Federal Merchant & Co.

From 1 August 2023, Queenstown based Crimson Badger Brewing will be distributed across New Zealand by premium beverage distributor Federal Merchants & Co.

The agreement will see Federal Merchants & Co. distribute Crimson Badger’s original Ginger Bear and Dark & Grizzly exclusively into the on and off premise channels.

As a leading distributor of premium beverages, Federal are locally owned and have been operating in the New Zealand market for over 20 years. With sales coverage nationwide across Retail, On Premise and Grocery they supply thousands of customers every week with over 90 global and local brands.

In 2017, Wes and Sam embarked on what they initially viewed as a hobby. Little did they know that their passion project would evolve into a thriving business, now employing a team of five dedicated individuals. Being an organic business (re investing all capital as the company grew) they started by contracting to Christchurch. Eventually scaling their operations and brewing/packaging everything from Queenstown in 2019. Additionally, they launched The Loose Moose canning company to help fund the capital investment by contracting canning to local breweries.

Among their beloved offerings, their 4% Ginger Bear has garnered a devoted following in the deep south. From cans to kegs, this local favourite can be savoured in numerous bars throughout Queenstown, Wanaka, and beyond.

Federal Merchants & Co.’s Michael Morton said “We love what Wes and the team have done so far with Crimson Badger Brewing. This new partnership for our businesses is super exciting and we can’t wait to help them achieve their next phase of growth as we introduce every Kiwi to what those in the deep south already know about their great products, lead of course by iconic Ginger Bear.”

Crimson Badger founder Wesley McAllister said “The team and I are very excited to be joining Federal Merchant & Co and expanding our reach. This partnership will help our business improve and open the door to create new products, knowing that we now have the capability to supply nationwide. It’s an exciting new chapter and I am thankful for everyone that has supported us along the way. We are eagerly looking forward to what lies ahead.”