INDUSTRY NEWS
NZ Whisky Co. to start production at Speight’s THE NEW Zealand Whisky Co. has entered into a new lease with Lion NZ to establish production within Dunedin’s Speight’s Brewery. Work began in March and resumed again in May to accommodate the whisky company’s new distillery inside the historic brewery’s millhouse. As part of the lease, The New Zealand Whisky Co. will also source several key production inputs direct from Speight’s. “We are already working with Speight’s expert team of brewers to tailor the supply of our own wash, a sweet un-hopped beer which is the building-block for distilling all single malt whiskies,” says founder Greg Ramsay. “To have Lion on board to support us, with such an iconic downtown location, allows us to unlock new avenues and showcase our precious whisky range to more people.” Operating out of Oamaru, one hour north on the Otago Coast, the New Zealand Whisky Co has been successfully building its whisky market internationally, including brands such as Dunedin DoubleWood, South Island Single Malt, and The Oamaruvian. “While we also have grand plans for our new Oamaru Bondstore and Bar, which will remain a key
cellar-door and maturation warehouse, it’s great to be moving the physical distilling into such a diverse large-scale property,” says Ramsay. He says they’re excited to be working with Lion to help take their production to the next level. “Both the whisky category, and new-world whisky in particular,
are experiencing fabulous demand. We believe that by working with Speight’s to unlock the enormous potential around the Speight’s Brewery property, we can go a long way to creating more world-class whisky, and deliver a distillery destination of international acclaim.” The first distillation is expected to take place in July.
Coke NZ aims for 20% sugar reduction Coca-Cola New Zealand has announced a goal to reduce sugar across its portfolio of drinks by 20 per cent1 by 2025. The commitment comes amid the company’s ongoing work to reduce sugar in existing drinks, develop new no and low sugar options, provide smaller pack sizes and dedicate significant marketing efforts to promote no and low sugar alternatives. Richard Schlasberg, General Manager Coca-Cola Oceania, says the company is serious about taking a leadership position when it comes to providing choice and reducing the sugar Kiwis consume from beverages. “Over half our growth has been in low and 12 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2020
no sugar drinks in the past two years and we now sell more Coca-Cola drinks without sugar in supermarkets than Coca-Cola Classic. In addition, bottled water sales have increased 9% and still water sales 13% in the past two years,” he says. Since 2017, Coca-Cola New Zealand has introduced a range of no and reduced sugar products including Powerade Active Water, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Keri 50% Less Sugar Fruit Drink, limited-edition Coca-Cola Peach No Sugar, Deep Spring Light and new 250mL cans for Kiwi Blue sparkling flavoured waters. “In 2020 we’re planning to reduce the sugar in more of our
key products as well as continue to introduce new reduced and no sugar drinks,” Schlasberg. “We also continue to support and promote small packs (300mL or under) and are absolutely committed to ensuring our communications are responsible and appropriate for every space and place – ensuring those under 14 are not directly targeted by our advertising or promotions.” Bruce Sherman, chair of the New Zealand Beverage Council, says it applauds CocaCola New Zealand for taking this important step towards further reducing sugar in its drinks. “We recently had the Minister of Health respond to the Food Industry Taskforce
recommendations about the measures manufacturers will take, and are already taking, towards encouraging healthy lifestyles. The sugar reduction steps taken by Coca-Cola New Zealand demonstrates the beverage industry is already making strong progress in this area,” Sherman says. Based on volume weighted average sugar content (g per 100mL). Reduction from 2016 to 2025. CocaCola Oceania (CCO) and Coca-Cola Amatil NZ Beverages (CCANZ) portfolio: Carbonated soft drinks, fruit drinks, fruit juice, iced tea, water and flavoured waters, sports, energy drinks and flavoured milks. 1
