Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) and Beam Suntory have formed a new distribution partnership in New Zealand that builds on their strengthened relationship in Australia.
Commencing October 1, the new agreement will see Beam Suntory partner with CCA for 10 years, making CCA one of the largest distributors of beverages in NZ.
Beam Suntory NZ will form the cornerstone of the most dynamic industry change in over a decade by linking its brands to one of the largest sales forces in NZ.
As part of the new agreement, CCA’s NZ business will be responsible for the sales and distribution of the Beam Suntory spirits portfolio in NZ, including the country’s top-selling Jim Beam Bourbon, Canadian Club, Midori liqueur and Japanese whiskies, as well as the manufacture, sales and distribution of its ready-to-drink (RTD) spirits portfolio.
The new agreement fully integrates the Beam Suntory spirits and spirit-based RTD range alongside CCA’s existing NZ beer and cider portfolio.
Beam Suntory sales team members will transfer to CCA while marketing, supply chain and other functions will remain part of Beam Suntory NZ.
CCA NZ MD, Chris Litchfield, says, “The agreement signifies a very exciting step in the long-term partnership between CCA and Beam Suntory.
“As well as further strengthening CCA’s NZ alcohol portfolio, our new agreement deepens the relationship between our two companies locally and across Australia and the Pacific.
“Following the announcement of a 10-year partnership between Beam Suntory and CCA in Australia, this is testament to the quality of our relationship and commitment to being the number one beverage distributor and manufacturer. This new partnership represents a very exciting portfolio expansion, which gives us an even greater portfolio to offer our customers across the country.”
Beam Suntory Interim Oceania MD, Peter Gunning, says “This is an exciting development for Beam Suntory after the announcement in June with CCA in Australia and underscores the strength of our distribution partnership.
“The combination of commercial, innovation and manufacturing expertise, plus CCANZ’s customer base, will help us to lead the market in the RTD category by discovering new ways for consumers to enjoy our brands. We will leverage CCA’s vision, providing an exceptional portfolio of brands to create value in licensed premises and further increase our share in the market as the leading spirits company in NZ.”
In NZ the spirits market is over one million nine-litre cases and the RTD market is over six million nine-litre cases.
