logo
Reefton Distilling Co. Announce Investment Offer To Grow Their Whisky Inventory

Reefton Distilling Co. Announce Investment Offer To Grow Their Whisky Inventory

Scoop21-07-2025
Multi Award winning West Coast business Reefton Distilling Co. have today announced a new investment opportunity for investors to secure a stake in the company.
Seeking to raise additional capital as they continue to scale their Moonlight Creek whisky production, the company are looking to raise up to $2M NZD. Funds from this raise will be prioritised for further investment in their Moonlight Creek whisky inventory.
Founder and Chief executive Patsy Bass commented, 'Whisky is inherently a long horizon product, and our business is ensuring appropriate investment levels until we have sufficient volumes of matured whisky ready for market.'
She added, 'We see growing our whisky stocks as the biggest growth catalyst for the business and believe that our continued investment into Reefton Distilling Co.'s whisky vault lays a path forward to deliver products for the global market, which in turn underpins the value of the business as a whole.'
The share offer was first released to existing shareholders, who have pre-emptive rights to participate in this investment round. With $738,000 NZD already raised, the offer has gone live to the public today (21 July 2025) via Snowball, an investment platform for private companies and funds (Invest in Reefton Distilling Co. – Snowball).
Gold and Category Winner at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards (ROW) 2025
In early 2025 the distillery achieved a significant milestone with both their Moonlight Creek Manuka Smoked, Young Spirit*REF1 and Moonlight Creek New-Make Spirit*REF2, each winning Gold and Category Winner at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards (ROW) 2025.
These accolades highlight Reefton Distilling Co. as one of New Zealand's most exciting new talents in whisky production and place them firmly on the list of spirits producers well positioned to benefit from the global trend of consumer's drinking higher quality alcohol.
As one of New Zealand's largest independent distilleries with over 100+ global spirits & innovation awards (including 38 Gold/Double Gold/Platinum/Best in Category/Innovation/Design and Consumer's Choice Awards), Reefton Distilling Co. are internationally recognised as an innovative producer of premium spirits.
The first B Corp certified whisky distillery in New Zealand, and the first New Zealand distillery to contract distil whisky for the Scots, Reefton Distilling Co. laid down their first Moonlight Creek Single Malt whisky in 2022.
With their eyes firmly focused on the future, Reefton Distilling Co. have built a valuable asset base for global whisky sales with hundreds of casks already laid down, and more being added on a daily basis. Their existing whisky stocks are backed up with valuable land, buildings and plant, which are owned by the business.
A business firmly established at the forefront of the New Zealand Distilling Industry
Having firmly established themselves at the forefront of the New Zealand distilling industry, Reefton Distilling Co.'s core spirit ranges include Gin, Vodka and Single Malt Whisky.
As the producers of one of NZ's strongest Gin brands (Little Biddy), they have a proven track record of innovation and new product development. Within 2 years of launch, Little Biddy Gin became the No. 2 Gin brand in the premium plus segment of the NZ gin market*REF3, a position which it retains today.
Reefton Distilling Co.'s experienced senior management team is supported by a board with proven track records in international strategic marketing, business development and financial markets.
The company has assembled a distinguished panel of international experts, each possessing extensive knowledge and discerning palates. This panel oversees and supports their product development journey, from its inception to its release.
In April 2025, international expert, Scotch Whisky Maker, Polly Logan, made the trip to New Zealand to experience Reefton Distilling Co.'s whisky firsthand, she commented, 'The New Make Spirit is incredible, and the casks have been selected carefully. You can tell the care that has gone into creating the spirit, you know the moment it hits your senses. Sensational!'
Only 1,000 bottles of the distillery's first ever whisky release, Moonlight Creek 'Pioneer', will be available exclusively by ballot later this year, making its way into the hands of those fortunate enough to have secured a bottle.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

W&I insurance claims rise for small deals across Pacific region
W&I insurance claims rise for small deals across Pacific region

