International spirits company, Bacardi, has entered into a new distribution agreement with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) in New Zealand, following the announcement of a similar arrangement in Australia last August.
The multi-year agreement, effective from 1 January, aims to strengthen the distribution of Bacardi’s premium portfolio across the country through CCEP’s network. Spirits such as Bacardi rum, Bombay Sapphire gin, Grey Goose and 42Below vodka, and Patron tequila will be more accessible to consumers in New Zealand.
Bacardi-Martini Australia and New Zealand managing director, Luiz Schmidt, said the company’s 2026 Cocktail Trends Report showed consumers are looking to slow down and rediscover the social magic of connecting with one another, while enjoying a cocktail together.
“Our agreement with CCEP enables us to scale our reach and deliver our premium brands to even more Kiwis, so they can enjoy a moment of connection with one of our spirits in hand,” said Schmidt.
“This is not just about expanding distribution. It is about shaping the future of premium beverage experiences in this market.”
CCEP will take over distribution and market expansion of Bacardi’s premium spirit and ready-to-drink (RTD) portfolio, while Bacardi maintains responsibility for consumer marketing and influence.
CCEP New Zealand managing director, Wendy Rayner, said the company was excited to join forces with Bacardi.
“We will leverage the strength of our people, whose proven expertise in distribution and deep market understanding will help make the exceptional portfolio of Bacardi brands more accessible to consumers nationwide,” said Rayner.
The Australian agreement kicked off on 3 November, which Bacardi and CCEP celebrated by launching a major new product – Bacardí Rum & Coca-Cola and Bacardí Spiced Rum & Coca-Cola. It marked the first time the Coca-Cola brand has been available in an alcoholic RTD in Australia.
