INDUSTRY NEWS
Reefton Distilling Co. appoints Scotch expert REEFTON DISTILLING Co. has announced the appointment of Scotch Whisky industry expert, Gareth Morgan, to its team. Morgan takes on the key leadership role of Distillery Manager, leading the Reefton site and overseeing the distillery’s cask management programme for its Moonlight Creek Single Malt Whisky. Morgan has many years’ experience working in the heart of Speyside, home to over half of Scotland’s operating malt whisky distilleries. His career path has seen him involved in all areas of the Scotch Whisky industry, including distilleries such as Macallan and Tamnavulin.
Morgan’s industry experience also includes cask and bottling management with D&M Winchester Ltd., based at Coleburn Distillery. He, his wife, and young family moved from Speyside to the West Coast in late 2023. Patsy Bass, Reefton Distilling Co.’s, Chief Executive said they’re delighted to welcome Morgan. “Having someone with Gareth’s level of skill and experience to oversee our production facility, ensuring that the routine operation of the distillery continues successfully whilst achieving production targets and driving efficiencies, will provide a huge benefit to our business.”
Gareth Morgan and Patsy Bass with ‘The MacKay’ new make spirit still at Reefton Distilling Co.
Reefton Distilling Co.’s first casks of Moonlight Creek Whisky are already filled and laid down with pre-orders open for delivery from 2025.
Hospo NZ releases 5-year strategy
Coruba partners with L.A.B CORUBA IS to partner with Kiwi band L.A.B to present their winter shows in 2024 – a move the rum’s New Zealand distributor describes as “a significant milestone in Coruba’s New Zealand growth strategy”. Thirsty Camel Managing Director, Brad Madigan, says they’re excited to announce the partnership with L.A.B as the official naming rights sponsor for their 2024 shows. “L.A.B is a quintessential Kiwi band that brings the vibes of summer everywhere they go. We are so looking forward to working with L.A.B on this partnership with Coruba Rum and we can’t wait to bring Sun Down, Vibe Up to life with amazing consumer experiences, give-aways and money-can’tbuy experiences at L.A.B shows in 2024.” L.A.B Manager and Founder of Loop, Mikee Tucker, says, “The L.A.B boys are thrilled to be partnering with Coruba for their 2024 shows – the Jamaican connection makes L.A.B and Coruba the perfect match. We’re looking forward to launching this partnership with L.A.B’s winter shows in the North and South Islands.” Coruba’s collaboration with L.A.B celebrates their latest album, L.A.B VI, released in late February. 8 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2024
HOSPITALITY NEW Zealand has unveiled a new five-year strategy, outlining how it will help the hospitality sector to thrive. It says that hospitality businesses are an economic engine, with more than 24,000 across the country, employing more than 176,000 people. Steve Armitage, Hospitality NZ’s Chief Executive Officer, says the new strategy is designed to meet the needs of operators working in a sector that is New Zealand’s seventh-largest employer, and experiencing the fastest growth rate across all sectors. “As we move beyond the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the current fiscal recession, we need to sharpen our focus on two fronts: supporting businesses through the here and now, but being deliberate about building towards a future where the sector is more sustainable and better equipped to weather any further headwinds.” Hospitality NZ says its strategy introduces initiatives designed to generate long-term success for the sector. These include: • Building a future-fit pipeline of talent • Improving the environmental performance of the wider hospitality sector
• Addressing and championing mental health and wellbeing within the sector • Advocating for major and business events that help stimulate the wider hospitality sectors • Expanding connections with New Zealand’s ethnic communities to ensure that membership is as diverse as business operators and patrons. “Through implementing this strategy, we will provide improved tools, resources, partnerships, and knowledge, and deliver the support businesses and people in the hospitality sector need to succeed and add value to their businesses and careers,” says Armitage. Read the full strategy online at hospitality.org.nz
New addition to Hi I.Q. South Island DISTRIBUTOR HI I.Q. Liquor Merchants has appointed Dylan McDermott as its Territory Manager for the South Island. Established in 1992, Hi I.Q. is an importer and distributor of premium spirits, beers and liqueurs. Its brands include Ole Smoky, Minor Case, Deadhead Rum, Sangre de Vida Tequila, and Gran Orendain Tequila among many others. Contact Dylan McDermott on 027 442 5964 or email sales.si@hiiqliquor.co.nz