Sheep Dog goes nuts over whiskey,
Whittaker’s aims for a vibe, and Fix & Fogg remakes a classic.
The Great Australasian Beer Spectacular is returning to Auckland on 25 June.
“We’re right behind Coffee Supreme’s current growth plans,” says the PE firm, which has added the business to its growing F&B portfolio.
Canterbury boutique vineyard and accommodation business, Waipara River Estate, is up for sale with a price tag of at least $2.5m.
Lion is close to completing a reshaping of its NZ operations, allowing it to emerge from Covid concentrated on core.
New Zealand wine festival Winetopia has added more events to its three-city schedule.
New World has revealed its Top 30 beverages in its annual Beer & Cider Awards, and named Lion craft brand Emerson’s Weissbier its supreme winner.
“Growth has been across the board,” says the drinks giant’s NZ boss, as the company’s market share ticks up during Covid.
Coca-Cola says it is continuing to roll out the voluntary front-of-pack Health Star Rating (HSR) initiative in New Zealand and is transitioning from the energy icon to stars on its MORE »
The Wellington-based natural soda syrup company looks to D2C to drive overseas growth as it marks 10 years of business.
Vodka company Stolichnaya has rebranded to Stoli following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The brewer is looking to tap into premiumisation and sessionability trends to drive craft beer sales at its Monteith’s and Tuatara brands.
The Brewers Association, Brewers Guild of New Zealand, and Hospitality New Zealand are calling on the government to cut its keg beer tax.
AF Drinks took home six medals from the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
As logistics challenges continue and the US market grows in importance, the NZ-founded beverage maker says it plans to start bottling in that strategic market.
Less is more from Abe’s, Monteith’s hazy double down, Six Barrel Soda’s 10th birthday, and Cadbury’s Boh Runga x Roses collab for Mother’s Day.
Chia Sisters has launched a petition calling on the government to establish a scheme to re-use bottles as part of its Container Return Scheme which is out for consultation.
AF Drinks is the new corporate partner of Wellington’s BATS Theatre.
A Covid-induced strategy reset has seen cider company Zeffer put New Zealand and Australia at the centre of its plan to triple the size of the business in the next three years.
The Zero Waste Network and The Kiwi Bottle Drive have welcomed the government’s Container Return Scheme proposal for the breadth of materials included, that is plastic, aluminum, glass and liquid packaging board.
The company is hitting up new and existing investors in a fresh fundraising, as it secures a major new account for its 0% cider in Australia.
Boring Oat Milk’s Morgan Maw is casting her eye around international markets to assess the next move for what is New Zealand’s first fully domestically manufactured oat milk.
Havana Coffee Works Roastery opened yesterday in Parnell, Auckland – its second location alongside Wellington.
“Wherever there is Heineken or Peroni Zero, there should be a State of Play IPA next to it,” founder Grant Caunter says.
Havana delivers a late summer coffee vibe, the Sara Lee & Cadbury tie-up gets in on Caramilk, Aotearoa’s first volcanic-filtered vodka, and pink ribbon biscuits are back.
Lion New Zealand is expanding its Healthy Hospo health and wellbeing program to offer in-person events around New Zealand in 2022.
Nestlé’s coffee capsule brand Nespresso has achieved global certification as a B Corp.
Marlborough Wine Estates Group Limited says it expects to make a net profit after tax of between $0.3m and $0.4m for the year to June 2022. The result turns around MORE »
New Zealanders are set to pay $1.3bn in alcohol excise in 2022, up from $1.22bn last year, says the Brewers Guild of New Zealand.
Foley Wines is estimating its final 2022 vintage harvest will be up 65% up on last year’s 5,582 tonnes.
The pandemic and premiumisation prompts foodservice stalwart Kōkako to branch out into the grocery channel with a new purpose-built brand.
Two Thumb Brewing Co is taking over the Christchurch site of the former Fermentist Brewery and Taproom, owned and operated by Lion.
The largest contract wine-making facility in Northland – delivering vine to bottle services for more than 30 vineyards in the region – has been placed on the market for sale.
New World’s once-a-year fresh hops beer will this week start hitting chiller shelves.
The patriarch of family-owned Cassels Brewing Company Alasdair Cassels died of cancer over Easter weekend.
Barrier Island distillery Island Gin has won double gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Terra Vitae Vineyards, which supplies grapes to Villa Maria, has advised that a record harvest of 5633 tonnes was achieved for the 2022 vintage.
The Kiwi startup is winning hearts and minds – and crucial shelf space – with what it says is the world’s first full-strength non-alc terpene spirit.
If supply chain disruption turns structural tactical responses like pricing changes will not be sufficient.
Coca-Cola in New Zealand has welcomed the government’s public consultation proposal for primary schools to only offer water, milk and non-dairy milk alternatives to their students.
Nootropic drinks make Ārepa has partnered with Super Rugby franchise the Hurricanes.
The company replicates its model in Australia to open a new channel for craft beer brewers across the ditch.
NZ shelves could run dry of vodka following the imposition of significant tariffs on Russian products.
Auckland-headquartered international coffee chain franchise Cooks Coffee Company intends to exercise the power of sale of shares, following a significant repositioning which included a name change, $5.5m capital raise and share consolidation.
East Imperial’s collection of New Zealand made mixers have won eight awards in the Tonic & Mixers Competition, run by Global Spirits Masters.
The Nelson nutritional drinks company wants to have 50% of all sales from kegs or refillable vessels by the end of the decade.
The company is struggling to meet demand for its zero alcohol products and could soon sign-off a new $2m+ investment.
