Asahi swoops on Never Never Distilling
Award-winning McLaren Vale gin company Never Never Distilling Co has been bought by Japanese giant Asahi Beverages for an undisclosed sum.
The company, which was launched by George Georgiadis, Tim Boast and Sean Baxter in a 16sq m Thebarton shed in 2016, has been one of the pioneers of the Australian spirits industry, and has had great success at international awards shows with products such as its Triple Juniper, Ginache and Southern Strength gins.
It also produces varietals including Oyster Shell, Pink Pepper and Beeswax and Olive.
The company now employs about 15 people fulltime at its site at Chalk
Hill in McLaren Vale, plus 30 casual staff.
Co-founder and managing director Mr Georgiadis, who was an investment director with Sydney’s Pemba Capital Partners until last year, said the founders would stay at the business.
“While this is a gamechanger for our brand, outside of the support it provides, this won’t change the core of the business,’’ Mr
Georgiadis said in a statement.
“Rest assured, the founder team will be working hard to continue to achieve the success that has got us to this point.
“It’s a day which allows us the opportunities to finally take Never Never and build it into the brand we have always dreamt of. We didn’t start Never Never to be small.”
Asahi Beverages group chief executive Amanda Sellers said it bought the distillery because “we recognise Never Never’s incredible brand and success’’.
“Combining Asahi’s reach with Never Never’s amazing portfolio, extensive spirits knowledge and capability will enhance the value proposition for our customers,” she said.