Beverage

Consumer spending patterns were mixed in the first full week of December, with pre-Christmas shopping up for food and liquor, but down across most other retail sectors, says Worldline New Zealand.

Foodstuffs Own Brands is recalling a specific batch of its Value brand lemonade flavoured soft drink due to the presence of phenylalanine.

Oat milk and banana company All Good has hit its minimum fundraise target with 12 days to go.

Craft beer importer and distributor Beertique NZ has gone into liquidation to become the latest casualty in the sector, which is suffering from rising costs and falling demand.

A ‘for sale’ sign has been hoisted over Waiheke Island’s Tantalus Estate Vineyard, following a challenging pandemic.

Cooks Coffee has been pushed into the red in the half year after taking a $4.8m impairment against the investment made into its shuttered Triple Two brand.

Central Otago’s Monte Christo Winery is now open to the public.

The highest-ranked entry from New Zealand’s food and beverage industry in this year’s Deloitte Fast 50 is beverage brand Ārepa.

Ready-to-drink beverage brand Pals has walked away with a commended accolade at the 21st World Beverage Innovation Awards.

The celebrity chef and Carlos Bagrie’s Royalburn Station partners with the Wellington brewing institution to launch a new beer.

Pōkeno Whisky has appointed specialist liquor distributor Tickety-Boo Liquor to help build its presence across the domestic on-trade market.

Diversified wine business AFC Group says a 27% drop in revenue to $489,000 in its interim results was mainly due to a decline in overseas wine sales.

DB Breweries has completed the construction of its on-site wastewater treatment facility at its Timaru brewery.

Sales volumes as supermarket and grocery stores lifted 1.7% to $6.68bn in the September 2023 quarter compared with the June 2023 quarter, according to Stats NZ’s latest retail trade survey.

Some 21 delegates from Coca-Cola Europacific Partners represented the business at the annual One Young World Summit in Belfast, Ireland, last month.

A new wine festival in Hastings next year will incorporate masterclasses and experiences into the one-day event.

Wine and gin maker Invivo has raised more than $1m in its current capital raise.

Four pioneers of the Marlborough wine industry have been presented with Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Awards at a celebration dinner in Blenheim.

Foley Wines chief executive Mark Turnbull says the company has come off the back of a record year to face uncertain trading conditions.

Shareholders are stumping up cash to pay creditors and enable the Hawke’s Bay drinks business to continue trading.

The lawsuit is believed to be among the first by a US state to target a major plastics producer.

Wine company Delegate Group is now expecting slower sales than last year, forecasting case sales of 3,614,000 cases for the 2024 year, down 1.7% on last year and 5.5% on previous guidance.

Queenstown’s Broken Heart Spirits distillery has launched what is says is the country’s first fully recyclable eco-refill pouches.

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park will return in 2023 for what will be its 29th year, having started in 1994.

Pals and Geisen have been shortlisted in FoodBev’s prestigious World Beverage Innovation Awards.

The founder of $100m beauty bar business Ethique has shifted her focus from waste reduction in the cosmetics industry to the $1.44tn global drinks industry.

The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council is woking on a number of actions to prevent underage drinking inline with the International Alliance for Responsible Drinking.

NIQ’s annual Breakthrough Innovation report took in NZ for the first time this year, so which Kiwi brands have been named innovation leaders?

Yeast supplier Froth Technologies has successfully raised its target of $10,000 to support the development of a range of home brew yeast pouches.

The Coffee Club franchise brand has won a trio of gongs at the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards 2023.

Again Again is continuing its circular economy drive joining with 36 New Zealand retailers and breweries including DB and Lion for its latest packaging push.

Beervana will return to Wellington’s Sky Stadium on 23 and 24 August 2024.

Heineken has joined forces with geneticist Andrew Shelling to develop a taste kit that allows beer enthusiasts to understand the science behind their flavour preferences.

Contact Energy is looking at establishing food grade carbon dioxide supply via an adaption at its Ohaaki geothermal site near Taupō.

The New Zealand beverage business behind Ch’i drinks has defended its trademark territory against a Singaporean food company – with partial success.

Cooks Coffee is to liquidate its Triple Two coffee franchise business, according to a note on UK’s Companies House which confirmed a voluntary liquidator had been appointed.

Alena Kamper from Sacred Hill in Hawke’s Bay has been named the 2023 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year.

Co-founder Angus Brown says the beverage business has not been clear enough about the way it has worded its health claims.

Tapping into the average person’s concerns over the environment may help spur collective action and beer could be a good test.

Wine company Cloudy Bay is adding to its Marlborough landholdings, with the proposed purchase of a vineyard and land in the region.

Almighty has crossed the $600k minimum raise target set for its current capital raise.

Deep Creek Brewing Operations has gone into liquidation, with Derek Ah Sam and Paul Vlasic from Rodgers Reidy appointed liquidators today.

A total of 46 gold medals have been handed out to wines of all varieties at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show.

Rutherford & Meyer put a twist on a classic, Paddy Gower and Karen O’Leary get involved in NPD, and a Garage Project cult favourite gets a spicy makeover.

Consumer NZ found price doesn’t always equate to quality when it comes to instant coffee, after its staff blind-taste tested nine instant coffee brands.

The Regional Strategic Partnership Fund has backed dozens of projects since it was launched – how has the food system fared?

Kāpiti Coast District Council has injected $50,000 towards progressing local food and beverage economic opportunities via a grant to The Bond Store.

Two food system-related capital raises are entering their final days this week.

Stats NZ will provide more in-depth monthly inflation data on categories such as alcoholic beverages, fuel and travel.

Over 550 wines are to be tasted over the coming days as judges get to work at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by QuayConnect.

A refill and reuse model is one of the best ways food and beverage businesses can start tackling sustainability, says NZTE head of sustainability Florence Van Dyke.

The NZ product traceability company lands a second major coffee contract.

Its a drinks-heavy line-up led by the latest from Hendrick’s Gin, a seasonal release from Hop Federation, and Pals departs from pastels.

The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council has come out in support of a group of Wellington bar owners who have joined together to fight against what they call unfair treatment by liquor licence agencies.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand says it has achieved the Advanced GenderTick Accreditation and closed its gender pay gap to 0%.

