summer celebrations.