Christiaan Crous is stepping up to take on DB’s sales director role from 4 April.
Fix and Fogg crowdsources a new flavour, a cola from Greece looks for traction, AF delivers zero sugar, and Moa adds a Fresh Hop hazy IPA.
The association plans to petition the Unicode Consortium to develop a white wine emoji option.
The Queensland factory recognises the growth Frucor Suntory believes is possible, says boss Darren Fullerton.
Marlborough Wine’s Toi Toi brand is sponsoring the Birds New Zealand society to survey remote areas of the country and gather bird observation data.
Behemoth Brewing Company is on track to raise more than $55,000 for the Red Cross after selling out of a limited edition Ukraine Heroes six-pack in less than two days.
The brewer plans to expand its team and broaden its current Auckland-centric focus.
The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail showcases the best in food and wine from across the Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Wellington, and Marlborough regions.
Auckland-headquartered international coffee chain Cooks Global Foods plans to consolidate its shares, as well as change its name.
Auckland-headquartered international coffee chain Cooks Global Foods has issued 80,989,340 new shares at 3 cents each totalling $2.43m following a shortfall from its rights issue last year.
The co-op’s innovation into hop oil is allowing it to explore new food and beverage categories.
R&D is the foundation that will drive NZ’s alcohol beverages sectors forward, delivering a unique offering on the world stage.
The Central Otago juice company is targeting Australia to double sales across four states.
A collab-heavy week with Garage Project joining Fix & Fogg, Wellington Chocolate Factory working with Duck Island Ice Cream, and Eta tapping into Marmite.
The innovative beverage maker plans to push up its valuation ahead of dusting off a delayed $5m capital raise.
There’s criticism of the government’s proposed container return scheme, but beverage giant Coca-Cola looks to support it under certain conditions.
A record number of beverages will be judged for the New World Beer and Cider Awards this year.
The government has laid out its proposed CRS, and claims manufacturers and retailers will be able to pass on costs to the consumer.
The Waitangi Tribunal has been asked to consider whether the Crown is failing Māori on alcohol, as part of evidence being heard this week.
A documentary of the journey of 3 Māori Boys Ltd, makers of beverage Wai Mānuka, courtesy of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
The beverage business enjoys a big bump in revenue with online sales tripling and retail and foodservice channels growing.
A good-looking showcase of Seaspray Vineyard in Marlborough, from Villa Maria.
A new oat milk range, a twist on classic gin, and brace of new hop products.
New Zealand spirit producers Broken Heart and Awildian have claimed global accolades.
Plant-based milk producer Kabocha Milk has been shortlisted at the World Food Innovation Awards.
New Zealand Winegrowers says the freshly signed free trade agreement with Britain will support future growth and encourage exporters to focus on that market.
Omicron absenteeisms are piling pressure on supply chains, with manufacturers scrambling to retrain and redeploy staff.
A major Auckland alcohol retailer is taking thousands of bottles of Russian vodka and beer from its shelves, following the country’s attack on neighbour Ukraine.
Hawke’s Bay boutique winery Clearview Estate has done it again – winning the Champion Wine of Show at the New Zealand International Wine Show on the weekend.
The listed companies brush off Covid-19 chills as they look to grow via distribution deals and acquisitions.
Case sales across Australia, NZ and Asia Pacific jumped 14% but it wasn’t enough to make up for increased costs.
Consumers are shifting from the middle ground and becoming more adventurous.
Foley Wines half-year profit has risen 37.7% to $3.5m as it pushes further into the premium market.
The beverage business wins a major distribution deal for its immunity tonic with the Australian supermarket giant.
Little Creatures says operating under the red traffic light system was “uncertain and precarious”.
Villa Maria guides us through the making of its Attorney Marlborough Pinot Noir.
Ongoing international demand and low stock levels have winemakers hoping for a significantly larger harvest this year, after a 19% drop in yield in 2021.
Wānaka food and wine festival Ripe will take place online on 19 March, the same day the cancelled live event was due to take place.
The brewer is testing a no-alcohol hazy in bars before deciding whether to push for a retail release.
The beverage giant urges Finance Minister Grant Robertson to “act swiftly, decisively and meaningfully”.
New Zealand’s largest wine event will be heading to three main centres later this year.
Andrew Childs’ and Hannah Miller Childs’ Chur brand is about to re-enter Australia after cutting ties with their distributor there last year.
The beverage maker expands into Pita Pit’s 87 outlets in a push into NZ foodservice.
Former Ryman chief executive Gordon MacLeod has been appointed to Delegat Group.
Alcohol is driving the West Auckland kombucha maker’s sales, as it eyes expansion overseas and a potential capital raise.
Beverage makers say the timing could not be worse for a rise in the alcohol excise tax.
Chanel Clark joins nootropics venture Ārepa as its new marketing manager.
Cooks Global Foods says sales at its UK-based cafe franchises recovered from Covid-19 ahead of the wider UK coffee market in 2021.
Sam Fischer will join the brewing group in July tasked with delivering a new mid-term plan to return to sustainable growth.
Strong pandemic performances, e-commerce and sustainability initiatives have helped elevate the best brands.
Canterbury-based Alyssa Wilson has scooped the Apiculture New Zealand Ron Mossop Youth Scholarship in beekeeping.
The MD gives the first summer of sales for new RTD Hey Hey “a pass mark” but beer sales were flat given the good weather.
Asahi Beverages has released new sustainability targets for its New Zealand and Australian operations.