Ārepa is making strides across Australasia, driving into convenience with two recent account wins across the ditch after adding country managers for the two respective territories.

Shareholders in troubled craft brewer Brothers Beer have agreed to support a restructuring of the group, which will see them make a $1m equity injection.

A bumper harvest did not translate into a bumper profit for grape grower, which nonetheless delivered a solid performance in a year disrupted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The annual list recognises companies that built connections with their audiences and made an impact on their customers.

New World has named its top 50 wines under $25 following its annual wine awards which attracted more than 1,200 entries.

A line-up of limited editions and summer specials from Rebel Bakehouse, Wellington Chocolate Factory, Coca-Cola Oceania, DB Breweries, and Good Sh*t Soda.

The Tasman brewer is the latest food and beverage firm to look for external capital as it looks to accelerate its growth.

The international owner of the Bloom gin brand has failed in a challenge to an individual, Gewei Zhang, registration of the trade mark “Bloomfield” for wine.

Port Nelson has delivered a net profit after tax result of $7.7m for the year to June 2023, helped by record apple and wine exports.

The oat milk and banana business hits the fundraising trail for a one-off capital injection to support an export drive.

The Christchurch craft brewer teams up with Auckland peer to form a strategic sales and distribution partnership for the North Island.

Central Otago hospitality business Monteith’s Brewery Bar in Alexandra has been put up for sale.

With summer around the corner, Heineken goes low-carb, Asahi collabs on a Major Major flavour, Six Barrel Soda’s feel-good vibes, and KFC gets into jewellery.

The Oyster Bay owner is ploughing hundred of millions of dollars into asset growth as it works towards a goal case sales of more than four million by 2026.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand has achieved PAS2060 carbon neutral certification for its water bottling facility in the South Waikato town of Putāruru.

After a post-Covid bounce, the UK coffee chain franchise lost momentum, says Cooks Coffee, which is pushing on with its other brand Esquires.

Zero-alcohol products do not cause the physical harms associated with alcohol, but they are not without risk, according to new research from Monash University.

Allpress gets in on the iced coffee game, Dilmah goes for flavoured iced tea, Pete’s Natural collabs for kids, Whittaker’s pumps out two limited editions, and Eta has a fundraising collab.

Supreme Coffee is overhauling the former South Town Club cafe in Christchurch.

Global drinks company Pernod Ricard is revisiting a potential sale of its Australian and New Zealand wine brands – a divestment it explored in 2019.

Sprig + Fern Brewing Co owner and master brewer, Tracy Banner, has marked forty years in the brewing industry.

Almighty has extended the time span of its capital raise being undertaken via Snowball Effect.

Pure Delish rolls out its wellness range, Ferrero launches a novel Tic Tac, State of Play mixes it up, and an experimental offering from Six Barrel Soda.

The Thai-owned global drinks business snaps up NZ premium spirits producer Cardrona Distillery for an undisclosed sum.

Simon Limmer has been confirmed as the new boss of wine business Indevin Group just days after announcing his resignation from being chief executive of Silver Fern Farms.

New Zealand boutique gin distiller Vicar’s Son Gin has won the trophy for Best Contemporary Gin at the Australian Gin Awards.

Nespresso brings back its limited-edition seasonal flavour, Mondelez refreshes its Cadbury Roses, and Sealord adds to its foodservice offering.

The New Zealand wine industry is taking stock of the current roles and skills across the sector to identify workforce gaps and plan for the future needs of the industry.

A new list of the world’s richest food and beverage billionaires has been published, with China’s Zhong Shanshan topping it.

The sale of a seaweed tonic with little or no branding has raised a red flag with New Zealand Food Safety.

Cloudy Bay Vineyards is extending one of its Malborough vineyards with the purchase of a leasehold interest in 12.9 ha of land located at 440 Old Renwick Road, Rapaura.

The global giant was given a brand value of US$22.4bn in the Food & Drink 2023 report, up 8% from last year when it was also top dog.

CEO Andrew Low on the coffee company’s ambitions and the opportunities to expand overseas.

The juice company’s CEO on its $30m bet and the opportunities being explored for its two major brands, The Apple Press and Boring Oat Milk.

Marlborough Wine Estates has followed its peers in growing its export sales, as well as seeing its bottom line shrink at the hands of rising costs.

Cassels Brewing Co Milk Stout has held onto the title of World’s Best Milk Stout at the World Beer Awards 2023 in London.

The winemaker reports strong growth in revenue and eyes further opportunities in the US, particularly for Oyster Bay.

Griffin’s launches a limited edition Eta offer, Wattie’s enters a new category, Asahi adds an RTD, and Krispy Kreme revives the doggo doughnut.

Alcohol sector stakeholders say the passing of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Bill could be devastating for breweries and tap rooms across New Zealand.

Bill Foley’s wine company says paying a dividend on top of $10m capex would expose the business to debt “at a time of extremely high costs of borrowing”.

Frucor Suntory’s adoption of SAP’s Business Technology Platform has driven a 13% increase in staff productivity and 3% increase in sales revenue, according to the technology company.

Clarity Distilling Company’s Clarity Dry Gin secured the Best in Class trophy and a gold medal at the recent Junipers NZ Gin Awards.

Brain food brand Ārepa adds newly-released results from a study of athletes, air pollution, and peak performance to its science arsenal

The Homegrown Juice Co is recalling a specific batch of its raw kombucha due to the possible presence glass pieces inside the bottle.

Five finalists from around the country will take part in the 2023 Young Viticulturist of the Year national final next week.

Beverage brand Almighty has opened what is its first public capital raise.

Treasury Wine Estates has entered into a contract to purchase vineyard assets in Australia and New Zealand for approximately A$50m ($54m), according to its annual report.

Beverage brand banks $400k, while the vertical farming venture has five more days to reach its $1.5m target, and potentially another $3m in oversubscriptions.

The country’s largest dedicated coffee chain, Columbus Coffee, is the latest brand to sign the Australia-New Zealand Better Chicken Commitment for its 75 café locations.

An extra $20m in sales was not enough to offset a frothy increase in expenses at the Heineken subsidiary.

The Brewers Association of New Zealand, Brewers Guild of New Zealand and Hospitality New Zealand have jointly called on the government to freeze excise on beer in 2023 and introduce a new lower rate on keg beer.

