Awards & Accolades

---

Porthole Cruise Magazine (eighth consecutive year)

Tortuga Chocolate Rum Turtles with Sea Salt win 2012 Editors' Pick New Products Award 
The Gourmet Retailer, August 2012 issue

Marcus and Monique Simmonds, CEO and CMO Tortuga International Holdings, Ltd honored at ICABA's South Florida's 100 Most Accomplished Caribbean Americans – June 29

Tortuga Imports Selected as a 2012 Top Business by DiversityBusiness.com

Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival 2012 – January 26-28
Tortuga Rum Cakes "the dessert with island jazz" for all performers including Cee Lo Green and Celine Dion

Tortuga Pepper Jelly Pan Fried Red Snapper Wins Cayman Cook-Off with
 celebrity chef judges including Anthony Bourdain and Eric Rupert - January 16

 "Editor's Choice: Tortuga Rum Cake Company"
Fancy Food & Culinary Products blog, January 10, 2012

 "The Ones To Watch in 2012" - Marcus and Monique Simmonds - Jamaica Observer, January 8

2011
2011 Best Cruise Souvenir, Editor In Chief Awards: Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes

Porthole Cruise Magazine (seventh consecutive year)

The Fifty Best.com Awards Double Gold Medal to Tortuga 12-year Gold Rum (2nd place overall) and Gold Medal for Tortuga 5-year Gold Rum (5th place) in blind taste test

Jamaica Observer 2011 Business Leader Awards finalists Marcus & Monique Simmonds, founders of Tortuga Rum Cake Company with feature article, personality profiles and radio interviews running throughout November

Successful Women in Business feature: "Spice of life: Hamaty-Simmonds finds the right blend"  profile and photo  Caribbean Today, September 2011

40 Under 40 Awards – Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, Tortuga Imports CEO
South Florida Business Journal, June 24, 2011

FIU College of Business Administration, 2011 Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame inductee:
Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, (BBA '96) CEO, Tortuga Rum Cake Company – May, 2011

Tortuga Chocolate Rum Turtles with Sea Salt photo on front page 
Gourmet News, May 2011

"A Caribbean Expert's Escapes" article recommends visiting Tortuga's Grand Cayman shops for rum cakes
Islands magazine, May 2011

"Let Them Eat Cake" article with product photo and quotes from Tortuga Rum Cake Co. CEO 
Fancy Food & Culinary Products, April 2011

Charles E Perry Young Alumni Visionary Award to Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, Tortuga Imports CEO  from Florida International University (FIU) Alumni Association – March, 2011

Tortuga Imports Recognized Among Top 100 Diversity-Owned Businesses in Florida and Top 100 Women-Owned Businesses in Florida by DiversityBusiness.com

2010
2010 Best Cruise Souvenir, Editor In Chief Awards: Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes

Porthole Cruise Magazine (sixth consecutive year)

"Slice of Life" two-page article on Cayman family making Caribbean's favorite rum cake
Caribbean Travel+Life magazine, December 2010

Tortuga Sauces Win Three 2011 Scovie "fiery foods" Awards – Sweet Heat and Hell-Fire Hot Sauces in Authentic Caribbean Category; Mango Ginger Stir Fry in Stir Fry Category

Robert Hamaty Receives Jamaica's 2010 National Honour of the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD), recognized for service in fields of Tourism & Hospitality, and Manufacturing. August 6, 2010

Tortuga Rum Cake Company, INC5000 fastest growing businesses in US
INC Magazine, August 2010

Caribbean Travel+Life's Affordable Caribbean: Cayman Islands on the Travel Channel – May 15, 2010
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, senior editor visits Tortuga bakery and interviews Robert Hamaty

The Spirits Business The Rum Masters 2010 tasting awards – April 2010
Tortuga 5-Year Old Rum – Master (the highest level) in the Gold >7 Years category
Tortuga 12-Year Old Rum – Gold in the Gold 8-12Yr category

" Through Discipline and Hard Work Tortuga Rum Company Becomes a Cayman Islands Brand to the World" 
cover story with Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, Caribbean Business Journal, April 2010

"The Perfect Treat" cookies & cakes article with product photo and quotes from Tortuga Rum Cake Co. CEO 
Fancy Food & Culinary Products, April 2010
Gift, Gourmet & Décor Plus, digital magazine May 2010

"Paradise Found: The Cayman Island Cookout" by Ron Kapon, North America Travel Journalists Assn.

