Giesen Group Limited Announces Strategic Distribution Partnership with Federal Merchants & Co in NZ

September 20th 2024

Giesen Group Limited, one of New Zealand’s leading wine producers, is excited to announce a new distribution agreement with Federal Merchants & Co., effective from 1st November 2024. This strategic partnership marks a significant change as Giesen transitions from self-distribution to working with a well-established distributor, enhancing their ability to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market.

For the past 5 years, Giesen has successfully distributed its own brands, including its premium wines and recently launched Giesen 0% alcohol-removed range, across New Zealand. However, with the market evolving, Giesen believes that Federal Merchants’ extensive nationwide distribution network will expand the availability of its wines and deliver even more value to its customers.

“Our wines, including our popular Giesen 0% alcohol-removed range, have built a strong presence across many market segments in New Zealand. Partnering with Federal Merchants allows us to reach even more consumers and locations,” Kyle Skene, General Manager said. “This collaboration comes at an exciting time for the market and our two 100% New Zealand owned businesses. We believe Federal Merchants is the right partner to support our anticipated growth and better adapt to the evolving consumer trends we are seeing in the New Zealand beverage market.”

Michael Morton, Managing Director of Federal Merchants & Co., expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to be working with the Giesen family and their world-class portfolio of wines, including the Giesen 0% alcohol-removed range. It’s a privilege for our team to represent such an iconic New Zealand brand. Adding Giesen to our portfolio is part of our long-term strategy to meet the rising demand for non-alcoholic beverages, while also continuing to offer our customers an exceptional selection of premium wines. As a 100% Kiwi-owned company, we’re proud to contribute to the future of the wine sector, and we’re excited to bring Giesen’s wines to more consumers across New Zealand.”

With this new partnership, Giesen aims to build on its success in both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage sectors. Federal Merchants’ reputation and market reach will help ensure that Giesen’s wines are more accessible than ever before, supporting the company’s continued growth in a changing industry.

Under this new arrangement Federal Merchants will be distributing the Giesen, Giesen 0%, Ara Range, Bay & Barnes and Mount Ridge wine brands as well as Kaiser beer. Plus, through an existing relationship with wine producer Casella the Peter Lehmann brand currently distributed by Giesen will also be moving to Federal.

Strange Nature Distilling announces a new distribution agreement with Federal Merchants & Co.

September 19th 2024

From October 1, 2024, multi award-winning Strange Nature Gin will be distributed across New Zealand by premium beverage distributor Federal Merchants & Co.

Known for its alluring packaging and innovative production process Strange Nature Gin is crafted from the spirit of New Zealand’s Marlborough wine region, using a pure spirit distilled from premium Sauvignon Blanc wine. The clean white spirit is distilled with the only botanical it needs, the one that defines gin – Juniper – providing its unexpected taste profile.

Strange Nature’s Rhys Julian commented about the new partnership, “Firstly, I would like to thank Giesen Group, who have done a stunning job over the last three years in helping to build the Strange Nature brand in the New Zealand
market. At the same time, we are delighted to transition over the distributor management to Federal, a distributorship that has an excellent track record of growing both local and international super premium spirit brands.
We have ambitious plans for the New Zealand market and confident that a like-minded company such as Federal can help realise them.”

Federal Merchants & Co.’s Michael Morton said “We are very excited to bring Strange Nature into the Federal family of brands and to further strengthen our position in locally owned and produced products. We have admired from a
distance the great job Rhys and the team have done on the brand so far and we look forward to being a big part of the future growth of Strange Nature here in New Zealand.”

Te Whare Rā Wines announces new New Zealand distribution arrangements.

July 1st 2024

Te Whare Rā owners Anna & Jason Flowerday have announced that they will be moving from Lion NZ to Federal Merchants for their NZ national distribution from 1 July 2024.

“We would like to thank the whole team at Lion for all the love and care they have shown our brand over the last 20 years” they said.
“That valuable partnership has helped deliver a great presence for our wines in the domestic market.” The Flowerdays said that the move to new distribution arrangements is no reflection on Lion NZ hard work and results. “We have always felt like part of the family at Lion and so we are sad to leave, but this change cements our strategy for the future of our wines in the New Zealand
market.”

The new distribution with Federal Merchants will commence from 1st July 2024 and will focus on growing off-premise rangings and presence in the on-premise trade.