The Auckland beverage business lands its largest contract to date, entering hundreds of stores in Australia.

Craft beer brand Tuatara is the latest brewer to ditch glass bottles and make the switch entirely to cans.

Auckland craft brewing and hospitality company Brothers Beer has been placed in voluntary administration after being unable to shake off the impacts of Covid-19.

Crimson Badger Brewing has signed a domestic distribution agreement with Federal Merchants & Co.

Warkworth’s 8 Wired Brewing took out the top gongs at this year’s New Zealand Beer Awards, hosted by Brewers Guild New Zealand.

Invivo Wines has landed contracts to supply America Airlines for its international premier and business class flights, and Delta Airlines across the United States.

Scapegrace Distilling Co has been awarded a master medal at the 2023 The World Whisky Masters.

The 30th annual Toast Martinborough is expected to attract 100,000 people in November.

Suntory Oceania brings together spirits and alcoholic RTD business Beam Suntory with Frucor Suntory by 2025 in Australia and 2026 in NZ.

CCEP is vowing to “launch new scalable offerings” to stake an ongoing claim on the alcohol segment after it loses its valuable Beam Suntory business.

Auckland company Grey Lynn Gin has gone into liquidation citing slowing demand and the increase in the alcohol excise tax for the reasons.

Fonterra’s B2B ingredients division, New Zealand Milk Products, has launched a new tool that aims to enable customers too quickly and effectively compare ingredients suitable for their specific needs.

A new beverage brand produced by a mother and son duo is riding the highs and lows of a startup life, including negotiating a Cyclone Gabrielle curveball.

All packaged alcoholic drinks sold in stores must from today, 1 August 2023, carry labels warning that alcohol can cause harm to unborn babies.

The specialist manufacturer that has helped leading coffee brands including Supreme and Havana develop their coffee-in-a-can concepts is brewing up a fundraise.

Some 125 New Zealand wineries are in the running to be selected for Air New Zealand’s business premier cabins and some lounges.

Almighty delivers a twist on a classic, First Light Meats enters a new category, and Krispy Kreme partners with Cookie Time for doughnut indulgence.

Marlborough-based wine producer Giesen has added two international awards for its 0% wine range to its trophy cabinet.

Nelson’s Sprig + Fern Brewing Co says it will not put prices up despite the government’s recent increase in alcohol excise tax.

The sale of brands developed in NZ and Australia results in a big windfall for the Kiwi division of the Coca-Cola bottler.

Frucor Suntory is tinkering with the formulation of V Green and overhauling its packaging following extensive market research.

A number of large and small food and beverage firms have been listed as creditors of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts.

Epic Brewing has gone into liquidation, with a sale process launched today.

Love it or hate it, we are all responsible for the rise of US canned water brand Liquid Death, according to The Future Market’s Mike Lee.

The NZ-founded drinks brand is raising funds for a drive into the US and Asia.

Some of our cultural conceptions of wine, including its authenticity, actually stem from the commercial nature of the product, says Université du Québec à Montréal’s Vincent Fournier.

The founder of Sri Lankan tea company Dilmah has died, aged 93.

How the small Kiwi venture landed the backing of the world’s number two producer of wines and spirits, and how it will help drive growth.

New backers join the NoLo beverage business ahead of a capital raise to support Australasian expansion.

New Zealand single malt whisky distillery Pōkeno Whisky is claiming a world first with its latest product launch – a single malt matured in totara barrels.

Edible tableware manufacturer Twiice is making moves in Australia.

The spirits producer dusts off the Rogue Society label to take on the mass-market international brands that dominate the NZ market.

Felton Road vineyard supervisor, Nina Downer, has been named Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2023 for the second year running.

Chobani x Countdown x All Blacks = limited edition, Meyer Cheese marks Matariki, Frucor Suntory expands The Real McCoy, and Six Barrel’s latest experiment.

Australian non-alcoholic spirits maker Lyre’s has announced the closure of its latest strategic funding round, raising A$34.5m.

The beverage brand is looking for up to $1m capital, which it says will be used to accelerate growth and capitalise on current market momentum. 

The popular sweetener aspartame could be classified as a possible carcinogen by WHO – but there’s no cause for panic, according to Gunter Kuhnle of the University of Reading.

The total value of New Zealand wine industry exports for the year to May 2023 was $2.4bn, up 25% on 2022, according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

Northland’s first Brew of Islands beer festival will be held in Kerikeri this month with an array of food, brews and drinks for locals and visitors.

The Coffee Club and chicken restaurant chain Bird On A Wire are the latest big names to sign the Australia-New Zealand Better Chicken Commitment. 

Lion Group has taken over the remaining 50% of leading Australian spirits brand Four Pillars Gin and will soon control distribution in New Zealand.

Chobani launches two new ranges, Sprig & Fern’s limited edition with a new hop varietal, DB’s Odd Company looks for company, and AF Drinks’ 31-pack is back.

The drinks business tells the Ticker it has ambitious growth plans for its health and functional beverage products.

Wellbeing is proving to be a “massive opportunity” for food and beverage and businesses must find ways to unlock it or miss out on potential profit, an industry audience has heard.

Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirit Co is backing the Dry July New Zealand Trust for the second year in a row.

Marlborough Wine Estates Group has completed the 2023 vintage with volumes up 1.7% on the 2022 vintage and in-line with pre-vintage expectations for the 2023 vintage.

The Australian distiller is cutting prices for consumers while increasing margin for its on and off-premises partners in the pursuit of global growth in a stratifying sector.

The NZ drinks business falls to a $38m loss after racking up costs associated with its exit from the chilled juice category.

A newish non-alcoholic craft beer importer and distributor is finding his first mover advantage is being lost to local producers.

NZ Brewers Fest 2023 is taking place at Upper Hutt’s Brewtown on Saturday 14 October.

When it comes to F&B, what is the most important – brand, taste or price? Four beverage experts including Karma’s Chris Morrison give their views.

Foley Wines says the harvest for its 2023 vintage totals 8,137 tonnes across its Marlborough, Martinborough and Mt Difficulty wineries, a 12% decrease from the previous year.

The company tells the Ticker that it has been going through a period of restructuring.

Lisa King’s AF Drinks is starting an “exciting new chapter” after attracting the attention of global drinks giant Pernod Ricard.

