Suntory Oceania forms as region's fourth largest beverage group

Beam Suntory and Frucor Suntory have joined to form Suntory Oceania, a new AU$3bn partnership across the premium spirits and non-alcohol segments in both Australia and New Zealand.

Scapegrace Distillery releases first single malt

New Zealand spirits brand Scapegrace has announced the launch of a limited-edition range of single malts, the first whisky released by the brand.

Ukiyo Japanese Spirits launches in New Zealand

Japanese spirits brand Ukiyo has launched its Blossom Gin, Yuzu Gin, and Rice Vodka in New Zealand after agreeing a distribution deal.

Prosecco DOC gains trademark protection In New Zealand

The European Union has reached a bi-lateral agreement with New Zealand which recognises the Prosecco DOC trademark.

New Zealand Wine Trade Hub Launches

New Zealand Winegrowers has launched an online portal designed to support the trade in major export markets around the world.

Villa Maria acquired by Indevin

Indevin New Zealand has completed the purchase of 100% of the shares of Villa Maria Estate for an undisclosed fee.

Pernod says wine business will not meet Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc demand

Pernod Ricard says its New Zealand wine brands Brancott Estate and Stoneleigh will be unable to meet global Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc supply this year after one of the smallest New Zealand harvests in 10 years.

New Zealand wine: Covid's highs and lows

While New Zealand has managed the pandemic better than most, a lack of tourism and difficulties with shipping have taken a toll on wine sales. Martin Green reports.

Heineken's Pure Piraña hard seltzer expands into Europe

Pure Piraña, Heineken’s hard seltzer brand, has announced an expansion into Europe following its exports into Mexico and New Zealand last year.

Clive Jones elected New Zealand Winegrowers chair

Nautilus Estate winemaker Clive Jones has been elected chair of the board at New Zealand Winegrowers.

New Zealand wine: A vintage vintage

The 2012 vintage is down more than 20% in places, but the Kiwis are happy to try to strike a balance between demand and supply. Christian Davis reports

Team America: World Cup winners

Bacardi has named Team USA winners of the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup 2012, which took place at the vodka brand's home, New Zealand.

Tiki Estate Pinot Gris 2011 launches

New Zealand winemankers Tiki Wines has released a 2011 Pinot Gris to the UK, Finland, Iceland, Channel Islands, Ireland and the domestic market.

Cox has left New Zealand Winegrowers

David Cox, director – Europe for New Zealand Winegrowers has left the organisation to pursue other interests and projects.

New Zealand announces Pinot Noir 2013

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced the dates and details of its Pinot Noir conference, 2013

Lindeman's launches NZ Sauvignon Blanc

Lindeman’s has added a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to its international Winemaker’s Discovery range. It's a UK launch, initially, but is expected to roll out across Europe. 

Asahi to buy Flavoured Beverages Group

Asahi Group has reached an agreement to acquire Australsian-based drinks operator, Flavoured Beverages Group.

Ara appoints Jeff Clarke chief winemaker

Jeff Clarke has been appointed chief winemaker at Marlborough’s Ara Wines.

NZ: Winegrowers aim for organic

New Zealand: An organic wine group has set a goal for 20% of New Zealand vineyards to be organic by 2020.

Pernod completes sale of Lindauer

Pernod Ricard has announced the completion of the sale, by its affiliate Pernod Ricard New Zealand, of Lindauer and other New Zealand wine brands from Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay together with their inventories and assets.

Pinot Noir named best NZ wine

A Pinot Noir from the Central Otago region has been named Champion Wine at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Pernod sells Lindauer wine brand

Pernod Ricard New Zealand has announced the disposal of its Lindauer wine brand. The company has also announced the sale of several other New Zealand wine brands from Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay together with their related inventories and assets.

New Zealand cocktails go to UK

New Zealand/UK: NZ based ready to serve cocktail company VnC is to launch in the UK. The company has signed a distribution deal with Whyte & Mackay to launch into the UK market.

Montana becomes Brancott Estate

Pernod Ricard has decided to dump the Montana brand name and re-name New Zealand’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc, Brancott Estate.

New Zealand: Smaller grape harvest good news

The 2010 New Zealand grape harvest totalled 266,000 tonnes, 19,000 tonnes smaller than the 2009 crop and in line with the pre-harvest forecast.