Our History
From local distributor to internationally acclaimed distillery.
Our History
From the Mariënburg sugar enterprise in 1882 to today's modern distillery.
SAB Factory Paramaribo
Authentic Craftsmanship
“The year 1882, in which the Mariënburg sugar enterprise was founded, marks the birth of the renowned rums we proudly produce to this day.”— The Legend of Surinamese Rum
1966
Founding
On November 17, 1966, Surinaams Alcohol Bedrijf N.V. was founded on the left bank of the Suriname River by Surinaamse Cultuur Maatschappij N.V., N.V. Handelsonderneming Ma Ajong and I. Fernandes.
1968
Relocation
The company moved to Cornelis Jongbawstraat. Sonny Ma Ajong became the first director.
1973
International Licenses
SAB signed a licensing agreement with Hanappier Peyrelongue & Cie from Bordeaux, France.
1975
New Name
The name was changed to N.V. Handelmaatschappij SAB.
1977
Gold Medal: Black Cat
Black Cat rum became the first Surinamese rum to win a gold medal, awarded in Luxembourg.
1978
Poker Rum / Borgoe
SAB won again in Geneva with Poker Rum, the smooth brown rum that would later conquer the world as Borgoe Rum.
1989
Own Distillery
After the closure of the Mariënburg sugar company, SAB started its own distillery, securing the future of the alcohol industry in Suriname.
1999
Automation & Angostura
A fully automated bottling line was installed. A strategic cooperation agreement with Angostura Ltd. was signed.
2002
Suriname Alcoholic Beverages N.V.
The current name was officially established to emphasize the company's international ambitions.
2003
Premium Recognition
Borgoe Extra Rum won the 'Best Rum Award' during the Toyota World Convention in Tokyo, Japan.
2027
New Fermentation Plant & Distillery
SAB is currently building a new fermentation and distillation plant using molasses as its raw material. Construction is in full swing and marks an important step in our continued growth.