Gin botanicals are high value ingredients that could provide good returns for small cultivations
Botanicals are key ingredients used in gin production as well as a range of other products, such as supplements, beauty products, pharmaceutical products, essential oils and food and beverage.
Currently most of the ‘core’ gin botanicals (juniper berries, orris root, liquorice root and angelica) used by New Zealand gin producers are sourced from overseas. Growing these in New Zealand could shorten supply chains, create value for New Zealand growers and provide opportunity for provenance, quality assurance and market differentiation that our gin industry is seeking.
New Zealand has the ability to grow a wide variety of gin botanicals well and they have the potential to be a sustainable alternative land use. New Zealand-grown gin botanicals could be grown organically and create market interest here and overseas.
Sector turnover and growth targets
As of February 2022, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research reported 134 spirits producers in New Zealand, with this sector growing year-on-year. The industry has increased threefold since 2015, with exports also on the rise, valued at $45.8 million for the 2020 calendar year.
In market research undertaken in November 2023 by the Branching Out project, fifteen distilleries of various production sizes and across geographical locations indicated interest in local sourcing, reducing reliance on overseas imports, and generation of unique propositions for distilled products made from 100% New Zealand provenanced ingredients.
NOTE: All figures correct as of 2022.
Spirits market size
$45.8m Estimated exports for the 2020 calendar yearDomestic opportunity for core gin botanicals
$2m Current approximate evaluationNet annual return per hectare for liquorice root
$44k As per financials prepared by The AgriBusiness GroupExisting spirits market
134 Producers in New Zealand for the 2022 calendar yearWondering if your land or business could diversify?
We can help you understand the opportunities that may be available for your land and your particular operation/circumstance. Whether it's initial advice, or pointing you in the right direction, we're happy to help.
Our blueprint for gin botanicals in Taranaki
This blueprint provides an overview for commercial production and processing of gin botanicals and their value chain in Taranaki, and an indication of potential returns.
Please note: This blueprint was produced in 2022.
Find out if your land is suitable for gin botanicals
Compare land use opportunities by viewing the PDF or using the links below to access the interactive GIS maps (enter your address to get a more accurate understanding of the suitability of your land).
Please note: Maps are indicative only. Further research and professional advice should be sought if you wish to pursue this opportunity further.
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