Fast-growing Strange Nature gin of New Zealand has signed an Americas duty-free distribution agreement with sector specialist Haleybrooke International.
US company Haleybrooke International is owned by drinks industry veteran Patrick Nilson, who spent 26 years with then-industry powerhouse Seagram.
Strange Nature General Manager and Co-owner Rhys Julian told The Moodie Davitt Report, “Patrick has immense respect and connections in the region, something that Strange Nature is very keen to benefit from.
“Distribution in the Americas is absolutely the right next step for our brand, to complement and continue the momentum with our established duty-free distribution in NZ, Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and India.
“With distribution set in those regions, it makes sense to now turn our focus and investment to Haleybrooke and Duty Free in the Americas.
“This is a fulfilling outcome for all involved, especially considering it was advertising in The Moodie Davitt Report March Magazine edition that piqued Patrick’s curiosity in the first instance.”
Strange Nature, exclusive sponsor of our popular Strange Predictions readers’ contest, has enjoyed striking success in duty-free and domestic channels since its launch in October 2021.
The brand was developed during the COVID-19 lockdown by renowned New Zealand winemakers Giesen, which was trialling ways to make zero-alcohol Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
The resultant alcohol extract turned out to have a rich, herbaceous-citrus flavour that lent itself perfectly to gin. Strange Nature was born.
Besides its subsequent commercial success, Strange Nature has snapped up a flurry of industry awards, including being rated Best Contemporary Gin in the World at the International Wines & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2024. A year later at the same event it earned a remarkable 95/100 – Gold, marking the second consecutive year of being recognised as New Zealand’s highest-rated gin. ✈