Hospitality New Zealand is calling for the government to take a second look at the potential ramifications if the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Bill becomes law.

The company has sold the US and Canadian operations connected to Michael Erceg’s Independent Liquor.

Robert Iervasi is stepping down from his role as group CEO Oceania after 16 years with the group.

New Zealand’s drinks industry is converging on Auckland on Thursday for the annual New Zealand Beverage Council conference.

New Zealand’s Dr John Barker has been elected as the Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine – the first time anyone from the Southern Hemisphere has held this position.

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The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (Community Participation) Bill could be a major blow to the country’s wine tourism, says New Zealand Winegrowers.

Entries are now open for the 2023 New World Wine Awards, kicking off the 21st annual search for the top drops under $25.

The craft beer brewer secures a significant contract across the ditch and also strikes a deal to finally allow it to use its Behemoth brand in that market.

New Zealand Hops has paid tribute to “one of their industry’s finest leaders”, Tom Inglis, who passed away on 5 June 2023.

The West Coast distiller has signed a three-year supply contract with the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

A trifecta of free-from innovation this week, with alt dairy from Goodfood Group’s Veesey brand, and 0% beer from State of Play and Asahi, as well as WCF’s new classic.

The government and alcohol industry representatives have joined the chorus of international stakeholders questioning Ireland’s plan to introduce comprehensive health labelling of alcohol products.

Auckland-based international coffee cafe chain Cooks Coffee has reported a preliminary net loss before tax of $3.2m for the year to 31 March 2023, down from last year’s $0.34m profit.

CEO Tiffani Graydon says the company now has its own brand in 350 Tesco stores, as it transitions from supplying overseas retailers with wine for private label.

A second steep increase in beer tax is forecast to stifle investment, innovation and growth and potentially put some brewers out of business.

Nada Piatek’s reusable takeaway cup venture branches out from coffee to team up with Garage Project in a trial targeting the craft beer industry.

Nelson’s Sprig + Fern Brewing Co saw four of its beers find success at the Australian International Beer Awards, which were held in Melbourne last week.

“We believe it’s just a matter of time before we’re the leader in the energy drink category” – the brain food brand throws the gauntlet down to V Energy and Red Bull.

Todd Energy’s CO2 production plant at Kapuni in Taranaki is expected to return to full capacity from next Thursday 1 June.

The New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council has welcomed new University of Otago research that shows youth drinking has declined.

SkyCity is opening New Zealand’s highest bar in partnership with champagne brand Moët & Chandon.

The most effective way to shrink Coca-Cola’s refrigeration emissions may be to shift away from its relentless pursuit to make a Coke within “an arm’s reach of desire”.

Well-known charity, Keep New Zealand Beautiful, is expanding its water education programme, Upstream Battle, from 90 to more than 200 schools nationwide.

Hawke’s Bay is now the 12th Great Wine Capital of the world, putting it amongst world leaders such as Bordeaux in France and Bilbao in Spain.

A raft of new names hailing from small, remote and in one case not even commercial breweries have made it into this year’s New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30.

Entries have opened for the prestigious New Zealand Beer Awards.

The Auckland startup closes a successful fundraise after seeking a minimum of $30k.

The 2023 harvest has brought both triumphs and challenges for New Zealand winegrowers, says Indevin.

Frucor Suntory stakes more space in the iced coffee cabinet, Nestlé’s Maggi brand expands its convenience offer, and Hastings Distillers adds two vermouths.

Pepsi Max has come out on top in this year’s Pepsi Max Taste Challenge, according to the brand’s New Zealand distributor Frucor Suntory.

Future Drinks has secured supermarket space with a product bringing a healthier choice to the energy drinks aisle.

The West Coast spirits powerhouse is opening up to new investors as it looks to add to its gin-centric premium spirits range by building out its whisky business.

A new collaboration between Clayton Hops and Plant & Food Research will see new varieties of hops being grown in New Zealand.

From 31 May, tariffs on more than 97% of exports to the United Kingdom, including wine, honey, and onions, will be eliminated.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand is recalling specific batches of its Barista Bros brand Double Espresso Ice Coffee due to a packaging fault leading to a possible spoilage risk.

Greenpeace Aotearoa is accusing Coca-Cola of “blatant greenwashing” after what it says is the world’s biggest plastic polluter announced it will replace its green Sprite bottles with clear plastic.

Coca-Cola in New Zealand is joining its global counterparts by transitioning its Sprite beverage brand to clear plastic bottles from its trademark green.

Fledging Tauranga-based Clarity Distillery Company has taken out a double gold award for its dry gin at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Food and drink industry appointments and people moves for the week to 28 April.

DB Breweries achieved a 49% reduction in scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions in 2022, according to its latest sustainability report.

Mind Your Temper ‘Speculoos’ And Lucid ‘Chuncho’ have both won the supreme prize at the 2023 Vegan Chocolate Awards.

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has appointed Orlando Rodriguez managing director of CCEP Australia.

The New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council is warning that the year will be more challenging for producers, hospitality and consumers of beer, wines and spirits with the Consumers Price Index at 6.7%.

Saint Clair Family Estate says its 2023 harvest will be below its previous vintage but still close to average, allowing it to supply its 70 world markets.

Wairau River wine owner Rose Family Estate is now virtually powered by a new rooftop solar array in what is being called a first-of-its-kind arrangement in New Zealand.

Little Island has new plant-milk blends, AF hits another drinks trend, Remedy pushes into NZ’s energy drink segment, and Six Barrel holds on to summer.

Terra Vitae has reported a harvest of 5,219 tonnes for its 2023 vintage from its Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough vineyards.

Retail card spending rose 0.7% in the March 2023 month compared with February 2023, when adjusted for seasonal effects, according to Stats NZ.

The premium mixer brand has tapped into talent from rival drinks company Asahi Beverages to appoint its first country manager in New Zealand.

Targeted education and support programmes will create a better understanding of responsible drinking, according to an annual survey by the New Zealand Alcohol Beverages Council.

The Japanese drinks giant has appointed Asahi Beverages New Zealand the on- and off-premise distribution contract previously held by rival brewer Lion New Zealand.

Pic’s re-releases a fan favourite for Easter, DB Breweries’ Export goes ultra low carb, and a Cotton Candy collab.