Michael Morton MD of Federal Merchants said “We are super excited to be working with the Flowerdays and their world class Te Whare Rā wines. It is such an iconic Marlborough brand so it’s a real privilege for our whole team at Federal to bring their wines into our portfolio. The addition of Te Whare Rā is part of our long-term strategy to cater to the growing demand for premium and to provide all our customers with an amazing selection of world class wines. As a 100% Kiwi owned business we are absolutely committed to the future of the on-premise sector and the addition of Te Whare Rā to our multi-beverage portfolio of market leading brands helps us support our customers’ needs better than ever”.

Crimson Badger Brewing Joins Federal Merchants & Co

August 9th 2023

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.”

Dancing Sands launches NZ made recycled glass bottles!

April 3rd 2023

Dancing Sands Distillery has released a new-look recycled bottle, made here in New Zealand.

The Golden Bay distillery says it’s the first New Zealand distillery to move its bottle production to New Zealand on a commercial scale. It estimates that moving bottle production from Europe back to New Zealand will remove 15,000kg of carbon emissions from the distillery’s production cycle every year.

Dancing Sands founders, Sarah and Ben Bonoma, say they became motivated to reduce their carbon emissions when they started exporting their spirits to the UK, as it meant they were importing bottles from Europe, filling them in Golden Bay and then sending them back across the globe.

Sarah contacted New Zealand’s only glass bottle manufacturer and began the 18-month process to design and produce a custom glass bottle. “We knew that moving bottle production to New Zealand, and using recycled glass was the right thing to do, but it has been a long road to bring our goal to fruition with many hurdles along the way,” she says. “It would have been easier to go offshore for bottle production but we knew that we had to stay the course and make it happen.” The new bottles are on shelves and available now.

Glenfiddich Grande Couronne launches in NZ.

January 25th 2023

The noblest houses of two refined traditions ascend in this rich and regal whisky, matured in American and European oak casks for 26 years at The Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, before the crowning glory - an extended finish of up to two years in meticulously sourced French Cognac casks – providing a true taste of elegance.

The final toast is a majestically smooth marriage of café crème, brown sugar and spice. While sweet, toasted oak and the delicate scent of patisseries swirl in the air, the long-lasting sweet and velvety finish makes every dram a gilded tribute to true opulence.

The Glenfiddich Grand Series is a beautifully disruptive series of single malts that oozes opulence and is designed to elevate occasions and celebratory moments in a whole new way.

The bottle and packaging of Grande Couronne are adorned with an ornamental gold filigree, whilst exquisite artwork reminiscent of great renaissance paintings are revealed inside the box.

Federal Merchants & Co are the official distributor of Glenfiddich in New Zealand and are proud to showcase another strength in Glenfiddich’s portfolio locally. “It’s our pleasure to release Glenfiddich Grande Couronne to New Zealand, inviting Kiwis who want to stand out from the crowd with an extraordinary drinking experience to uncork true opulence,” shares NZ Brand Manager Megan Barrett-Hamilton.

Hendrick’s Neptunia Launches in NZ

October 4th 2022

Hendrick’s Neptunia is the latest limited-release gin from Master Distiller, Ms. Lesley Gracie’s sought-after Cabinet of Curiosities. Indulge in an invigorating blend of locally sourced coastal botanicals, a smooth citrus finish and an outlandish hint of the distant sea breeze.

Hendrick’s first maritime release, the fresh sea-song notes characteristic of native coastal flora vigorously emboldens Hendrick’s signature combination of Cucumber and Rose, culminating in an astonishingly smooth citrus finish.

As you’d expect, Hendrick’s Neptunia is exquisite with tonic and a slice of cucumber. Although if you’re embarking on an adventure with friends, try setting sail with a Neptunia Fizz. It’s remarkably easy to make and impressive to serve. Simply combine two parts of Hendrick’s Neptunia with one-part fresh lime and one-part simple syrup and top with soda. Garnish with cucumber slices and enjoy!

CH’I joins Federal Merchants & Co.

June 22nd 2022

NZ premium beverage distributor Federal Merchants & Co. has signaled a strategic move towards non-alcoholic beverages by entering a distribution agreement with the CH’I Herbal Drinks Co. that will see CH’I sold in the places New Zealanders buy beverages for leisure and socialising. This will commence from July 1st 2022.