Beverage makers report strong peak summer sales, although rising costs and event cancellations eat into performance.
Marlborough Wine Estates says it has grown its international distribution significantly since July 2021.
Beverage business Pals says its has offset its unavoidable emissions by 125% through funding New Zealand native forest projects and International Gold Standard clean technology initiatives.
After running the inaugural event in 2021, New Zealand Winegrowers will be kicking off the second New Zealand Wine Week on 8 February 2022.
New Zealand King Salmon and Scales have upgraded their earnings forecasts citing improving conditions and strong ingredients performance respectively.
New Zealand Winegrowers has named five recipients for its 2021 Fellows awards.
The Auckland craft beer business says it is making a multi-million dollar investment into its brewery and scaling up staff numbers.
Even older people are turning away from alcohol consumption, says the NZ Alcohol Beverages Council.
Hospitality in Auckland finally re-opens but expect the environment to be fluid, says the coffee company.
Beverage company Frucor Suntory has appointed Sophie Lodge to corporate affairs director for Australia and New Zealand, based in Sydney.
A successful trial sees the alcoholic seltzer company secure shelf space in three supermarket chains in Japan.
Karma Drinks will donate $12,070 to the #HandsUp4Hospo initiative after its recent ‘Hospo Friday’ initiative – a take on the popular Black Friday.
The beverage giant has filled the vacancy at the top of its Australian and New Zealand business.
The 2022 Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards has opened for entries.
Heineken is opening two pop-up barbershops in selected venues around central Auckland to tie-in with the country’s move to the Covid-19 Protection Framework ‘traffic light’ system on Friday 3 December.
Frucor Suntory has appointed Rhodi Bulloch as its nutrition and regulatory affairs specialist.
The purpose-led company commits to being a customer of New Zealand’s first purpose-built oat milk processing factory.
Chia Sisters, All Good Bananas and Citizen have taken gongs at the Sustainable Business Awards, with the former just missing out on the supreme award.
Karma Drinks has pledged 100% of revenue from today’s Black Friday sales on its Shop.KarmaDrinks.co.nz website will go towards supporting the hospitality industry.
After Covid delayed its new multi-million dollar Auckland factory, the company is now battling logistics lags in order to make its long-awaited entry into the US.
Orchard Thieves Rosé Cider has won the gold medal in the new Cider Innovation Rosé category at the International Brewing and Cider Awards 2021.
The company has added Prosecco but dropped Bernadino in a drive up the value curve for its sparkling wine.
Marlborough Wine Estates has appointed Winesellers its exclusive USA importer for its OTU Estate brand.
Saint Clair’s Wairau Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021 has won the Champion Wine title at the 2021 Marlborough Wine Show.
The average non-alcoholic filling line spends 36 minutes per hour, or 60% of time, not filling beverages, according to OFS.
DB Breweries is offering every fully vaccinated employee $250 to spend on drinks and eating out to encourage Covid-19 vaccination and provide support for the hospitality sector.
Chia Sisters co-founder Chloe Van Dyke is one of five female entrepreneurs selected to pitch at Rise Up for a $10,000 prize.
Foley Wines is sticking to forecast earnings before tax of $8m for FY22 but warns of uncertainty.
UK-based non-alcoholic spirits brand Lyre’s says its distribution growth in New Zealand is continuing to cater for increased demand. The beverage maker’s products can be found in Countdown, New World, Farro MORE »
An e-commerce business that provides a tailored drinks delivery service for parties, weddings and events is gearing up for summer after its initial Auckland launch in August was thwarted by the city going in level 4 lockdown.
A bottle-fermented pear cider has been named the best cider in the country at the New Zealand Fruit Wine & Cider Awards in Hawke’s Bay.
Saint Clair has won a gold medal and the trophy for the best wine from New Zealand at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Competition.
A 322% increase in the sale of zero-alcohol beer was seen in the span of a year from June 2020-June 2021, according to the NZ Alcohol Beverages Council.
After 18 months of co-leadership to navigate Covid-19, the new CEO now oversees a broader channel mix at the reshaped coffee wholesaler.
The UK-based distributor is bringing with it Australian functional beverage Shōjō Tonics, with more products in the pipeline.
Agencies DDB Aotearoa & Mango Communications picked up the accolade last night for the memorable promotion of Lion’s Emerson brand.
The company is closing its restaurant and café distribution division as the beverage business seeks to “fine-tune” its focus.
New Zealand’s meat and wine exports have enjoyed a strong September 2021 quarter with the value of the former surging.
The chair of winemaker Delegat Group, Jim Delegat, is moving from the role of executive chairman to executive director from 1 February 2022.
The company built its reputation on beer and cider but a move into spirits has enabled its first foray across the ditch.
Marlborough’s Highfield TerraVin vineyard, cellar door, and restaurant, designed in part by Sir Michael Fowler, is for sale.
Heineken’s DB Breweries has promoted its director of corporate affairs, Matt Wilson, to managing director.
The kombucha maker is set to scale with new leadership, new products, a new factory and a new distributor.
Milk 2.0 has overhauled Natural Abundance’s portfolio and built up distribution after buying the snack company.
Premium mixer company East Imperial has appointed Mark Zonghetti as head of sales for North America.
After 18 months without a chief executive, Coffee Supreme has promoted group commercial director Jesse Newson into the role.
Functional beverage startup Little Elephant Tonics is seeking up to $230,000 in capital to help fund exports to the US and Australia.
Kombucha has been flagged as a strong global growth category for the New Zealand beverage sector.