The Soulfresh founder is evolving his ‘better-for-you’ business to become ‘better-for-us’.

The Wellington brewer closed the offer on Sunday after extending its duration, with a target of between $2m and $4m.

Lion NZ’s Alcohol&Me programme has provided education and insight to more than 400,000 adult New Zealanders since it was launched 10 years ago.

The company is the latest food and drink manufacturer to close due to input inflation and shrinking margins.

US billionaire Bill Foley is handing over the reins at his wine company to make more time for the UK football club he recently bought for £120m.

The world’s biggest spirits maker has appointed its first female chief executive.

Six weeks on Cyclone Gabrielle, vintage is well underway in Hawke’s Bay and most of the region’s cellar doors and restaurants are back up and running.

New Zealand food and beverage companies are some of the most active exporters to Australia, benefitting from 40 years of a “gold standard free trade agreement” between the two nations.

New Zealand spirits producer Scapegrace has received government support for its $25m Central Otago distillery expansion.

Initiative has retained the coveted Pernod Ricard Australia and New Zealand media account, working across the entire brand portfolio including all Pernod’s wine, spirit, whiskey, champagne, RTD and ‘new to world’ brands.

Wellington brewer Parrotdog has raised its $2m minimum target after extending the time line for its capital raise via Snowball Effect.

The Heineken-owned brewer is increasing its interests in the hospitality sector in a deal that will create a new 55-venue hospitality group.

More than 700 beers, ciders, and other fermented beverages are being judged this week at the 2023 New World Beer & Cider Awards in Christchurch.

The government has deferred any further work on the controversial container return scheme (CRS) as part of its latest policy “re-prioritisation”.

“A significant investment was needed to take Swappa Bottle from a pilot product to a nationwide proposition, and the economics to do this did not stack up,” Synlait says.

Wellington brewer Parrotdog has raised nearly $1.5m with six days left to reach it’s $2m minimum target for its capital raise via Snowball Effect.

Twiice has its sights set on the UK – and is looking for backing to unlock the opportunity to scale into the vast Northern Hemisphere market and continue to stamp out single-use plastic.

Champagne brand GH Mumm is taking over one room at the QT hotel in Queenstown to promote its Mumm Grand Cordon Rosé.

NZ’s first zero alcohol brewery is putting distribution centre of its 2023 growth plan, with a new partnership and a goal of getting to 30% retail coverage.

Delegat’s former international sales manager, Andrew Stafford, is “ideally suited to lead the next stage of growth for our business on the global stage,” MWE says.

Frucor Suntory has appointed Coca-Cola executive Alicia Ryan-Davis into the role of chief people officer, which will see her lead the company’s people & culture functions across Oceania.

Marlborough Wine Estates has reported a net loss after tax of $247,276 for the six months to 31 December 2022, up 27% on the $339,965 loss made for the previous corresponding period.

The Hawke’s Bay beverage manufacturer has moved from clean-up mode to stand-up mode as it strives to keep stock on shelf in the aftermath of flooding.

New data from StatsNZ show the rise and rise in the availability of spirits, and which beer ABVs are being pushed the most.

Both companies increased global case sales in a strong first half, although they grew demand in different parts of the globe.

The impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on the wine industry is still being assessed with the clean-up underway as vineyards prepare for harvest, says New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan.

Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Charitable Trust has set up a Cyclone Gabrielle Relief Fund.

New Zealand packaging waste innovator SaveBOARD has opened its first beverage carton recycling facility in Australia.

Comvita will likely write off its Hawke’s Bay honey facility, while Delegat and Terra Vitae gain access to their sites.

Havana Coffee Works is doing its bit to support those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle – with the backing of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne.

Terra Vitae Vineyards said its Hawke’s Bay vineyards Keltern and Twyford Gravels vineyards have escaped serious flooding, which many of the vineyards and orchards in the area did not.

Wellington brewer Parrotdog has set a $2m minimum target for a capital raise taking place via Snowball Effect.

0% products are expected to spearhead future growth, accounting for over 90% of the forecast total category volume growth, according to IWSR.

Treasury Wine Estates posted a 17% increase in reported EBITS to $307.5m in the half year to 31 December 2022.

NZ Hops has launched a new hop variety, Superdelic, which was developed over 10 years as part of the co-operative’s hop breeding partnership with Plant & Food Research.

Australia’s number one selling non-alcoholic RTD lands in NZ, distributed by Hutchinsons.

A list of potential options to help bolster New Zealand’s fragile food-grade CO2 supply has been tabled with government officials by the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council.

CEO Jesse Newson says that with Covid fading into the distance and PE firm Pioneer backing its growth plans, it’s now about “getting on and doing it”.

DB has re-signed the licensing agreement for Rekorderlig premium cider with Swedish parent company Abro for a 25-year term.

Entries are now open for the New World Beer & Cider Awards, now in their ninth year.

Invivo Wines has celebrated its maiden flight from Auckland to Queenstown this week.

The eighth New Zealand Rosé Day will celebrate New Zealand’s fastest-growing wine style this Sunday 5 February.

The New Zealand brewing industry turned in sales of $3.3bn in the year to September 2022, up by $500,000 on the year prior, according to research from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.

The inaugural Roam Central wine and food celebration has been hailed a success after it attracted more than 1,500 people to venues across Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston, Wānaka, Bendigo, Bannockburn, Clyde and Pisa.

Co-founder Sally Gallagher is taking charge of growing exports for the Hawke’s Bay firm, which owns Boring Oat Milk and The Apple Press brands.

A difficult environment with little respite ahead in 2023 prompts some F&B founders to cut their losses.

Coffee Supreme launches its long-awaited iced coffee in a can, Cassia At Home has a new addition, and Zestt Wellness develops a gut health product made with yacon.

The NZ Food and Grocery Council has warned that some producers will face shut-downs as a result of the worsening CO2 shortage affecting the country.

The two-year SFF Futures/AGMARDT co-funded project aims to help vineyard owners identify and replace unproductive grapevine.

Dual-listed Cooks Coffee Company has reported strong sales across its UK coffee chain for the year to 31 December 2022.

Food sector stakeholders expect a challenging year grappling with deeper profit erosion as the long-running CO2 shortage worsens.