The CH’I Herbal Drinks Co. is a recent rebadging of this unique New Zealand drink business following a rethink of strategy under the guidance of Debbie Humphries of Spring with scholarship funding from BNZ.

Federal Merchants & Co. Head of Sales Mark Mayers said “There is so much in common between our businesses. We are both owned by ordinary New Zealanders, we are both ambitious for New Zealanders to have great options when they relax and take time out. In our experience there is nothing but upside for healthy, quality, zero alcohol adult beverages.”

CH’I was founded in the late 1980’s and led a trend towards consumers selecting nature inspired beverages that is now exploding. CH’I Managing Director Ray Nicholls said “Federal Merchants & Co. will do a fantastic job of taking CH’I into a step change of availability across New Zealand. They are going to lead out with some very cool product innovations we’ll release soon. For us it’s all about consumers in the moments they take time out, look after themselves better, reflect and reconnect with what’s important in life.”

CH’I was first sold in 1987 and made famous with a TV commercial that mocked the sound of opening the bottle with the phrase “Ch’i - the drink that knows its own name”. The drinks have herbal extracts as their base which are handcrafted from real herbs by the company at Riverhead, New Zealand.

New Silent Pool Gin.

June 7th 2022

Silent Pool was started back in 2014 by two Surrey Hill locals, Ian McCulloch and James Shelbourne. They met in their local pub (where else?) and discussed the idea of setting up small, local distillery. Taking their inspiration from Scottish whisky distilleries, the two friends started out with a grand vision of making a truly sustainable distillery next to a fresh water source, producing handcrafted, artisan spirits using locally sourced ingredients. But first they needed the perfect location.

Most distilleries end up in grim locations or boring industrial estates. Ian and James wanted somewhere filled with history, a good story and plenty of provenance. After scouting many locations in the south of England, one day Ian happened upon Sherbourne Farm (a former cow barn and petting zoo) on the banks of the magical Silent Pool in the Surrey Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Excited by the find, Ian and James contacted the landowner, The Duke of Northumberland, and got the go ahead to restore the dilapidated farm buildings into the Silent Pool Distillery.

“Whilst all of our products taste distinctively different from one another, each are united by a shared purpose and vision. Rather than being reliant on one unique ingredient to shine through, all our recipes work like a symphony of flavours. Each and every ingredient serves a purpose and complements the last without dominating the palate.

The balancing of these complex flavours always involves a long and arduous process. Our distillers have experimented with hundreds of different flavour combinations over the years before landing on the perfect recipe. Taste our products side by side and you’ll find they share the same DNA; handcrafted, multi-layered and bursting with complex flavours that evolve as you experience them.”

Glenfiddich Grand Cru announced Best in Show at 2022 Drammy Awards.

May 17th 2022

The Drammys (New Zealand Whisky Awards) were created with the primary objective to grow the whisky category and celebrate the best worldwide whiskies on offer in the New Zealand Retail market.

With winners announced at the end of April, Federal Merchants is very pleased that Glenfiddich’s Grand Cru has taken out Best in Show for 2022.

This exclusive Glenfiddich expression has been matured for 23 years in American and European oak casks and elegantly finished in rare French cuvee casks. Tasting flavours of rich vanilla oak, sweet brioche, sandalwood, pear sorbet and white grape.

Further awards were given for Glenfiddich 15YO Single Malt, Fire & Cane and Project XX Experiment, Aerstone 10YO Land/Sea Casks, The Balvenie 12YO Doublewood and Grants Rum Cask. For more information, or to view results, head to www.thedrammys.co.nz.

Federal Merchants is proud to now be distributing Dom Benedictine.

May 17th 2022

Benedictine is united by a quest to achieve the extraordinary that begins with Benedictine monk Dom Bernardo Vincelli and the Abbey of Fecamp in Normandy, France.

The secret recipe of Benedictine dates back to 1510 and is based on local medicinal plants enhanced by oriental spices.

Benedictine is an elixir; a subtle alchemy of 27 herbs and spices carefully sourced from around the world and hand-selected by the Master Herbalist.

From traditional roots including Angelica root, which is renowned for its healing properties, to saffron, the most expensive spice in the world, each ingredient is carefully chosen to create the harmonious balance of the elixir.