Tortuga Rum Cakes in "swag bags" for South Beach Food & Wine Festival, Miami Beach Feb. 27-28, 2010

2009
2009 Best Cruise Souvenir, Editor In Chief Awards: Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes

Porthole Cruise Magazine (fifth consecutive year)

"Monique Hamaty-Simmonds recalls climb to top" Cayman Islands Business Journal, Nov 4, 2009

Tortuga Rum Cake Company, INC5000 fastest growing businesses in US
INC Magazine, August 2009

CBS Nightly News with Katie Couric, "Financial Family Tree" series on small business and recession – featured Tortuga Rum Company in several programs – June 16/July 9, 2009

Top 50 Women-Led Businesses in Florida: Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, CEO, Tortuga Imports, Inc
The Commonwealth Institute and Florida International University – June 2009

Tortuga Imports Recognized Among Top Small Businesses in United States; 
and Top 100 Small Businesses in Florida by DiversityBusiness.com

Tortuga Rum Cakes in VIP Celebrity Gift Bags at the Grand Gala - Kentucky Derby – May 1, 2009

"Sweet Treats" article includes cake photo and quotes from Tortuga Rum Cake Company CEO 
Fancy Food & Culinary Products, April 2009

Tortuga Rum Cakes in gift bags for Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night XV 
Celebrity/charity event for Parkinson's Disease. Shown on EXTRA TV, April 1

"Desserted Island" four page story and photos in January/February 2009 Coastal Living magazine

'Grand Cayman's version of Starbucks' Tortuga Rum Cakes listed as What to Buy  
New York Times online article "Affordable Caribbean: Cayman Islands"

Editors' Pick by My Gourmet Collection at GourmetByMail.Com

Sweet Tropical Treats from Tortuga Rum Cake Company in Food & Beverage Valentine's Day Gift Selections Gift Guide Splash Magazines Worldwide (20 online sites) 

"Cookin' in the Caymans" National Post article, Canadian newspaper reports on  
Cayman Cookout and celeb chef Anthony Bourdain discovering Tortuga Rum Cake 
"It makes me believe in dessert again."

2008
2008 Best Cruise Souvenir, Editor In Chief Awards: Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes

Porthole Cruise Magazine (fourth consecutive year)

Tortuga Rum Cake Company, INC5000 fastest growing businesses in US
INC Magazine, August 2008

2008 American Masters of Taste –Superior Taste Award of Excellence
"Liquor Cakes" category winner for foodservice and retail:
Original Golden with Walnuts; Chocolate; Key Lime; Coconut; Pineapple; Cinnamon Rum Raisin
Also declared Tortuga Rum Cake Company: World Taste Champion

Top 50 Women-Led Businesses in Florida: Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, CEO, Tortuga Imports, Inc
The Commonwealth Institute and Florida International University – June 2008

Lifetime Achievement Award for Culinary Excellence – 10th Annual Jamaica Observer Food Awards 
Robert and Carlene Hamaty, founder of Tortuga Rum Company
June 2008

Tortuga Rum Cakes and Cayman bakery featured in "My Destination Wedding with the Knot"
Style TV Network Special 
(December 2007/ May 2008 and periodically for next two years)

Tortuga Rum Cakes in VIP Celebrity Gift Bags at the Grand Gala - Kentucky Derby – May 2, 2008

"Wie eine Schnapsidee zum Exportschlager wurde" 
(How a whimsical idea turned out to be an export hit)
by Dominik Fehrmann, travel writer, Spiegel  May 2008(German business magazine)

What's New at the All Candy Expo pictures Tortuga Rum Fudge and Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Fancy Food & Culinary Products, May 2008

Delectable Spring Treats feature pictures Tortuga rum cake six-pack assortment
Country Accents, Spring 2008

2007
2007 Best Cruise Souvenir, Editor In Chief Awards: Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes

Porthole Cruise Magazine

Tortuga Rum Cake Company, INC5000 fastest growing businesses in US
INC Magazine, August 2007

Gold Medal: Tortuga 5-Year Old Rum and Bronze Medal: Tortuga Coconut
Ministry of Rum Sugar Cane Spirits Competition, New Orleans LA

2007 Businesswoman of the Year Finalist: Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, CEO, Tortuga Imports, Inc
South Florida Business Journal

2007 Superior Taste Awards: Original Golden Tortuga Rum Cake and Tortuga 5-Year Old Rum
International Taste & Quality Institute, Brussels, Belgium

Gold Medal & Best of Category: Tortuga 5-Year Old Rum and Tortuga 12-Year Old Rum
2007 International Cane Spirits Festival and Tasting Competition

Perfectly Peppered Jellies: feature pictures Tortuga Gourmet Pepper Jelly 
Fancy Food & Culinary Products, May 2007

