Fever-Tree Australia (FTA) has begun local production through a partnership with Remedy Drinks, heralding a new era to mark the company’s 20th anniversary. It has also appointed new general managers for Australia and New Zealand, following the departure of managing director Andy Gaunt, who has now taken up the CEO position at Sullivans Cove Distillery.
In a 2023 interview with Food & Drink Business, Gaunt said there had been plans to build a factory in Australia to supply the local market, something that had been earmarked but then stalled due to Covid. Now FTA is taking a local-first focus as the business continues to grow in Australia, as a leader in the premium mixer drink market.
Remedy Drinks’ $25 million production facility in Dandenong South is now producing Fever-Tree products, which FTA stated will see improved efficiency in the supply chain and shortened lead times for customers.
Remedy Drinks managing director APAC, Santino Luciano, told Food & Drink Business that the company was proud to partner with Fever Tree to craft its award-winning drinks at Remedy’s 5 Green Star-rated fermentary in Melbourne.
“Our incredible Remedy manufacturing team knows how to brew a brilliant beverage, and we’re honoured to uphold Fever Tree’s world-class standards for the Australian market,” said Luciano.
The general manager positions will be filled by former FTA head of commercial sales, Grant Howard, and former head of finance, Luca Lavermicocca. Both have been with the company for several years, and will jointly lead business in the ANZ region carrying forward.
“We are very excited to start producing Fever-Tree products locally. Partnering with Remedy Drinks will enable us to provide greater flexibility for our customers while using the same, globally sourced, highest-quality ingredients with flavour profiles remaining exactly as consumers know and love,” said Howard.
“We have an exciting innovation pipeline and new product launches planned, building on the success of our new 250ml cans and the continued popularity of our soda range and cocktail mixers in particular which has seen the brand grow well ahead of the broader mixer category.”