The Brewers Association of New Zealand has called on the government to freeze excise on beer in Budget 2022 and introduce a new lower rate on keg beer.
Coca-Cola’s Designated Driver programme returns this summer with licensed bars and restaurants across the country invited to sign up for the scheme.
The canned wine exporter launches a multimillion-dollar expansion into North America, after turning the head of supermarket chain Whole Foods.
Tekapo-based Burke’s Brewing has won New Zealand’s best beer accolade for its Unforgiven Porter at the 2021 New Zealand Beer Awards.
The winemaker is bringing forward a multi-million dollar investment into its low and no alcohol range, which has raced ahead of sales forecasts.
Nelson natural drinks company Chia Sisters has completed brand refresh for its entire range of pressed juices, smoothies, sparkling and superfood drinks.
The Auckland-based business is not just launching into Australia, it is entering lockdown-prone Melbourne via foodservice and independent retail.
Villa Maria grape supplier Terra Vitae Vineyards has dipped into the red after what it said was “an extremely difficult growing year,” according to its 2021 annual report.
Actor Sam Neill has put his Gibbston vineyard, The First Paddock, up for sale.
The iconic Kiwi drinks firm looks to increase Australian sales from 25% to 80% of its revenue.
Foley Wines has lined up the purchase of a 55.5-hectare Central Otago pinot noir vineyard to supply grapes to its Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg brand.
Terra Vitae Vineyards says Villa Maria Estate will remain one of its cornerstone shareholders with a 21.89% stake following the completion of its sale to Indevin Group.
Asahi Beverages has appointed PepsiCo ANZ boss Danny Celoni the new chief executive of its Australian brewer, Carlton & United Breweries.
A close-to million dollar investment into a new canning line releases a packaging bottle neck and opens up contract manufacturing opportunities.
There’s a new lager for the vaccine-hesitant, Mars revamps one of its classics, and Horleys jumps on the marine collagen bandwagon.
Pavé clinches the contract to manage New Zealand sales for the plant-milk giant in the fast-growing category.
The business founder on expanding into export, building a global brand, and whether she’d ever sell her non-alcoholic drinks firm to an alcohol company.
New Zealand wines have taken 42 of the 50 placings in the New World Wine Awards Top 50.
Indevin New Zealand has completed its purchase of 100% of the shares of Villa Maria Estate Limited.
Villa Maria was valued at $190m for its sale to Indevin Group in early August.
After a rollercoaster 2020, No Ugly is gearing up for growth undertaking a $2m capital raise as it looks to transition from a functional beverage business to a broader health and wellness company.
The Brewers Association of New Zealand is calling on the government to provide targeted support for hospitality.
The number of commercial distilleries in New Zealand has grown to almost 100, says Spirits New Zealand.
The parent company of Nelson-based food and beverage exporter Kono is looking to fill the newly created role of chief operating officer, instead of recruiting a new chief executive to replace Rachel Taulelei.
Allpress Espresso shareholders Michael and Jane Allpress are winding up their holding company with just over $100m in assets left, mostly in cash.
The Brewers Guild of New Zealand and the Produce Marketing Association Australia New Zealand have brought in new leadership. Melanie Kees has been appointed executive director of the Brewers Guild MORE »
Winemaker Delegat Group says it will invest $29.7m in FY22 to provide earnings growth in the years ahead.
The Kiwi Bottle Drive has launched an ad campaign to encourage the government to immediately implement a beverage container return scheme.
The Otago University Students Association has chadged the date of the The Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival to the weekend of 3 – 4 December 2021.
The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) says it supports moves by global industry partners to put in place safeguards for the use of social influencers.
Kiwi company saveBOARD has secured a A$1.74m grant from the Australian and New South Wales governments to set-up a A$5m facility that will turn packaging waste such as used beverage cartons and coffee cups into building materials.
Nourish Foods (NZ) is recalling Whole Kids brand Smoothie Drops Berry, Banana and Coconut Milk as the product may contain plastic.
The premium mixer business is making major inroads in retail, preparing to put boots on the ground in the US, and is about to go live on Amazon.
Cassels Brewing, Bootleg Food, and Clevedon Buffalo are among the food firms to have their growth initiatives stalled.
Three Sisters Brewery is looking to raise $1.5m to help boost production capacity tenfold, expand its retail network and enter the Australian market.
Beverage maker Pals has picked up two accolades at the 2021 World Beverage Innovation Awards.
The Commerce Commission has warned paper packaging company Glopac New Zealand for making misleading claims about the ability to recycle its hot drink cups.
The company had to airfreight its new paper-recyclable bags to New Zealand after online lockdown sales skyrocketed.
Independent Christchurch brewer Cassels Brewing Co has won the best American-style pale ale accolade at this year’s World Beer Awards.
The nootropics venture is the only NZ startup selected from 375 applicants for Rabobank’s global food and ag innovation programme.
Beverage business Lion New Zealand has been fined $10,000 for breaching the Overseas Investment Act when it bought a South Island leasehold farm in 2017.
The New Zealand division of energy drinks giant Red Bull has appointed Hearts & Science as its new media agency for strategy through to execution across all channels and key platforms.
The Brewers Association of New Zealand has called on the government to allow for refund or remission of excise tax on returned product that is wasted as a result of Covid-19 lockdowns.
Australasian brewer Lion is to reduce the two largest sources of plastic in its packaging – plastic shrink-wrap and plastic labels on beer bottles in Australia.
Internal promotions, arrivals and departures are all in today’s trio of executive food moves.