Enjoy Your Stay: Gift basket ideas with Tortuga Taste of Florida Rum Cakes
Rave Reviews, May/June 2007

Top 100 Diversity Owned Businesses in Florida; Top 100 Women Owned Businesses in Florida
DiversityBusiness.com

Island Hopping - Rum Cake The Next Generation: Tortuga as lead in pictorial feature
Caribbean Travel & Life, May 2007

Cakes with a Kick: Tortuga in article on Caribbean rum cakes
American Eagle Latitudes in-flight magazine, March/April 2007

Tortuga Rum Cakes in gift bags for Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night XIII 
Celebrity/charity event for Parkinson's Disease, March 24, 2007

2006
50 Great Gifts under $50: Tortuga Rum Cakes

Reader's Digest, December 2006

Holiday Gift Guide: Tortuga Rum Cake as 'Gamer Gift'
Computer Games, December 2006

Golden Delicious: promotion with photo of Tortuga Rum Cake
Bon Appetit, December 2006

Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert's "Hits and Misses" column, Hit: Tortuga Coconut Rum Fudge
Gourmet Retailer, November 2006

2007 Gourmet Gift Guide: Tortuga Taste of Florida Rum Fudge
Fancy Food & Culinary Products, November 2006

On the Road Again, mobile tech article: quotes & photo with cake Monique Simmonds, Tortuga Imports
Entrepreneur, November 2006

Tortuga Rum Cakes in gift bags for Andre Agassi Grand Slam for Children® 
Las Vegas celebrity/charity event, October 7, 2006

Smoked and Spicy: Sweepstakes to win Tortuga Cakes, Sauces and CharBroil Smoker
Woman's World, September 5, 2006

2006 Best Cruise Souvenir, Editor In Chief Awards: Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes
Porthole Cruise Magazine

2006 Scovie Award: Tortuga Spicy Seafood Grill Sauce
Fiery Foods & Barbecue Magazine

Cozy Up to Chowders: feature pictures Tortuga Caribbean Conch Chowder
Fancy Food & Culinary Products, August 2006

Savory Success: The Tortuga Rum Company story
Food and Drink Magazine, July/August 2006

Top 50 Women-Led Businesses in Florida: Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, CEO, Tortuga Imports, Inc
The Commonwealth Institute and Florida International University

Tortuga Rum Cakes in gift bags for 'Extra' TV Awards Lounge for the Oscars
For Oscar winners and nominees, March 1 & 2, 2006

Tortuga Rum Cakes in gift bags for 2006 MusiCares Person of the YearTM gala, during GRAMMY Week
For performers and VIPs, February 6, 2006

2005
Top 25 Best Products Ever Recommended: Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cake: Blue Mountain Coffee

David Rosengarten, The Rosengarten Report

Rum's the Word: promotion and photo of Tortuga Rum Cake
Woman's Day, December 6, 2005

Golden Delicious: promotion and photo of Tortuga Rum Cake
Gourmet, November 2005

Hot Off the Grill: Win Tortuga Taste of the Islands product giveaway
Woman's Day, July 12, 2005

Rum and Cake: item and photo of Tortuga Rum Cake
Hooters Magazine, September 2005

2005 Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Finalist: Monique Hamaty-Simmonds, CEO, Tortuga Imports, Inc
Florida International University, College of Business Administration

2005 Best Cruise Souvenir, Editor In Chief Awards: Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes
Porthole Cruise Magazine

Taste of the Trade: Desserts – Tortuga featured at Dessert Expo
Food TV Network special (continues to run on Food Network)

2004
Recipe for Success: six-page photo story on Tortuga

MACO:Caribbean Living, Summer 2004

2004 Scovie Award: Tortuga Spicy Mango Pepper Sauce
Fiery Foods & Barbecue Magazine

2004 Business Women of the Year- Small Business Finalist: Monique Hamaty-Simmonds
Women in International Trade – Miami Chapter

2003
Special Delivery, 9 Delightful Cakes: Tortuga Rum Cakes

Better Homes and Garden's Traditional Home, Holiday 2003

2002
2002 Scovie Award: Tortuga Hell Fire Hot Sauce

Fiery Foods & Barbecue Magazine

"20 Under 40 Award":  Monique Hamaty-Simmonds,CEO & Marcus Simmonds, CFO, Tortuga Imports
Gourmet News

2001
Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year – Tourism, Hospitality & Entertainment: 

Robert Hamaty, founder, Tortuga Rum Company

2000
MSNBC Coverage at International Fancy Food and Confection Show

Home Shopping Network features Tortuga Rum Cakes