Techday NZ

timea day ago

  • Techday NZ

W&I insurance claims rise for small deals across Pacific region

Aon has released findings from its 2025 Transaction Solutions Global Claims Study, revealing notable trends in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) insurance market in the Pacific region. The study found that warranty and indemnity (W&I) insurance claims are occurring at a high frequency across Australia and New Zealand, especially for smaller transactions. According to Aon's data, claims were filed on approximately 20 percent of W&I policies in the Pacific. Eighty percent of these claims originated from deals with an enterprise value of less than AUD $500 million (approximately NZD $545 million). This concentration of claims among small-to-mid-market transactions highlights the importance placed on W&I insurance to protect deal value. Many businesses in the region rely on these policies to transfer risk and safeguard their financial interests during acquisitions and mergers. Claims profile The main causes of W&I insurance claims in New Zealand, according to the report, were compliance breaches, tax concerns, and issues related to the adequacy of financial statements. Breaches involving inadequate disclosure, either in relation to general warranties or specific representations, have remained a recurring problem. Due diligence processes, the report suggests, may require further strengthening to prevent these issues from leading to claims. Aon noted that a significant number of claims are reported soon after a deal closes. Nearly 25 percent of claims in the Pacific region occur within six months of completion, and almost 50 percent are made within 12 months. The vast majority - close to 100 percent - of claims are submitted within three years, which reflects the typical term of W&I policy periods. Within the past 12 months, Aon's clients in the Pacific region have received approximately AUD $30 million in paid out M&A insurance claims. The data indicates that nearly 60 percent of claim notices submitted by clients resulted in successful claim payouts. Regional observations Adrienne Booth has recently been appointed as Executive Director, Transaction Solutions, New Zealand at Aon. She noted that the nature of risk management via W&I insurance has become considerably more sophisticated: "We're seeing a more sophisticated approach to risk transfer in the region. Buyers and sellers alike are leveraging W&I insurance not just as a deal enabler, but as a strategic tool to manage post-close risk. The data reinforces that this product is delivering real value when it matters most." Booth, who brings global experience from her previous legal and compliance roles within Aon internationally, has returned to her native New Zealand to oversee the company's transaction solutions offerings there. Her appointment signals an increased focus on expanding these services and supporting M&A activity across New Zealand. Ami Kalmath, Claims Manager, Financial Specialties and Transaction Solutions, Pacific at Aon, emphasised the critical role played by specialist claims support in achieving favourable outcomes for clients: "The Pacific region continues to demonstrate the value of W&I insurance evidenced by the one-in-five frequency of claim notifications and the global figures for claim payouts. Aon's specialist claims team can assist clients to achieve optimal recovery on losses through specialist claims advocacy. Our experience demonstrates that when clients engage early and collaborate closely with their advisors and insurers, claims are resolved more efficiently and with better outcomes." The study's findings align with broader global figures on the frequency and success rate of claim notifications and payouts, according to Aon's analysis of proprietary claims records and insurer surveys. Market outlook Increased deal activity across the Pacific region has also led to a steady rise in the number of claims being notified, reinforcing the pattern of high W&I claim volumes in the small to mid-market segment. According to Aon, disclosure-related breaches remain the most common triggers for claims, alongside compliance and tax matters. The timing and pattern of claims, with the majority reported within a year of deal completion, underline the importance of active monitoring and swift engagement with claims teams. The data also points to the need for continued diligence in pre-transaction processes and ongoing collaboration among all parties involved in the deal lifecycle.

FortHill Fund launches NZD $50m industrial property raise
FortHill Fund launches NZD $50m industrial property raise

