Premium mixer company Fever-Tree has announced its first leadership appointment in New Zealand.

Andre Browne takes on the newly created role of Country Manager, New Zealand. He will have responsibility for building brand awareness and solidifying the brand’s strong footprint across national and regional grocery retailers while continuing to develop strategic partnerships with grocery, traditional liquor and on-premise customers.   

The UK-based brand says the appointment follows strong performance in 2022 and signals its intentions to strategically align and supercharge its growth in the New Zealand market.       

Andy Gaunt, Managing Director ANZ Fever-Tree, says it is a milestone hire for Fever-Tree in New Zealand. “Andre joins us at an exciting moment as we look to increase our presence and growth in the New Zealand market.

“His extensive FMCG brand experience alongside his proven ability to build strong relationships makes him an ideal choice for this important role and an excellent fit with the Fever-Tree team,” says Gaunt.

After two years working as Global Senior Brand Manager for boutique London gin brand, Sipsmith, Andre more recently worked at Asahi where he managed its RTD portfolio in New Zealand.    

“Working in the UK during the gin and tonic boom, Fever-Tree impressed me not only with its unrelenting pursuit to find the best ingredients in the world but the personal touch and involvement the owners had in developing new products,” says Browne.

“Fever-Tree has an expanding and versatile product portfolio outside tonics, such as ginger, sodas and cola to suit every mixing occasion, so I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”