The Wellington coffee company has revised down its crowdfunding ambitions after falling short of its initial $500k – $1.5m target range.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is wanting feedback as part of its review of permissions for caffeine in sports and general foods.

The serial entrepreneur and environmental activist has a new water product, except it’s not the water he’s really selling – it’s the packaging system, and F&B manufacturers are top of his B2B customer list.

Invivo says its inaugural January flight from Auckland to Queenstown will be the world’s first winery airline.

Multinational alcoholic beverage company Diageo will take a small but much improved contribution from its New Zealand operations in 2022, after a 57% rise in pretax profit.

Its departure from the $64m chilled juice and drinks category will put annual sales worth millions of dollars up for grabs in the growing grocery beverage department.

The company is preparing a 2023 capital raise to drive expansion and help lift annual brewing capacity to five million litres.

New Zealand-founded posh tonic company East Imperial has signed up a distributor in Vietnam.

A festive offering from Tony’s Chocolonely, Lo Bros’ new impact-led soda launch, while Graham Norton pays homage to his Irish heritage with his latest Invivo tie-up.

Amy Alexander, the co-founder of premix beverage brand JMR Cocktail & Co, takes over as GM of the drinks syrup business.

A Bill making targeted changes to the licensing process in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 has been introduced to the House this week.

Daily Organics is recalling three flavours of its kombucha due to higher-than-permitted alcohol levels.

A Duck Island and Garage Project collab, new iced coffee from Nestlé and Starbucks, Terps & Co’s world first non-alc RTD range, and a Christmas tradition from Foundry Chocolate and Thomson Whisky.

The Overseas Investment Office has granted consent to Craigmore Sustainables Management Group to purchase 234 hectares of Blenheim land for a new vineyard.

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park is making a return this year after being postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions.

Bennetto Natural Foods looks to Samoa for latest addition, Glenfiddich extends its Grand Series, Hell Pizza gets bloody, and Me Today bulks up its lineup.

Yealands Wine Group has won two golds at the 2022 International Green Apple Awards for its Biodiversity Plan.

The beverage company manages to rebuild its profit in 2021 even as a second year of Covid-19 disruption saw sales decline year-on-year.

The former Air NZ CEO says there’s a significant opportunity to produce more sustainable, innovative beverage containers for drinks producers and brands.

Lisa King’s alcohol free drinks company is opening New Zealand’s first permanent alcohol-free bottle shop in Auckland this month.

Asahi adds a low-sugar Long White, Griffin’s puts the cheese into its crackers, Coffee Supreme has a Yemen special release, while Hop Federation and East Imperial go for limited editions.

Marisco production winemaker Alun Kilby from Marlborough has taken out the 2022 Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker of the Year award, with Greystone’s Georgia Mehlhopt second.

The winemaker green-lights a significant investment in 0%, unlocking a tenfold capacity increase as it adds Coles in Australia and preps a push into old world wine territory.

Cooks Coffee Company has completed its dual listing on the Access Segment of the Aquis Stock Exchange Growth Market in the UK with trading to start there on Wednesday 2 November 2022.

A new majority owner for Waiheke Island’s Stonyridge Vineyard has plans for export growth.

International wine heavyweight Edmond de Rothschild Heritage paid $10m to buy Akarua in Central Otago from local rich-listers the Skeggs family.

Beer company Behemoth raised $3.16m in its latest capital raise which closed on Monday 31 October.

Alcohol retailers face tougher rules under proposed government reforms that Justice Minister Kiri Allan says will remove the ability of alcohol companies and supermarkets to appeal local policies.

The Japanese-owned group’s exit of the chilled category affects the Simply Squeezed, Supreme and Bay Harvest brands, which are only sold in New Zealand.

Whittaker’s add festive spice, a new mead joins the growing category, Lewis Road’s latest limited edition and Impossible Foods teams up with Domino’s.

A bumper September was one of the drivers behind an new al-time high in New Zealand annual wine exports.

Phoenix Organics, which is part of The Better Drinks Company and Asahi Beverages, has signed an additional three-year gold sponsor partnership with charity Sustainable Coastlines.

The sustainability linked loan of up to $96m from ASB is to “support growth plans” at the Blenheim-based winemaker.

The company says launching direct-to-consumer sales will allow it to get close to the consumer before a potential move back into Australian retail.

Behemoth Brewing Company is closing in on its $3m target going into the last five days of its capital raise on Snowball Effect.

The 2023 Ahuwhenua Trophy for excellence in Māori horticulture and the Ahuwhenua Young Māori Grower awards are open for entry.

Otago wine and food festival Ripe will return to the shores of Lake Wānaka on Saturday 18 March 2023 after Covid forced the cancellation of the 2022 event.

A deal for Yealands will follow two other separate industry transactions underway for New Zealand wine businesses.

Good Sh*t soda extends its range, Heinz joins two flagship products, AF Drinks collaborates with Lucky Taco, and The Bond Store goes down the garden path.

Some household F&B names as well as lesser-known ventures make the cut in this year’s index, achieving rapid revenue growth despite economic headwinds.

Karma Drinks has achieved B Corp certification coming in with 127.4 points, which it says is the highest score in New Zealand.

Wine Nelson’s premier annual tasting event is back this week with a bigger venue and more on offer in 2022.

Beervana will return 18 – 19 August 2023 at the Sky Stadium.

Following the popularity of its Dry July pop-up, Lisa King’s alcohol-free beverage business is now importing other brands and has plans for a permanent store.

Palliser Estate has managed to stay in the black despite what it says was one of its “most challenging years ever” but has signalled a new business model in the pipeline.

The 2022 New World Wine Awards Top 50 wines under $25 has been released.

Arnott’s load ups its shapes, Zeffer upcycles for its entry into the RTD category, and some seasonal offerings with a Halloween mayo from Heinz and Pumpkin Spice from Nespresso.

Wine Nelson’s premier annual tasting event is back with a bigger venue and more on offer this year.

The drinks company is preparing to exit the category and is in consultation with staff at its Napier factory where Simply Squeezed is manufactured.

The Brewers Guild of New Zealand has joined forces with The Good Fight to fund twenty Guild Brewery members to complete the St John Mental Health First Aid course.

The beverage business secures another significant nationwide contract for its brands, which includes its Pepsi flagship.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is wanting feedback as part of its review of the kava standard in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.