Techday NZ

timea day ago

  • Techday NZ

FortHill Fund launches NZD $50m industrial property raise

The FortHill Fund has initiated a capital raise of NZD $50 million to support new industrial property acquisitions across Auckland, Christchurch, and Otago. The fund manages a portfolio valued at NZD $432 million, comprising more than 32 hectares of prime real estate that includes facilities for logistics and manufacturing tenants such as My Food Bag and Dairyworks. Among the assets is the NZD $68 million NZ Safety Blackwoods building at Drury South Crossing, noted as the largest industrial property transaction in the latter half of last year. The fund's tenant list features organisations including NZ Post, Winstone Wallboards, DHL, OfficeMax, Waste Management, and Fletcher Easysteel, all of which operate large-scale logistics or industrial businesses. Market demand New research published by JLL has highlighted a marked growth in investor interest for New Zealand's industrial sector, which accounts for 26% of the country's GDP. Rental values for prime industrial properties are described as escalating significantly, especially in Auckland, where warehouse rates have increased by more than 80% over the past ten years. The report attributes much of this demand to sustained growth in eCommerce and export activities, with these trends supporting increased requirements for warehousing and manufacturing facilities capable of supporting automation. The current expansion plans form part of a broader strategy to capitalise on these sector trends. FortHill is affiliated with Calder Stewart, identified as the largest industrial developer in New Zealand, and benefits from a first-look arrangement on new development opportunities. Sustainability initiative A significant component of the programme is the rollout of what is believed to be one of New Zealand's largest rooftop solar photovoltaic retrofits. Over 8,000 panels are set to be installed across 20 properties in FortHill's portfolio, with a generation capacity exceeding 4 million kWh annually. In addition to solar installations, FortHill has partnered with ASB and local technology company Tether to implement artificial intelligence-driven energy monitoring systems. The pilot programme, which spans 13 industrial properties for one year, aims to monitor real-time energy use with the goal of reducing tenant operating costs by up to 30%. Acquisition strategy Nick Maier, General Manager of FortHill, says the wholesale fund has first look at new industrial developments from Calder Stewart, offering a unique competitive advantage. He says the fund is targeting further acquisitions in both Auckland and Christchurch. "The research shows that with interest rates easing and prime rents increasing, investor capital is flowing back into industrial property. As a result of our direct access to off-market developments from New Zealand's largest industrial builder, CalderStewart, we're uniquely positioned to capitalise on this. These facilities cover over 144,000m2 of lettable area and are in the country's main logistics hubs. Most national operators need one shed in Auckland and one in Christchurch, close to major transport corridors. We're focused on owning the best version of those - sites with strong infrastructure links, modern design, and long-term tenant appeal. Tenants are increasingly investing heavily in automated systems and require buildings that support them. High-stud clearances, strong floor slabs, electrification and efficient layouts are all essential now. We're seeing a shift from simply occupying space to using it as a platform for productivity," he says. Maier further noted that the PIE-compliant fund projects a 6.1% gross yield for the 2026 financial year and has delivered consistent quarterly distributions since its establishment in 2019. The fund currently maintains a weighted average lease term of 8.2 years and reports full occupancy. A cornerstone investor has pre-committed NZD $6.65 million as part of the new capital raise. Follow us on: Share on:

Cook Islands PM: ‘If we can't get help from NZ, we will go somewhere else'
Cook Islands PM: ‘If we can't get help from NZ, we will go somewhere else'

RNZ News

time7 days ago

  • RNZ News

Cook Islands PM: ‘If we can't get help from NZ, we will go somewhere else'