A former Foodstuffs executive moves to T&G Fresh, Pāmu’s boss jumps ship to Delegat, and an inaugural kiwifruit jv CEO named.
A smaller vintage sees the value of exports drop 3% just as industry achieves its 10-year $2bn goal.
The Otu Estate owner counts the cost of a smaller 2021 harvest and investment into growing its branded wine sales.
Marlborough Wine Estates Group has appointed the Hayward Bros as the UK distributor for its OTU Estate brand.
Delegat Group and Foley Wines both deliver record operational results, despite pandemic disruption.
Cardrona Distillery proudly shows its support of love, diversity and inclusion via vodka; global ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s tops out its tubs; and Invivo toasts its eighth vintage of Graham Norton’s Own Wines.
An increase in beer consumption because of lockdown will not be sustained and overall sales are in decline, says Brewers Association of New Zealand executive director Dylan Firth.
Kombucha company Batchwell raised just over $1m in its equity capital raise, exceeding its minimum target of $700,000.
The Motor Trade Association has expressed its frustration at a rule change made by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment that prevents service stations selling hot drinks and bakery food.
Apple wine and honey tariffs to be slashed, but no particulars yet for the red meat sector.
A long lockdown could play havoc with new product launches, change customer demand patterns and result in distribution delays.
Henry’s Beer Wine and Spirits stores are ramping up their online offer while the bricks and mortar stores remain closed under the Covid-19 alert level 4 lockdown.
DB Breweries’ domestic beer brand manager, Michael McRae, is leaving Heineken after more than four years to go full time on his own venture.
With the foodservice channel shut, manufacturers are looking to supermarkets to pick up the slack.
A New Zealand chef who pioneered the development of avocado milk has teamed up with a buttercup squash grower to develop a new plant-milk destined for export markets in Asia.
With a Foodstuffs deal and imminent entry into Australia, the beverage business says its growth plans are back on track after a patchy start to the year.
A Marlborough organic sauvignon blanc vineyard has been placed on the market for sale.
The distributor scours the world for challenger brands but Covid has made importing harder and more expensive.
Zac Robinson and Angus Brown are preparing for a $5m capital raise to take Ārepa’s nootropic drinks to the world.
Brewers from all over New Zealand are rolling out their wares to the capital to take part in today’s trade show ahead of welcoming 16,000 thirsty punters for the 20th annual two-day Beervana beer festival in Wellington.
DB Breweries says it will cut its carbon emissions by 184 tonnes a year by using a new fleet of electric forklifts.
A team from Canterbury won the New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association inaugural NZ National Wine Tasting Competition.
New Zealand Food & Grocery Council has submitted comments of the regulatory redesign of Animal Products and Wine Regulations respectively.
The Hastings business is expanding into the functional beverage space following a challenging Covid which almost saw it close its doors.
New Plymouth gin distiller want backing for cellar door experience that forms part of new $1m production facility.
Queenstown distiller Broken Heart Spirits has opened what it says is the town’s first ever boutique gin tasting room.
The Melbourne-based business is launching in New Zealand as the fast-growing bubble tea sector continues to expand.
Bootleggers tonic and mixers brand is set to launch into Australia following the appointment of a local sales agent and the securing a contract to supply what it says is the country’s largest liquor retailer.
New Zealand cocktail brand Finery is looking to secure distributors in both New Zealand and Australia as the young company’s network expands through a recent supply deal with Australian liquor retailer Dan Murphy’s.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand is calling for comment on an application to allow an existing enzyme processing aid to be produced from a new genetically modified source.
The New World Wine Awards judging has started in Marlborough, with an independent panel of experts spending three days considering more than 1,100 wine entries.
Hastie is back at the firm he founded 19 years ago, and he has growth on his mind for his tea and biscuit business.
A year on from its purchase of Hop Federation, the Ticker talks to Kono’s CEO about the brewery’s integration, exporting during a pandemic and whether more acquisitions are on the cards.
Emerging Wairarapa winery Alexia hires a distributor to help push into Auckland’s premium on-premises and speciality retail trade.
Frucor Suntory brand V Energy has launched a new campaign about feeling your best self and spreading positive vibes.
The meal kit firm has appointed DB Breweries’ Jo Mitchell to be its chief customer officer.
Functional drinks and an expansion out of beverages are all in the mix for the kombucha company currently raising capital.
The online craft beer delivery service says it has broken through the barrier of being “just another bloody e-commerce business”.
Patsy Bass, co-founder of West Coast spirits powerhouse Reefton Distilling Co, hires two senior executives to lead the company’s drive into export markets.
Frucor Suntory staff have planted 600 native trees near the company’s Wiri distribution centre.
The brewer is making a big move into the no alcohol beer market, which is says will be worth $25bn globally by 2024.
Delegat Group has released its unaudited numbers for the 2021 year, but warned the official numbers are likely to be worse when they come out in late August.
Organic small batch Kombucha maker Batchwell has launched a capital raise with funds set to be ploughed into production capability, portfolio expansion and increased sales and marketing.
Giesen Wines is planning to release its third 0% wine – a Rosé – following the launch of its Pinot Gris this month and Sauvignon Blanc last year.
The London-listed beverage business is planning to shake up other mixer categories in New Zealand.
Functional food startup Soochi plans to pioneer a ‘prejuvenation’ drinks category in Asia Pacific after hitting two milestones this month: signing off seed funding and launching into Foodstuffs supermarkets.
New Carrick Winery owners Tony and Alison Cleland say they aim to rebuild the brand and make it a winery destination for locals as well as visitors from further afield.