Peoples Coffee says more than 500 people have pre-registered their interest in its fundraise campaign, which opens this Friday.

The Italian drinks giant is moving all of its brands here to a single distributor.

The government has nominated Dr John Barker as a candidate for the role of Director General of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).

Food Standards Australia New Zealand is calling for comment on an application to permit pregnancy warning marks on corrugated cardboard packaging to be in a single colour on a contrasting background. 

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After negotiating a staged buyout of the 76-year-old firm, its GM is overseeing the launch of its first NZ-made product.

A new report suggests an alternative that is cheaper and more convenient for consumers and better for businesses and the environment, says the Glass Packaging Forum.

Booster Wine Group has been awarded the Best Producer New Zealand accolade at the Mundus Vini Grand International Wine Awards in Germany, after receiving five gold medals in the Summer Tasting 2022.

Cooks Coffee Company is expecting to grow the number of cafes operating under its Esquires and Triple Two brands by 10% before the end of the year.

The Wellington-based coffee company is looking to boost production capacity and go after supermarket shelf space.

Havana Coffee Works shouted Kiwis a free coffee today to encourage them to ditch the single-use cup habit.

The Auckland beverage business has a new part-owner, expanded to Australia, and is growing its brand beyond plant milk.

Nearly two-thirds of New Zealand consumers are more likely to try new drinks in the on premise channel, according to the latest research from CGA by NielsenIQ.

Non-alcoholic spirits brand Lyre’s has launched a technology-focussed campaign, ‘Anywhere, Anytime’.

Lilo builds on its B-Side fruit proposition, Wellington Chocolate Factory brings back a classic, Lewis Road goes for a new coffee iteration, and DB’s new brews.

Craft beer supermarket sales are booming, so which Kiwi brand reigns supreme in the channel and who grew the most during the pandemic?

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Terra Vitae Vineyards has reported a record total harvest value of $12.7m on the back of its largest ever harvest of 5,633 tonnes and a record uplift in prices in the year to 30 June 2022.

New Zealand’s biggest wine festival will be welcoming South Australian winemakers to its Auckland event for the first time this year.

Babich Wines has been named the official wine sponsor for the ASB Classic summer tennis fixture in Auckland.

“Our goal is to create a zero-waste circular system that is convenient and simple for Kiwis to get behind,” Havana’s Sam Keall says.

Delegat Group says it plans to invest $51.9m in 2023 to provide earnings growth in the years ahead.

Proposed legislation to allow cellar doors to charge for samples will help boost New Zealand’s wine tourism, say its advocates.

The Wellington wine tech startup has landed “some of the biggest wineries in the US” as customers, and secured a spot at TechCrunch Disrupt.

Sales of Babich Wines’ organic ranges have grown 242% over the last five years, and 50% in the last year alone, says the company.

Plant Projects takes on the multinationals with its NZ-made No Ordinary Ice Tea, Fieldco extends its Kin & Co brand, while Farrah’s doubles down on low carb.

“We have invested in the brand, people and our ability to execute on growth,” says chief executive Tony Burt after a tough H1, with some margin growth expected in H2.

Lion New Zealand has reduced its carbon emissions by 10% from its baseline measurement taken in 2019.

The value of New Zealand wine exports has risen to $1.95bn, recovering the ground it lost in 2021 when export value fell for the first time in 26 years.

Basketball star Steven Adams and Zespri boss Dan Mathieson are the latest high-profile investors to back the brain food technology venture.

Winemaker Constellation NZ Holdings has reported net profit after tax of $23.15m for the year to 28 February 2022, up from $30.17m for the previous period.

“One of the main reasons we get cut though with international supermarket buyers is because we are doing or have done the science,” Ārepa’s Angus Brown says.

Key account with Coles adds Australian heft while the route-to-market in the US is a reciprocal brew under license partnership.

The new programme aims to reduce NZ’s $2.8bn brewing industry’s energy-related emissions.

Beer consumption has returned to pre-pandemic levels, but brewers are unlikely to see profitability gains given rising costs including alcohol excise and the proposed container return scheme, says Brewers Association Executive Director Dylan Firth.

Henry’s stores are joining the Liquorland franchise, with plans to transition all of them to the latter’s operating model and brand by March 2023.

The Auckland business is undertaking its third – and biggest – capital raise to scale into a “large independent craft brewer”.

The Wellington Culinary Events Trust has cancelled this year’s Highball festival, which was scheduled to take place on 23 & 24 September 2022.

Craft brewers increased production by 7.6% compared with the previous three months, the industry average for actual production time remains just 45%, according to new research.

Cassels Brewery’s flagship Milk Stout has taken home the title of the World’s Best Milk Stout for the third time in four years.

Spring is in the air, with wine label Headline Acts hitting NZ, The Bond Store extending its Cocktail Collusion range, BeerHug and the Brewers Guild slinging award winners and Six Barrel branching out.

Delegat Group has reported net profit of $63m for the 12 months to June 2022, up 2% from the previous year.

Beer lovers from around the world made the pilgrimage to Wellington’s SKY Stadium this weekend for the ‘21st’ Beervana.

The beverage business says it has seen unprecedented cost increases in the past 12 months.

Arnott’s brings Bluey to the biscuit aisle, Asahi launches a Major Major flavour, San Pellegrino has an Essenza range extension, and Whittaker’s Miraka Kirīmi goes on sale for the first time.

Kiwi Kai’s Atutahi range of beverages are an example of combining mātauranga Māori practices with Western science.

Lion is selling its UK operations to Odyssey Inns.

Lyre’s aperitif alternative, Italian Orange, has taken out a global spirits award category – in what is said to be the first time a non-alcoholic entrant has won the category.

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Native Sparkling, Tom & Luke, Angela Clifford and Auld Farm Distillery all took home well-earned silverware from export and arable awards.

Lewis Road Creamery goes bananas, Frucor Suntory’s V brand adds a zero sugar range, and it’s a family affair at Australian winemaker Taylors.

After a year of learnings in the domestic market and a close look at the US, Greenlea Premier Meats subsidiary Restore Wholefoods takes its tonic to Asia.

Lion New Zealand is shrink-wrap free, but the Australian business has had to push out its phase-out by two years due to supply chain disruption.

“In 2022, our business is currently tracking slightly ahead of plan,” Baldie said.

