Campari increases stake in Thirsty Camel

Campari Group has become the majority shareholder in New Zealand distributor Thirsty Camel Limited. The move comes after Thirsty Camel, a Campari Group joint venture company, began distributing the full Campari portfolio in New Zealand on January 1, 2023.

Thirsty Camel was established in 2004 and markets and distributes global brands including, Coruba, Appleton Estate, Wild Turkey, Aperol, SKYY Vodka and Campari. In addition, Thirsty Camel Limited will continue to distribute a number of other brands, including Fever-Tree, Kraken and Disaronno. 

With the change in shareholding, Brad Madigan has been appointed to the role of Managing Director. Most recently, Brad was Managing Director of Campari UK and before that, Sales Director at Campari Australia. Titch Hay, founder of Thirsty Camel, will continue to play a critical role in the business as Commercial Sales and Agency Brand Director.

Brad Madigan - MD of Thirsty Camel

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Campari. We have strong ambitions for the New Zealand market and the Thirsty Camel joint venture is integral to our next phase of growth,” says Brad Madigan.

“This announcement not only demonstrates our commitment to growing Campari’s footprint in New Zealand, but also diversifying the local industry through our increased investment in Thirsty Camel. We will be adding a number of new roles to the joint venture, more than doubling the current team, so the opportunity ahead of us is exciting.”

“This increased investment from Campari is a demonstration of the confidence Campari has in Thirsty Camel’s potential for growth in New Zealand and all the opportunities which this will bring,” said Titch Hay.