DB Breweries has appointed creative agency Motion Sickness to manage all creative for its social channels.
The abrupt cancellation of a large order destined for Australia hasn’t dampened the brewer’s spirits.
Lisa King’s non-alcoholic drinks company AF Drinks has teamed up with Air New Zealand for Dry July.
Lion reveals 2020 sustainability scorecard and commits to action on value chain carbon emissions.
Auckland-based premium mixer company East Imperial is set to list on the London Stock Exchange after a reverse takeover which values it at almost $60m.
New Zealand secured its place in the 10 best wines of the International Wine Challenge 2021 with the Valli Pinot Noir Gibbston Vineyard 2019 from Central Otago claiming the IWC Sustainable Trophy.
Vendor applications are now open for the Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival which takes place this October.
The 2021 Women in Wine NZ Mentoring Programme has kicked off, seeing eleven women wine industry mentors working paired with up-and-comers for six months.
The Australian distiller aims to be stocked in 300 NZ outlets by the end of the year with more staff and an office planned.
Hastings Distillers has unveiled a new, ‘super premium’ tasting experience now available at its Heretaunga Street tasting room.
Wellington startup Marama Labs is charting a course for global growth after raising $1.25m for its winemaking technology.
Entrepreneur Lisa King’s non-alcoholic drinks company has secured shelf space in Countdowns across the country.
The Flying Winemaker group has signed a distribution deal which will see its wine sold in foodservice outlets across Mainland China.
Kiwi companies including Reefton Distilling Co and Elemental Distillers took home nine out the fourteen trophies doled out at the the third annual New Zealand Spirits Awards.
“We’re right on the cusp of growth which is always a challenging time to navigate,” says new GM Bonnie Slade.
The brewer is ditching its retail beer bottles in favour of cans alongside a plan to lift production by almost half.
As lockdown restrictions ease across the globe, the Ticker talks to NZX-listed Cooks Global Foods about the relaunch of its expansion plans.
A small Southland dairy operator has taken a leaf out of the Lewis Road’s play book teaming up with boutique chocolate and coffee companies to push into the flavoured milk category.
The Wellington-based beverage company completes a “milestone” launch in Japan, with more countries to follow.
The craft beer company that suffered commercially from racist comments made by its former owner has rebranded in an effort to revive flagging sales.
Agribusiness Scales Corporation has confirmed it has walked away from any potential purchase of NZ winemaker Villa Maria Estates.
Entries close on Friday 2 July and judging will take place in Marlborough in late July before the results are announced later in the year.
Hawke’s Bay winery Sacred Hill has been placed on the market by its receivers.
Alcohol-free distilled spirit company Ecology & Co has this week launched its first premixed drink. The company, which traditionally sells 700ml bottles of its London Dry and Asian Spice spirits MORE »
Johnnie Walker has teamed up with Six Barrel Soda on a new range of whiskey highball syrup mixers.
A smaller than hoped for 2021 harvest means many New Zealand wineries will face tough decisions over who they can supply in their key markets, according to NZ Wine.
Yealands chief winemaker Nat Christensen has echoed his peers reporting on a challenging 2021 harvest alongside expectations of a stellar vintage.
Six Barrel Soda Co is driving into Australia with a new strategy to double sales and its retail footprint across the ditch by mid-2023.
Asahi Beverages Oceania says it holds 14% of New Zealand’s total alcohol market by value.
After a smaller than usual harvest this year, family-owned winemaker Babich said New Zealand winemakers are excited about the excellent fruit and wine quality, though careful management of inventory is required to meet escalating global demand.
Zeffer Cider has apologised to customers after an “isolated error” led some of its alcoholic cider to be packaged in non-alcoholic packaging and put on sale.
Zeffer Brewing Ltd is recalling specific batches of its 4-pack Zeffer Cider Co brand 0% Alcohol Crisp Apple Cider.
Master franchiser and food distributor Cooks Global Foods was pushed further into the red in the year to 31 March posting a net loss of $2.8m – up from $0.2m last year – as Covid took its toll on international operations.
Queenstown distillery Broken Heart Spirits is celebrating the region’s resilience with an exclusive Queenstown Edition Gin.
Dionysus Investments says it is at the start of an ‘ultra premium’ Asia strategy.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand has released a public consultation paper on proposed changes to the regulation of electrolyte drinks.
Australia’s Joval Wine Group is set to expand its Nanny Goat vineyard in Central Otago after being cleared to buy a $1.05m neighbouring property by the Overseas Investment Office.
Wine business Dionysus Investments, which owns the Messenger, Mutu and Moana Park Estate brands, has poached two marketing specialists from The Warehouse Group to expand its Auckland team.
Gilmours has selected its top 20 global wine varieties available in New Zealand for its inaugural International Wine Competition kicking off this week.
New Zealand Food Safety is reviewing how wine for export is determined to be free from obvious fault.
The Christchurch-based brewer is mulling selling a stake to private equity investors to help drive expansion.
A soil health field day is to be hosted on 2 June in Marlborough to provide a forum for grape producers and those involved in the viticulture industry to look at how to get back up to speed after a poor-yielding 2021 harvest.
The Swedish oat milk company has become the latest plant-based IPO sensation in the US.
North Canterbury’s Terrace Edge has won the Organic Winery of the Year award at the annual Organic Wine Awards.
While a new drinks product appears seemingly every week, Asahi turned to quality to enter a fresh market.
The company which owns well-known wine business Villa Maria has been placed into receivership.
Two beverage companies have been recognised in Human Resources Director’s New Zealand’s Employer of Choice 2021 awards.
