FACUNDO BACARDI

Facundo Bacardi Massó, (Sitges, Barcelona, 1814 – Cuba, May 9, 1886) was a Catalan businessman. 

He followed his older brothers to Cuba, finding employment in his general store in Santiago. In 1844 he established his own mercantile shop.

In 1843 he married Amalia Moreau, and they had a lot of children Emilio, Juan, Facundo Jr., María, José and Amalia Jr.
In 1862 he founded "Bacardi, Boutellier, and Company", using capital supplied by Facundo's younger brother José. The icon of the brand is a bat.
In 1874, the company was named "Bacardi and Company". The company gained renown as the rum was sold in Cuba and even the wider world after winning prizes in international exhibitions.
In 1877 Facundo retired and his sons Emilio, who became the president, Facundo Jr., the master blender, and José the sales manager, continued with the company.
The next period of Cuban history was politically tumultuous, as the society struggled against Spanish imperialism.

By Roger Cos and