Garage Project defends its champion large brewer title, with Behemoth, Three Sisters and Three Boys also taking home champion categories.

New Zealand’s cocktail and spirits festival – Highball presented by Liquorland – returns to Wellington this September.

The beverage business has gone through a period of significant consolidation in a move back to basics.

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Wellington Airport is bringing a taste of Beervana to travellers in partnership with local brewer Fortune Favours.

Foodstuffs says it saw stellar performance from its Liquorland and Henry’s outlets despite Covid’s continuing impacts and a growing shift to healthier options by consumers.

Native Sparkling goes non-alc, Lewis Road Creamery gets comfortable, Whittaker’s adds an oat milk option, and Burger Fuel’s all wild at heart.

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A clutch of New Zealand wine companies have been recognised at the International Wine Challenge in London, including Giesen.

Food and beverage industry appointments and people moves for the week to 8 July.

DB Breweries has signed a deal to distribute a new fast-growing Australian zero carb lager brand – its first external distribution agreement since 2014.

Consumers will pay more for a healthier drink option, especially in restaurants, according to a new study.

Beverage maker Native Sparkling, and snacking category players Tom & Luke and Rutherford & Meyer have all been shortlisted for this year’s ExportNZ ASB Wellington Export Awards.

The 20th annual New World Wine Awards are open for entries.

A clutch of Aotearoa’s food and beverage companies are in the 31-strong delegation of businesses on a trade mission to Melbourne and Sydney this week, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

The departure of sales GM Marshall Moir triggers Moffat’s promotion and the appointment of a former Coca-Cola executive to helm the non-alc business.

Cider company Zeffer has raised $749,104 via Snowball Effect.

NZX-listed Cooks Coffee Company is considering a dual listing in the UK which it said would be a route to increasing shareholder value as the company expands its operations in that market.

Just in time for Dry July, Asahi Beverages NZ swaps out its 0% Peroni, My Food Bag teams up with Garage Project, and Lisa King opens an AF bottle shop, while AJ Hackett and Epic team up on a full strength option.

The investment will see the Nelson brewer capture and re-use its CO2 emissions, giving it surety of supply and reducing its carbon footprint.

The two biggest drinks companies operating in Aotearoa – Frucor Suntory New Zealand and CCEP – have both increased revenue by almost a quarter over the last five years.

The 2022 New World Wine Awards are now open for entries, with the competition celebrating its 20th year.

Labour is continuing to hammer small businesses and everyday Kiwis, with record inflation leading to the biggest increase in alcohol excise tax in over 30 years, says the ACT Party’s associate finance spokesperson, Damien Smith.

The former GM of sales for Asahi Beverages NZ takes the reins at the Christchurch-based group.

Its caffeinated sparkling water is a first for NZ, with the beverage business also securing new brand and distribution partnerships, as well as nearing completion of a capital raise.

Entrepreneur and founder of Eat My Lunch and AF Drinks, Lisa King, is opening New Zealand’s first-ever alcohol-free bottle shop in Central Auckland.

The World Spirits Alliance has released a global roadmap to tackle illicit alcohol trade proposing cooperation with enforcement agencies, brand protection measures and technical innovation such as the use of ‘smart bottles’.

The brain food producer worked with agency Previously Unavailable and Simon Endres on the new look and positioning.

The Flying Winemaker Group has been joined by former Australian Gourmet Traveller Magazine Winemaker of the Year, Steve Flamsteed, as an advisor to oversee its winemaking program.

Marking its 21st birthday this year, Beervana has already locked in more than 70 breweries set to take part in NZ’s biggest celebration of beer.

Finery Cocktails founder Jane Allan and Secret Kiwi Kitchen’s Lauren Lulu Taylor and Clare Gallagher have been named finalists for business growth eco-system Soda’s 2022 Rise Up competition.

New Zealand grape growers and wineries are breathing a sigh of relief following an improved vintage in 2022 that will help the industry rebuild stocks and sales, says New Zealand Winegrowers.

Non-alcoholic spirits brand Lyre’s is backing New Zealand’s 2022 Dry July campaign.

The global FMCG giant’s NZ division received a bottom line boost from the disposal of the premium tea business.

Chia Sisters founders Chloe and Florence Van Dyke have been picked among the world’s top women entrepreneurs for their commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The beverage brand has its roots in hospitality but has stepped up in supermarkets with a focus on growing volume while maintaining brand value.

Fermented drinks and canned flavoured oat milk have come out of an NPD drive at the firm, which looks likely to exit the functional beverage space.

The Japanese brewing giant’s NZ business recovers from a tough 2020 with revenue up and costs kept under control.

Delegat Group says its 2022 harvest has been of excellent quality and is up 20% on last season’s low yielding vintage.

The government’s decision to lift excise on wine by 6.9% from 1 July – the biggest increase in 30 years – cannot be absorbed by wineries already facing big cost increases, according to New Zealand Winegrowers chief executive Philip Gregan.

Some classic Kiwi flavours come to the fore in limited edition NPD this week, ranging from Mondelēz International’s latest lump innovation and Lewis Road Creamery delivering a Matariki milk with horopito. Meanwhile AF Drinks looks to Japan for inspiration, and Goju innovates on packaging.

Moa adds another brand, this time taking a crack at the internationally-dominated lager market with a NZ-centric product.

Cooks Coffee Company’s net profit before tax from both continuing and discontinued operations was $0.34m in the 12 months to March 2022, compared with a loss of $2.62m in the prior period.

Nelson’s Sprig + Fern Brewing Co has taken home a handful of medals at the 2022 Australian International Beer Awards.

British brands make a strong showing with Cornish Sea Salt Co in a Foodstuffs debut and Hendrick’s new moonshot, as Good Farmers rounds out its range.

A stalwart of the Marlborough wine industry, Dominic Pecchenino, has been honoured by the board of Wine Marlborough with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

The two F&B giants are changing products and packaging in NZ to deliver on health and sustainability targets.

An Auckland liquor importing company and two managers, have been fined $151,200 for attempting to sell thousands of bottles of illegal liquor and avoiding rules in place to protect consumers.

The newly rebranded company behind the sparkling herbal drink inks a deal to help drive sales from new channels.

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.

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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.

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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 maker 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.

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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.

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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.