Our reach across North America is growing but our roots began on the other side of the world.

Erceg had completed his PhD in mathematics at the University of California and was set to become a junior professor when fate intervened and returned home to help with his ailing father’s West Auckland-based family wine business. That decision set in motion the genesis of what would become one of New Zealand’s most dynamic and successful alcoholic multi-beverage companies.

From initially producing bag-in-box fruit juice and fruit wine coolers, Erceg grew what became Independent Liquor into New Zealand’s largest ready to drink (RTD) producer while also launching beer and spirit brands into the domestic market.

At a time when big brewers were cautious, taking months to develop new products, Independent Liquor took ideas to market in six weeks. Where the competition didn’t entertain failure, Independent pulled products that weren’t selling and got it right next time.

In 2005, Erceg and a good friend sadly died in a helicopter accident. Two years later Independent Liquor was sold to Flavoured Beverages Limited, a joint venture company formed by Pacific Equity Partners Pty Limited, Unitas, Lynne Erceg and the management of Independent Liquor (NZ) Limited.

After four years of private equity ownership, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd completed its purchase of Independent Liquor Group in September 2011.

The business was renamed Asahi Beverages (NZ) Ltd in 2019 while Independent Distillers retained the name given in 2001 when first established.

Today Independent Distillers Canada is a smart, sophisticated business, responding quickly to changing consumer needs with an impressive and continually expanding product line including Vodka Mudshakes®, Twisted Shotz™, Alive 80-calorie coolers, and Dos Locos™.