Young Kiwi drinks company Pals expands its push into Australia after rapid growth in New Zealand.
Stuart Irvine to stand down after more than eight years at the helm of drinks
Former Fonterra sales director will head up non-alcoholic business arm in NZ.
Good George has released a limited edition English Pale Ale to celebrate one million litres poured at the Green Dragon Inn on Hobbiton Movie Set in Waikato.
Listed Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has set a date to complete the spin-off of Endeavour Group, its drinks and hospitality business – a move first mooted back in July 2019.
Nestlé’s Launch of Wunda pea milk in Europe follows Coca-Cola expanding into oat milk in the US.
Foley Wines has added its voice to the chorus of winemakers reporting poor harvest results with close to a 30% decrease on last year.
Seven first-time winners from around the regions have made this year’s prestigious Top 30 list in the 2021 New World Beer & Cider Awards.
The Hawke’s Bay cider company has partnered with the airline to become the exclusive cider on all flights.
The Japanese drinks giant says it’s impressed by the coffee maker’s premium brand and the two firms are “a great fit”.
Terra Vitae takes “some consolidation” that it was at the lower end of the 20% to 50% hit taken across the wider industry.
A shift in social attitudes to drinking is contributing to people being more moderate and responsible, says the New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council.
An investment bank has been appointed to marshal growing investor interest in the $50m Southland venture.
The Blenheim business took out the wine industry category at the 2021 Cawthron Marlborough Environment Awards.
Relative newcomers rub shoulder with FMCG stalwarts in the inaugural rankings.
The programme was developed following conversations with the New Zealand Winegrowers to identify skills needed in the industry.
The beer producer sets itself new sustainability targets as it builds on its ambition to halve its emissions by 2030.
Frucor Suntory has agreed with Auckland Council to clean up a section of the Puhinui stream behind the company’s distribution centre in Wiri for a year.
The group says the vintage would deliver “excellent quality wines” for its brands.
Treasury Wine Estates has been named as one of the top companies to work in Australia and New Zealand.
Wineries will have to pick and choose who to supply as the smaller vintage compounds already low stock levels.
“The Government has invested 18 months of work into figuring out how a container return scheme would work, but unfortunately vested industry groups are pushing hard to exclude glass from the scheme.”
A year on from taking the helm of Frucor Suntory, chief executive Darren Fullerton talks about the greatest opportunity for the FMCG giant, long-term planning and building resilience.
A poor harvest is set to put a dent in Marlborough Wine Estates’ performance this year.
Former world discus champion Beatrice Faumuina is a new brand ambassador to the Just Life Group.
The funding will see the functional drink company deep dive into indigenous ingredients.
WineWorks is now a certified Toitū carbonzero business.
Exporters can grow sectors such as wine or explore new opportunities for peanut butter or ice cream, says a new report.
Eight of New Zealand’s top breweries are selling a limited edition range of beers brewed using freshly-picked hops.
The estate is well known for its Pinot Noir, Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Gris wines.
There is opportunity for faster growth, according to the Organic Sector Market Report 2020/21.
For the third consecutive year, the growth in sales of plant-based meat, dairy and eggs in the US outpaced conventional animal product sales.
New Zealand food tech company Ārepa has clinched a deal to supply its smart drinks to BP petrol stations.
Women entrepreneurs are increasingly entering the wine industry, a traditionally masculine domain.
New product being sold in Farro Fresh stores in Auckland and select New World’s around the country.
DB Breweries has overhauled the packaging of its Export beer brand as it works towards a goal of halving its carbon footprint by 2030.
A variety of rare vintage wines will be up for auction, as Jing Song from Crown Range Cellars puts wine from her personal cellar on the block.
Terra Vitae Vineyards is reassuring shareholders not to worry about speculation Villa Maria Estate Limited may be bought.
Reducing waste, carbon emissions, water usage, sugar and non-recyclable packaging form the backbone of Frucor Suntory’s ten-year sustainability plans.
An aggressive growth strategy underpins the kombucha maker’s forecast 325% jump in annual revenue.
The agribusiness confirms it is in the running to buy Villa Maria in what would be its first foray into wine.
Wānaka’s inaugural food and wine festival Ripe drew 2000 festival goers on Sunday 21 March at Corbridge Woolshed.
The fast-growing Nelson juice company has been certified as the highest-scoring B Corp in New Zealand.
Wine maker Giesen has refreshed its brand, with an updated updated crest and new packaging.
Villa Maria Estate has appointed Winebow Imports its new exclusive import representative in the US.
Leading NZ food founders launch a new collective to grow the domestic food tech industry with an eye on long-term food stability.
Former head of customer & commercial, Julie O’Toole, takes up a new role.
The Brewers Association of New Zealand is calling on the Government to half the rate of excise tax paid on kegs.
Neuroscientist professor Andrew Scholey has joined New Zealand brain food company Ärepa to lead its 2021 research programme.
But the company says it is “delighted” to raise $1.34m, despite a deeply discounted SPP.
Tania Bui is the new brand director of CSD PepsiCo brands Pepsi Max, Pepsi, Mountain Dew and 7UP.
The number of vineyard sales almost doubled compared to 2019, says the agent.
There was a substantial increase in the amount of alcohol on the shelves in the second half of 2020, according to Stats NZ.
Marlborough wine producer Lawson’s Dry Hill has achieved carbon zero status.
Last year’s record wine result was in contrast to falls in each of the previous two years.
Fonterra has lifted the bottom end of its 2021 forecast earnings guidance and narrowed the range to 25-35 cents per share, from 20-35 cents per share.
