The South Island's McCashin family has overcome a 10-year brewing ban to become one of New Zealand's fastest-growing manufacturers - and it's looking to expand overseas.
The 10-year ban was a sale condition imposed on the McCashin's when Nelson brewer Terry McCashin sold Mac's Beer to Lion in 1999.
The McCashin's were back in the brewery producing craft beer and cider as soon as it was lifted and McCashin's Brewery was this month named one of New Zealand's fastest-growing manufacturers in the Deloitte Festival of Fast Growth.
Its best-known product is its award-winning Stoke beer range, which first hit supermarket, liquor stores and bar shelves three years ago and which McCashin's managing director Andrew Murray says it makes up more than 80% of sales.
"It would be great if we could have a better balance in our total portfolio of sales, so we're not reliant on any one variant or skew in the market but, ultimately, they're dictated by the consumer," Mr Murray says.
"It's whether they like the products, and that's what they'll buy. We're absolutely comfortable for them to make the decision in terms of what success looks like for us."
Product range evolving
The product portfolio is constantly evolving and currently includes a range of 12 beers, cider, non-alcoholic beverages, water and seasonal and limited releases.
Mr Murray says Stoke is sold in both Progressive and Foodstuffs supermarkets in New Zealand, accounting for 60% of sales. But he says international markets are where the real growth is.
"Initially we focussed on Australia, our cousins just across the water, and we've been quite successful in that market and then we've expanded," he says.
That expansion includes Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan and the United States. Two other markets are being targetted, and its non-alcoholic products are being sold in Malaysia.
Expansion capacity
McCashin's Rochdale Cider Factory in Nelson has plenty of capacity to expand production as demand grows. The site also allows for expansion with new plant and equipment, if necessary.
"So we have quite ambitious goals. We have a number in mind in terms of where we'd like to be in 10 years, and this site will absolutely suffice and meet those plans without any concerns whatsoever," Mr Murray says.
The beer market in New Zealand is shrinking but craft beer sales have increased by up to 12%.
However, whether McCashin's joins fellow South Island brewers Moa on the NZX remains to be seen.
"No immediate plans but who may know in the future. It's certainly not part of our current business plan. I would never say never though," Mr Murray says.
Last year McCashin's Brewery was named the fastest-growing manufacturer in New Zealand and third-fastest company overall in New Zealand. It will find out if it can back that up at an awards ceremony on 6 November.
