Latest news with #McQuillan
NZ Herald
26-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Northland gourmet business cuts prices amid rising food costs
McQuillan said the pricing changes prove 'how small NZ producers can innovate, support local supply chains, and bring tangible value back to customers in a time of rising costs'. 'While many businesses have increased their prices, we've worked exceptionally hard to lower ours without compromising on quality, artisan craftsmanship, or sustainability,' she said. Bratty, an accountant by trade, was looking at the business for a client, who ended up deciding it wasn't for them. 'I liked the look of it ... I said to Debbie, 'how do you feel about us investing in this', and it went from there.' Based in Pakotai, the couple initially ran the business as the previous owners, with the existing pricing structure. 'It quickly became apparent that this was an area where real work was required and was one of the first changes to be made,' Bratty said. The artisan producers launched a full rebrand, cutting the price of their Worcester sauce from $38 for a 250ml bottle, to between $16.95 and $17.95 - a 55.39% decrease. The company's small-batch relishes and chutney, once $28 a jar, are now available for $16.95 - a 39.46% decrease. Bratty said the previous prices were 'pretty high'. 'We had to get our feet under the table a bit and understand the business before we understood the cost of production. 'We weren't comfortable at those price levels, it was out of reach for people, and we wanted more people to access everyday gourmet. 'I studied the costings and margins, and worked with suppliers to make sure we were getting the best pricing we could. 'I came up with the pricing as it is, so there's enough margin in it to make it a sustainable business, but at prices that are more affordable.' While some would say they are still expensive when consumers can buy a 290ml bottle of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce for $5.80, McQuillan said theirs is a 'craft product'. Every product is crafted using traditional methods in a purpose-built kitchen powered by rainwater and solar energy. The couple also sources locally grown produce, including bananas, kūmara, beetroot, and onions. 'We were never going to be something mass-produced in a factory ... we're a tiny two-person business,' McQuillan said. 'We're not aiming to be the cheapest option on the shelves. 'Our flavour profile is different, it's more concentrated ... so people use smaller amounts.' Bratty said businesses can bring their costs down by 'understanding what your costs are and how much you need to earn to make your business sustainable. 'It comes down to knowing your numbers. 'The environment is really hard. 'We've come from a position where the previous owners had developed a really great product but their business model was different to ours.' According to Stats NZ, food prices are 3.5% higher than in March 2024. Butter prices are more expensive, up 63.6% compared to March 2024, cheese is up by 20.4%, and milk is more expensive by 16%. The Grocery Supplier Cost Index (GSCI) was also up 2% in the 12 months to April. Infometrics chief executive and principal economist Brad Olsen said key products - including butter, beef and chocolate - continued to see higher supplier costs, driven by offshore demand and supply trends. 'Costs for domestically produced dairy and meat are being lifted by strong international demand, which are raising export prices and influencing local prices too,' he said. Wild West Gourmet products are sold online, at Marsden Cove Marina and Tūtūkākā Twilight markets, and at food shows, including the Auckland Food Show in July.
STV News
18-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Allotment boom: Community-growing projects flourish post-pandemic
Green-fingered Fifers say a project to open more allotments around the Kingdom is a growing success. The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a large spike in demand for allotments, and a change in demographic of who you might expect to see gardening and growing in a Council has seen its waiting list double and it now sits at more than 2,000 people – so patience is a virtue not only required once you have your patch, but to get it council have embarked on a strategy that will run through until 2029, with the aim of improving the provision of allotments and community-growing facilities in the the past year, more than 100 new plots have been created. In Inverkeithing, all 40 spaces were quickly snapped up after the new allotment opened in November last McQuillan is one of those proud plot holders and she says the benefits are aplenty.'You're getting away from life, if you live in a flat and you don't have a garden, you're going to have a bit of land to sit at,' she told STV News.'If there's something bugging you, you can come down here and forget about it.'She says the health benefits, both physical and mental, have been clear – and it's also led to a budding community.'What a community we have here, everybody will help everybody,' she said.'If you're