Essential to the production process is the blending of fine honey and saffron, to give a balanced, rich texture.

Enjoy DOM Benedictine neat, or in such cocktails as the Singapore Sling or The Benediction.

Applications are now open for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition of 2022/23.

May 12th 2022

Now in its 5th edition, the competition is a unique opportunity for young chefs to gain visibility and prestige and to compete for the title of best young chef in the world at a Grand Finale event in Milan in 2023.

Success in the competition can be life changing. Previous winners have taken advantage of their new-found recognition to realise their culinary dreams.

But taking part means much more than competing for a title. It represents the chance to join the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy, a global community that offers superb opportunities for education, mentoring, networking and more.

This latest edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with various improvements to the format. Most notably, the number of regions involved has grown from 12 to 16, meaning more regional finals than ever before.

In recognition of the challenges faced by female chefs in the industry, gender balance will also be a strong pillar of the whole project.

Once again, the competition will host three additional awards: the Acqua Panna Award for Connection in Gastronomy voted for by the competition mentors, the S.Pellegrino Award for Social Responsibility voted for by Food Made Good, and the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award voted for by readers of the online magazine.

To find out more and to apply, visit www.sanpellegrino.com. Applications close 30th June 2022.

Peanut butter lovers rejoice! Sheep Dog, NZ’s first breed of PB whiskey is officially here!

May 12th 2022

For the first time ever, New Zealanders will have the chance to get their paws, and lips, on deliciously smooth peanut butter whiskey. After making a splash across the US and in AUS, Sheep Dog Whiskey is bringing its unique liquid gold to NZ to satisfy peanut butter lovers and whiskey fans alike. Although the idea of combining these two classic flavours sounds a little nutty, Sheep Dog is already herding the pack and has quickly become a fan favourite. Produced in the USA this flavoured whiskey is bursting with natural peanut butter flavours, notes of vanilla and caramel popcorn with warm whiskey undertones. Best served as a chilled shot or a nutty twist on a classic cocktail, like the peanut butter espresso martini. Trust us, it’s the mutt’s nuts.

Greenall’s New Flavour – Black Cherry.

May 12th 2022

Get ready to add to your Gin collection, another great release from Greenall’s – Black Cherry Gin. The Original London Dry Gin recipe has been infused with natural black cherries to create a fruity, sweet gin that has a luscious and indulgent sweetness. Unlike many other flavoured gins, Greenall’s Black Cherry contains 0g of sugar and no sweeteners. It is made with 100% natural ingredients. Real fruit, real flavour.

ESCAPE TO MEXICO WITH CAZCABEL TEQUILA!

October 13th 2021

PREMIUM AND INNOVATIVE TEQUILA RANGE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES IN NEW ZEALAND

Cazcabel Tequila, offering a range of premium and authentic tequilas, has officially launched into New Zealand this month. Blessed by Don Cazcabel, the mythical Mexican curador and “Snakeman” of the Jalisco Mountains, the range includes Blanco, Coffee, Coconut, Honey and Reposado.

A faithful student of Toltec, Olmec and Aztec traditions, Don Cazcabel’s philosophy is to take natural ingredients from the land and give them new meaning and life. He is a healer with powers that attract Mexicans from hundreds of miles around.

Cazcabel Tequila is the result of Don’s pursuit to craft the perfect tequila and four award-winning generations have since perfected every batch in an independent micro distillery in the highlands of the Jalisco Mountains. Cazcabel’s Master Distiller uses only the finest, locally grown, seven-year-old Blue Weber agave with the right balance of acid and sugar to create Cazcabel’s unique taste.

Head of Brand and Business strategy at Federal Merchants & Co, Cazcabel’s New Zealand distributor, Michael Morton says, “We’re so excited to launch one of the fastest growing tequila brands the world here in New Zealand. Cazcabel’s aim is to offer a range of authentic premium tequilas that allow consumers to explore the category in new and exciting ways. The range, particularly the flavours, opens up Tequila to new drinking occasions beyond late night and can be sipped neat or savoured in cocktails. With international travel off the cards for the foreseeable future, what better way to experience Mexico?”

