West Coast spirits producer Reefton Distilling Co. recently launched an investment offer seeking to raise between $1 million and $2 million in capital to scale up their whisky production to meet the global demand for New World whisky.
The offer, providing both retail and wholesale investors an opportunity to own shares in this international award winning distillery, previewed to the public via the Snowball Effect online platform in early August, receiving over 1000 expressions of interest.
Unique West Coast provenance and strong environmental and social ethos
Founder and Chief Executive Patsy Bass established Reefton Distilling Co. in 2017 with the goal of setting up a sustainable business to help revitalise her hometown of Reefton and to create jobs for local people.
Reefton Distilling Co. is now one of New Zealand’s largest independent distilleries.
Nestled within Victoria Forest Park, which comprises of over 2000 square kilometers of indigenous forests, the distillery produces a range of international award-winning spirits, including Little Biddy Gin, the No. 2 New Zealand premium gin in New Zealand.
In September 2022, they laid down their first Moonlight Creek single malt whisky and in 2023 they made headlines as the first New Zealand distillery to contract distill whisky for the Scots.
Their unique West Coast provenance, and strong environmental and social ethos has seen Reefton Distilling Co. secure a loyal customer base. In 2024 they became the first New Zealand whisky distillery and the first ever West Coast business to achieve B Corp certification for their positive environmental and social impact.
Reefton Distilling Co.’s recent expansion into the whisky market is part of their longer-term growth strategy of establishing a broad portfolio of complementary premium spirits. The global market for whisky is growing, with New World whiskies and super premium products in great demand.
Spirited start raises over $1M
Following on from a pre-emptive offer to existing shareholders, the Reefton Distilling Co. Investment Offer opened to a spirited start in late August and has now exceeded the minimum target of $1M.
Funds invested to date are from both private individuals (who are pledging a minimum of $1000 and above) to larger wholesale investors seeking to secure a significant proportion of the shares on offer.
“It’s been great to see the amount of interest. It seems that New Zealander’s and beyond are keen to back a New World whisky made right here on the West Coast of New Zealand,” said Patsy.
“We’re at an exciting stage of development as a business, as our distillery begins the journey to scale to optimal production.
“Demand for our international award-winning gin, vodka and fruit liqueur is well established and we’ve proven our ability to innovate and execute, which is important in underpinning the future success of our business.”
Reefton Distilling Co. are raising capital to fund investment in their Moonlight Creek whisky inventory, launch of their 3-year release whisky, and operations.