Campari Group has become the majority shareholder in Thirsty Camel Limited. The announcement has come after Thirsty Camel Limited, a Campari Group joint venture company, began to distribute the full Campari portfolio in New Zealand on January 1st 2023.
Thirsty Camel markets and distributes global leading brands including, Coruba, Appleton Estate, Wild Turkey, Aperol, SKYY Vodka and Campari. In addition, Thirsty Camel Limited will continue to distribute a number of other successful brands, including, Fever Tree, Kraken and Disaronno.
With the change in shareholding, Brad Madigan has been appointed to the role of Managing Director. Most recently, Madigan was Managing Director of Campari UK and before that, Sales Director at Campari Australia.
Madigan said that the announcement demonstrates the company’s commitment to growing Campari in New Zealand, but also diversifying the local industry through increased investment.
“We will be adding a number of new roles to the joint venture, more than doubling the current team, so the opportunity ahead of us is exciting,” said Madigan.
Importantly, Titch Hay, Founder of Thirsty Camel, will continue to play a critical role in the business as Commercial Sales and Agency Brand Director.
Hay said that this announcement has been a fantastic opportunity for Campari, and that the company has strong ambitions for the New Zealand market and the Thirsty Camel joint venture is integral to its next phase of growth.
"This increased investment from Campari is a demonstration of the confidence Campari has in Thirsty Camel’s potential for growth in New Zealand and all the opportunities which this will bring,” said Hay.
Thirsty Camel Limited was established in 2004 and has grown to be a leading distributor, representing locally manufactured, celebrated international, and craft brands.