So, if you’re intrigued and need to decide on which flavour is calling your name, then look no further:

Cazcabel Blanco - At the heart of Cazcabel’s range, the spirit is fashioned from sun-baked blue weber agave from the heart of the Jalisco region. Fresh, crisp and with a rustic hit of earthy agave, this tequila is truly one to be sipped and savoured. RRP $74.99, ABV: 38%.

Cazcabel Coffee - Using the fresh and earthy base of the Blanco, Cazcabel Coffee blends in a roasted sweet hit of luxury coffee for the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It’s a stunning shot that can be used in innovative cocktails or enjoyed neat over nice. RRP $64.99, ABV 34%.

Cazcabel Honey - This multi-award-winning tipple is one of the world’s first honey tequilas! With the fresh, earthy and dry Blanco at its heart, Cazcabel Honey adds a dose of sweet nectar to the blend. An intense aroma of honey and rich caramel packs a punch for cocktails and drinks. RRP $64.99, ABV 34%.

Cazcabel Coconut – The crisp citrus edge of Blanco has been paired with the succulent sweetness and earthy tones of Cazcabel coconuts. Providing rich, sweet & warm hits of coconut layered over agave notes. Cazcabel Coconut is the perfect addition for a taste of the tropics. RRP $64.99, ABV 34%.

Cazcabel Reposado - Rested in American oak barrels for nine to eleven months, it balances the clean and earthy agave flavour of the double distilled Blanco with the complex but subtle aromas of toasted oak. RRP $79.99, ABV 38%.

ANGOSTURA LAUNCHES LATEST INNOVATION-COCOA BITTERS

September 1st 2021

Port of Spain, Trinidad. Angostura, world renowned for aromatic bitters, has added yet another flavour to its portfolio with the latest innovation- ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters. It’s made using Trinidad and Tobago’s own Trinitario cocoa which is a unique and untapped resource. In fact, the beans from the Trinitario cocoa are well-known globally for its bold characteristics, its depth of flavour and aroma, which command a premium price on the international market. T&T is designated as a 100% fine or flavour cocoa producer, a status it has held for decades.

This latest innovation is part of Angostura’s bid to promote our local agricultural treasure, cocoa, around the world. The Trinitario cocoa adds a sweet and elegantly balanced flavour to our bitters line which makes it one of our most exclusive innovations in decades.

After years of continuous research and trials, the Angostura team led by Master Blender, Carol Homer-Caesar, created the perfect recipe for this latest product, using T&T’s internationally famous, and indigenous, Trinitario cocoa to produce ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters; as we continue to push the boundaries of flavour, taking inspiration from our history and local heritage.

Ms. Homer-Caesar says: “We believe our locally cultivated Trinitario cocoa delivers a far superior flavour profile to other geographic regions. Our hope is that our new, expertly crafted, cocoa bitters inspires people to create their own signature cocktail and food recipes to savour and enjoy with family and friends.”

The launch of ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters coincides with an unprecedented moment, when people around the globe are spending more time than ever at home due to the COVID-19

pandemic. This has sparked a wave of ‘DIY’ in the kitchen at home and at bars. As a timeless brand that has been flavouring the world for the past 196 years, we have an opportunity to inspire mixologists, drinks enthusiasts and home chefs to seize this time of creativity and address their appetite for authenticity and natural ingredients.

Angostura launched orange bitters 13 years ago, and today, we are proud to announce that as part of our efforts to support our local agricultural industry, we are adding cocoa bitters to our portfolio. Angostura’s forecasts for the demand of cocoa will result in increased output in local cocoa production. We have already been in contact with many of the local producers to ensure a steady supply of cocoa for our production process which has put local producers in expansion mode.

In fact, the demand for our latest innovation has already surpassed initial projections. We are delighted that this latest product is quickly capturing market share across the globe, which is exactly what our team had in mind when they were formulating the perfect recipe.

ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters contains top notes of rich, floral and nutty cocoa combined with an intoxicating infusion of aromatic botanicals. Crafted to inspire creativity and experimentation with flavour combinations, this new product is ideal for use in both professional and at-home settings, and for sweet and savoury applications. It can be used to remix classic cocktails or put a luxurious spin on a main dish or sweet treat. It pairs perfectly with sweet vermouth or aged spirits, like whiskey, rum, cognac and tequila, while bringing new layers of depth and complexity to cocktails, such as the classic espresso martini. ANGOSTURA® cocoa bitters can innovate your creations.

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