on holiday there's so many people who say, 'I'll water your plot''We've already got people saying 'right I've got too much of this veg, who wants it?''In St Monans, there are now 39 new individual plots – a communal poly tunnel, a community orchard and a new meeting room. Furthermore, 40 new plots and a meeting room have been created at Smeaton Allotments in courses are also offered to new plot holders and a number of links are being set up with schools and health centres to make community growing Duncan, Fife Council's allotment and community growing officer, told STV News: 'The way the strategy's written it's very much the barebones and it allows us to apply the flesh as per community, so that the projects are community-driven and officer supported.'Allotment holders say that in recent years the hobby hasn't just grown in popularity amongst older people but youngsters as well. A number of children are involved with the Inverkeithing project – showing the future is blossoming too. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Inspiring locals honoured at 2025 Drogheda Borough District Mayoral Awards
Following a nomination and consideration process by the elected members of Drogheda Borough District, nine awards were granted to inspirational persons or groups who achieved outstanding goals, demonstrated unwavering service to the community or represented the community nationally or internationally. The event, which was compered by Susan Deery, Administrative Officer, Louth County Council, opened with Cllr Paddy McQuillan, Mayor of Drogheda Borough District, commenting on the depth and variety of the nominations and praising each winner on how they individually, or collectively, enhanced the greater community. 'I am lucky enough to be the 424th mayor of Drogheda,' said Cllr McQuillan. 'There is an ancient, constant line dating back to the first mayor of Drogheda, Hugo Coyne, in 1285. Although these awards are not that ancient, they go back decades, and they will continue for decades to come. 'The Mayoral awards recognise a wide range of outstanding talents and contributions to our communities. The nominees are people that we recognise as leaders and change makers towards a vibrant, modern and confident society. 'Over the past year, I have witnessed first-hand the difference that the award winners, both as individuals and collectively, have made to Drogheda. They are the pride of our community, and also their families and friends, and as mayor and first citizen of Drogheda, I am honoured to be able to show our appreciation to them all.' Cllr McQuillan's words were echoed by Louth County Council Chief Executive, David Conway, who said: 'It's fantastic to see the wide array of award winners, ranging from heritage to services, to sport, to the local community. 'Many of the recipients represent a group or a team, and they all play a part in making County Louth a better place. One of Louth County Council's values is being citizen-centric, and each of the award winners lives by that value on a day-to-day basis.' Accompanied by music from the Cooney family, the nominees were called forward and presented with their certificates by Cllr Paddy McQuillan, Mayor of Drogheda Borough District. 2025 Drogheda Borough District Mayoral Award Winners • Friends of Bully's Acre: For their commitment to safeguarding Drogheda's heritage by transforming the old workshop graveyard beside Calvery Cemetery into the beautiful space it is today. • The frontline workers in the Emergency Department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital: For their commitment to providing care, especially during the most challenging times. Their daily work embodies the values of dedication, professionalism and resilience. • Termonfeckin Celtic FC: For promoting inclusive values and the participation of females in soccer by establishing the Zara Murphy Academy, in honour of their former player who tragically passed away in the summer of 2024. • Coaching team and volunteers of Tredagh Boxing Club: For their services to boxing and the community in Termonfeckin and the wider Drogheda area, where the club continues to grow in stature as a club that produces and nurtures young talent. • Ryan Brennan: In recognition of his commitment and dedication to his hometown club, Drogheda United Football Club, for whom he has made over 200 appearances and lifted the FAI Cup as captain in 2024. • Grainne Berrill: For her commitment and dedication to the betterment of communities and individuals through her work as coordinator of the Drogheda Implementation Plan. • Paulette McArdle: In recognition of her key contribution to the Drogheda & District Support 4 Older People over the past decade. • Clogherhead Women's Shed: For fostering friendships, creativity and wellbeing in a welcoming community and providing a safe space for women in Clogherhead and surrounding districts. • Boyne Athletic Club: For being a cornerstone of youth development, inclusivity and producing several athletes who have proudly represented Drogheda, Louth and Ireland. Light refreshments were served after the event.
Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
GTA 6 odds: Traders predict $1 billion in pre-sales and record-breaking sales potential
Rockstar Games has finally confirmed the release date for GTA 6. While hardcore fans may be disappointed by the wait, as the game won't be released until May 26, 2026, the hype surrounding it continues to grow. Rockstar is expected to rake in at least $1 billion in pre-sales, with traders estimating a 60% chance of that happening. The buzz surrounding GTA 6 is so massive that some believe it could rival Minecraft in terms of success, with a 40% chance that its sales will even surpass the record-breaking game. As expected, a high-quality game like this won't come cheap, with traders predicting a price tag of at least $90 when it finally hits shelves. Also Read: Leaked GTA 6 map details Vice City, what heist fans can expect? Speaking to HT, revealed their latest odds surrounding the much-anticipated release of GTA 6, highlighting just how high expectations are for Rockstar's next blockbuster. The platform gives 4/6 odds (-150) that the game will reach $1 billion in pre-sales, and even shorter odds of 2/5 (-250) for hitting that milestone within the first three days. The likelihood of GTA 6 surpassing GTA V in total copies sold is heavily favoured at 1/8 (-800), while the chances of it overtaking Minecraft stand at 6/4 (+150), with 1/2 (-200) odds against. Pricing predictions suggest the game could retail at $90 or more in the U.S., with odds at 4/5 (-125), compared to 10/11 (-110) for a lower price point. In the UK, the release price is expected to be £70 or more at 8/11 (-138), versus evens (+100) for it to be less. Also Read: GTA 6: Release date, price, pre-order details, characters, and more Betideas spokesman Steven McQuillan reacted to the presented odds and said, "The hysteria around GTA 6 is something like we have never seen before when it comes to a video game release. The 1:31 long trailer for the game has 245,000,000 views on Youtube which just shows the hype around the game.' He continued, "With the release date officially set for May 26, 2026, fans of the GTA franchise can now begin their countdown to what is anticipated to be a groundbreaking game. However, there is significant disappointment in the fanbase regarding the delay.' McQuillan added, 'The traders at Betideas believe that this disappointment will not derail the hype train, and we are to expect some eye watering sales numbers. They expect the game to cost at least $90 to purchase and for pre-sales to reach at least $1billion.'
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Casa Rica Tequila Announces Andrei McQuillan as Interim CEO to Drive Brand Growth and Cultural Relevance
LOS ANGELES, CA / / April 29, 2025 / Casa Rica Tequila is proud to announce the appointment of Andrei McQuillan as Interim Chief Executive Officer, ushering in a bold new era of creative innovation, cultural relevance, and strategic growth. A proven leader in branding and marketing, McQuillan brings deep expertise in building breakthrough consumer brands through visionary storytelling, distinct positioning, and immersive cultural experiences. As co-founder and Head of Marketing at Stillhouse Spirits Co. - acquired by Bacardi in 2019 - McQuillan built a reputation for transforming early-stage businesses into high-impact lifestyle brands. McQuillan's unique approach is rooted in his beginnings as a music manager under the mentorship of industry legend Benny Medina, where he guided the careers of global icons, including Jennifer Lopez, Brandy, and Ricky Martin. McQuillan applies the same philosophy of marketing a celebrity to building brands - focusing on authenticity, emotional resonance, and strategic creativity to drive exposure, engagement, and long-term growth. "Casa Rica is built on something truly special - unshakable authenticity, fearless branding, and a taste that's nothing short of extraordinary. As Interim CEO, I don't just see a brand - I see a cultural movement in the making," says Andrei McQuillan. McQuillan takes the helm at Casa Rica during a transformative time. The brand has quickly garnered attention for its collaboration with Maestra Tequilera Zandra Gomez of Agave Azul Distillery - one of the few women running tequila production in Mexico and an up-and-coming force in artisanal distilling. As Casa Rica matures under McQuillan's guidance, the brand strives to grow its cultural depth while expanding nationally through compelling content, partnerships, and experiences. "Andrei possesses an incredible combination of razor-sharp strategic insight and creative energy," said John D. Quinn, Owner of Casa Rica Tequila. "Under Andrei's leadership, as we embark on our next chapter, we're extending our reach and building a brand legacy like no other." From premium product positioning to breakthrough cultural moments, McQuillan will lead Casa Rica with purpose, precision, and passion, bringing the soul of tequila to a new generation of tastemakers. Many of McQuillan's achievements were built on a deep expertise with marketing and communications. McQuillan founded Higher Evolution, a Los Angeles-headquartered creative agency in 2019. It will be supporting Casa Rica, and the agency will continue to thrive with services ranging from strategic consulting to product packaging design. Explore Casa Rica Tequila Media Contact:John D. Quinn, Chairman & CEOEmail: 310-623-7551 Andrei McQuillan, Co-CEOCasa Rica Tequila, IncEmail: andrei@ SOURCE: Casa Rica Tequila Related Documents: Press Release New CEO - CR_4.28.25_photo View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
