Thirsty Camel has announced that it will take over the distribution of Coruba, Appleton Estate, Wild Turkey and Riccadonna Sparkling Wine in New Zealand – four major brands owned by Campari Group.

The move comes as Campari New Zealand aggregates the distribution of all its brands with Thirsty Camel, effective from 1 January 2023.

The four brands are currently distributed in New Zealand by Lion.

The change means that from 2023, Thirsty Camel will distribute all Campari-owned brands in New Zealand, as it already distributes some of Campari’s key brands, such as Aperol, Campari, Skyy, The Glen Grant, Cinzano and Frangelico.

“It increases our capacity and stake in the market significantly,” says Thirsty Camel owner and CEO Titch Hay.

“Thirsty Camel has had a rapid rise and this expansion makes us a key player in the sector. We have proven our industry capability over time, and the partnership with Campari recognises our like-minded approach to business and commitment to growing the local industry.”   

Campari Australia and New Zealand Managing Director, Simon Durrant, says they have big ambitions in the New Zealand market. “While we are very thankful to Lion for the many years of successful and collaborative partnership, migrating our portfolio to Thirsty Camel is integral to Campari’s next phase of growth both to simplify our operations and benefit from the rich portfolio synergies with Thirsty Camel.”