By Teitimoana Tairi , Cook Islands News Cook Islands PM Mark Brown Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Lydia Lewis Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown defended the nation's new strategic partnership with China, citing the need for diverse international partners to fund a $650 million infrastructure plan that New Zealand alone cannot support, despite NZ's concerns and paused funding. Brown made this comment on Monday (Tuesday NZT) while officially opening the 2025 Pa Enua Governance Forum, held at the USP Cook Islands Campus until Thursday. The Forum is attended by outer island leaders, who are in Rarotonga for the 2025 Te Maeva Nui festival and the Cook Islands' 60th self-governance anniversary in free association with New Zealand, running from 25 July to 5 August. Addressing the ongoing diplomatic row between the Cook Islands and New Zealand, Brown said: "Kua akaari mai a Nuti Reni e, to ratou manamanata, the main one is, kare oki tatou e uipaanga Kapiti ana kia atou, I mua ake tatou I rave teia koreromotu a tatou I sign ki te baseleia o Tnito (New Zealand shared their concerns with us, the main one is that we didn't discuss this partnership with New Zealand before signing the comprehensive strategic partnership with China) ." This has resulted in New Zealand pausing over $18m in core sector support funding, which targets key areas in the Cook Islands' annual budget. Brown said he was surprised to learn that New Zealand had signed an agreement with China similar to the Cook Islands' deal, which resulted in "$60 billion worth of trade" for New Zealand in exchange for relaxed visa entry requirements for Chinese visitors. According to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, exports to China total $20.85 billion, comprising $17.75b in goods and $3.1b in services (figures for the year ended December 2024). New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will not attend the milestone event in Rarotonga, which will celebrate the Cook Islands' six decades of self-governance in free association with NZ. Photo: RNZ Pacific "There's not one dollar out of this koreromotu (signed partnership) a te Nuti Reni e te Tinito ka tae mai kia tatou," the Brown said. He said that last week, the Australian Prime Minister signed a partnership agreement with China, adding this agreement involves over $200b in annual exports to China and promotes Australia as a tourism destination for Chinese travellers. "Kare okotai meitaki I roto I teia koremotu e ka aere mai kia tatou (Nothing out of this partnership will benefit us), nothing, we have to do our own," Brown told Pa Enua mayors and council members. "… what we did (with China) was sign a friend work engagement in the areas that we would collaborate, and one of them was infrastructure development." Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown defended the nation's new strategic partnership with China. Photo: LIU BIN According to Brown, the country's national infrastructure investment plan costs $650m for infrastructural work across the country, including buildings, transportation, and so on. "New Zealand can't afford to give us that amount of money…we have to develop our partnerships with other larger countries to get the support we need to meet our infrastructure needs," Brown said. "Let me set the record straight about the reality of life, we need to build our infrastructure, we need to improve our standards in the Pa Enua, me kare rauka mai ta te Nuti Reni (if we can't get help from New Zealand), we will go somewhere else and look for that help, and that's what we've been doing." Highlighting the significance of the 60th anniversary, Brown stated that in 1965 the Cook Islands had only one development partner, New Zealand. "Sixty years later, we have 70 development partners, with formal relations with over 70 countries, including all of the biggest countries, the biggest economies in the world today." The 2025 Pa Enua Governance Forum opened on Monday local time (Tuesday NZT), bringing together leaders from across the Pa Enua, government officials, outer island mayors, executive officers and other distinguished guests to discuss ways to strengthen the collaboration between Pa Enua and central governance. In her opening speech, Karopaerangi Ngatoko, the chief of staff at the Office of the Prime Minister, welcomed attendees with words of gratitude and purpose. "…your presence reflects the strength of your commitment to your islands and to our shared development journey," Ngatoko said, acknowledging the distance many had travelled to attend. "This is a working week, it is about progress about delivery and about impact. It is about building the bridge between planning and action - and ensuring that action delivers real outcomes for our Pa Enua." Under the theme, "Akatinamou'anga I te itiki'anga Ora" symbolising unity, collaboration and a shared goal, the Forum marks a significant moment in the Cook Islands journey, coinciding with the nations 60th anniversary of self-governance. Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter urged integrity and action in the public sector. "We are public servants, servants of the public, not public owners," shared Hunter, highlighting the values that define the nation's public service. He emphasised impartiality, transparency, accountability and added hard work as a core principle, calling for service that puts people before self-interest. Hunter also acknowledged workforce challenges, especially in the Pa Enua, worsened by Covid-19 and ongoing out-of-migration. "In the Pa Enua, these effects have been compounded by long-standing challenges, including high living costs, limited employment opportunities and continued outmigration. These trends have resulted in the loss of skilled workers and have placed real strains on local services and community capacity." Hunter shared early steps in a National Workforce Development Plan and reaffirmed the government's commitment to deeper engagement with island communities through ongoing visits and partnership. Mayor of Atiu, Timaau Mokoroa, representing the Pa Enua, warmly welcomed all attendees and acknowledged the event. Mokoroa extended his gratitude to the Office of the Prime Minister for hosting such an important gathering, which provided a platform to address concerns, share ideas and discuss further improvements for a sustainable country. "I thank our Prime Minister at the moment of the day, for convening this important platform, not only as part of the celebration marking 60 years of self-governance, but more critically, as a space where the voices of our people, especially in the Pa Enua, can be heard. Our concerns acknowledged, and our collective aspirations discussed," he said. "May we move forward in unity, grounded in Christ. Together we carry the weight of our islands, our people, but together we can also carry the weight that leads us forward." -This article was first published by Cook Islands News .

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store