NEW ZEALAND/SINGAPORE. Strange Nature, the innovative New Zealand gin brand set on ‘going against the grain’, has struck a partnership for selected Asia and Middle East duty-free markets with Singapore brand distribution firm CoLab.
The collaboration follows a meeting at the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition earlier this year and comes as Strange Nature turns its attention to travel retail markets in Asia and the Middle East.
The partnership will embrace Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Qatar.
Strange Nature Distilling is the exclusive partner of The Moodie Davitt Report’s popular Images of the Day feature. Strange Nature was developed during the COVID lockdown in New Zealand. Family-owned Giesen Wines, one of the country’s most successful – and best – winemakers, was trialling ways to make zero-alcohol Sauvignon Blanc, never expecting the alcohol extract to have a rich, herbaceous-citrus flavour that would “lend itself so perfectly to gin”. Read the full story here. |
Strange Nature Distilling General Manager Rhys Julian said: “We have loved our first foray into the glamorous channel of travel retail over the last two years, blown away by the response to our brand from consumers across Oceania. Now we turn our attention to Asia and the Middle East.
“We are confident that our unique proposition, backed up by strong marketing initiatives, will be well received in the marketplace.
“Over the last six months we have taken our time working through who might be the best distribution partner in the region. CoLab was hands down the best choice for our brand. Both companies share similar values, but most importantly CoLab was heavily validated by key buyers and decision makers throughout the region.
“What was most impressive to me when doing our due diligence, was when I surveyed the buyers. All of them were very complimentary of the commercial expertise that CoLab currently offers their businesses compared to other distributor suppliers. What better validation is there than that?”
CoLab General Manager APC Phil Sancto commented: “At CoLab, we are selective about the brands that we partner with, and Strange Nature stood out right from the start.
“Strange Nature’s premium liquid, brand narrative and quality packaging immediately impressed us, and the team’s strong leadership and clear focus on travel retail were also key factors.
“It is unusual for retailers to ask if we’re considering a partnership, but with Strange Nature that interest came quickly. We’re confident this brand will resonate with both our retail partners and travellers across Asia Pacific.”
CoLab’s mission is to “unleash dynamic brands and retailers”. Its specified markets are Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Qatar. ✈️