Strong global sales growth saw the winemaker’s interim profit leap 31% in a record-breaking run to the end of 2020.
US billionaire Bill Foley’s Kiwi company suffers sales falls in its largest overseas markets.
The Brewers Association has released its 2021 beer style guidelines, with NZ-style Pale Ale a new addition.
The wine company says it is looking to raise the new funding to progress growth opportunities in NZ.
Frucor Suntory has introduced cardboard packaging to multipacks of Pepsi, Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew and 7UP.
The company is jettisoning its eponymous brewing business to focus on its hospitality division under the new name Savor.
Craft beer company BrewDog will expand into New Zealand with the search underway for its first craft beer bar site.
Freeman intends to relocate to Australia with his family but will remain with Delegat until late March.
Researchers are calling for the government to intervene, and say industry pledges are not enough.
It comes after the wine firm had its first-ever profitable year as an NZX listed company.
The dental association says the beverage company is encouraging mums to share the drink with their babies.
The Motueka-based beverage firm is releasing a limited edition of three of its drinks.
Queenstown-based Impact Escapes has launched a tea company, after Covid-19 put a halt to its tour business.
Parkers and Adashiko jv to “rejuvenate the premium bottled water industry”
Clarke is known throughout the industry both internationally and locally.
The Auckland brewer only launched its capital raise on Snowball Effect last Monday.
Drew Fairnham has worked in the F&B industry for a number of years.
The government sets supplier diversity target for its $42bn goods and services budget.
Vandita Pandey has held various positions at snack firm Frito-Lay in the US.
Queenstown-based Wayfare is selling its brewing interests to local restauranteurs.
The search for some of New Zealand’s best alcoholic brews has begun.
The industry supported more than 7000 jobs and paid $470m in annual wages, says NZIER.
Moa Group Limited has reported an after tax loss of $415,000 for the six months to 30 September 2020.
The organic winery has been put up for sale by its receivers.
House of Fine Foods Ltd is recalling all batches and all dates of its Higher Living Organic brand Green Tea Hemp.
Wine Monster was founded by the team behind craft beer subscription service Beer Hug.
Online growth and investment in technology and sales teams also helped the winemaker to a record year.
New research will look into how effective the supplement is.
NZ’s retail sector is on the road to recovery, according to the latest figures from Stats NZ.
The business was bought by Hawke’s Bay’s Parkers Beverages earlier this year.
Construction has started on The Old Winery, home to Foley Wines.
The Renwick wine trail is in its final stages of construction.
The redevelopment has been split into two stages, including a brewery and winery.
It’s being held in March next year at Spark Arena.
Waikato wine company Invivo & Co has scooped two awards in the TVNZ-New Zealand Marketing Awards 2020.
The awards took place in Auckland on Wednesday night.
Family-owned Babich Wines has thrown its support behind the Made with Care campaign.
Brothers Beer co-founder Andrew Larsen has teamed up with two former Air New Zealand employees to open a new micro-brewery and beer garden in Auckland’s Ponsonby.
Villa Maria Estate is selling off 31 hectares of land in Māngere to raise funds for global expansion.
The wine and gin maker has announced Mark Darrow as its new chair.
The two Kiwi brands have released two new chocolate beer flavours.
A digital food and beverage directory has won an award for the way it assisted the hospitality sector during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Zealong Tea Estate and Meyer Cheese have created a so-called world first tea-infused cheese.
A Speight’s commercial has swept up a number of prizes at the Effies.
The Dunedin-based star helps winemakers automate the fermentation analysis process.
One of the company’s radio stations was found to breach the Broadcasting Standards Authority.
Last year its vineyards produced 17% below the winemaker’s budgeted target.
New Zealand wine exports continue to perform strongly, increasing by 10.7% in the eight months to August.
Clearview Estate Winery’s 2019 Beachhead Chardonnay has taken the top trophy.
Terra Vitae Vineyards’ traded at an operating profit of $1.16m for the year ended June 2020.
NZTE has launched a new global campaign to showcase the country’s food and beverage industry.
Marlborough Wine Estates has posted its first-ever profitable year as an NZX listed company.
The 17th OpenAir Cinema season will start on 27 December 2020 at Black Barn Vineyards in Havelock North.
Villa Maria Estate has developed New Zealand’s first wine-based seltzer, launching later this month.
Reefton Distilling Co has scooped five awards at The Junipers.
Two apple orchards and a food and beverage company are set to benefit from a $4.1m Provincial Growth Fund investment in the Hawke’s Bay.
A Marlborough winery has been awarded the only gold medal across all New Zealand wine categories.
A series of beer tastings from local brewers will be on offer at Wellington Airport from this week through until Beervana weekend on November 20. Visitors to Wellington Airport would MORE »
Marlborough winemaker Lawson’s Dry Hills has won a number of gold medals at the New Zealand International Wine Show.
Palliser Estate Wines says its FY20 results were better than expected, despite numerous Covid-19 impacts.
The 2020 New World Wine Awards Top 50 list under $25 has been announced, with sparkling wines emerging as the big winners and latest consumer trend.
PepsiCo New Zealand has named Daniel Engeman its new general manager.
California-based Gallo Winery has bought New Zealand wine brand Nobilo for $202m from US owner Constellation Brands. Gallo Winery is one of the largest family-owned wineries in the world with MORE »
Wine maker Delegat Group has lifted its expectations of the size of its grape harvest and increased revenue. The good news has boosted the share price to a high of MORE »
