Brown-Forman has revealed it has agreed to purchase New Zealand RTD producer Part Time Rangers, with a view to growing the business into Australia.
Part Time Rangers was founded by brothers Oliver and William Deane in 2018 and produces spirit-based RTDs with all-natural flavouring, the purchase is still subject to customary closing conditions.
Lawson Whiting, President and CEO, Brown-Forman Corporation, said: “The acquisition of Part Time Rangers is a targeted investment for us and will help us grow in a key category in New Zealand and, in the future, Australia.
“Along with our Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and RTDs, we believe we will have greater diversity in the RTD category.”
Part Time Rangers currently offers a range of six RTD products including Lime Vodka, Passionfruit Apple Vodka, Apple Lime Rum, Strawberry Raspberry Gin, Ginger Lime Whiskey, and Apple Lemon Gin and also supports local and global wildlife and ecosystem preservation initiatives.
Brown-Forman said this conservation focus complements its own commitment to advancing environmental sustainability.
Eveline Albarracin, Vice President, Managing Director, Australia/New Zealand/Pacific Islands, Brown-Forman Corporation, said: “What is appealing and unique about Part Time Rangers is that it offers a range of low calorie, spirit-based RTDs for consumers to enjoy, while making a difference in our world through its charitable donations supporting wildlife conservation and ecosystem preservation.
“Part Time Rangers’ growing consumer base in New Zealand will provide our business with an exciting opportunity to broaden and strengthen our existing RTD portfolio footprint in New Zealand, Australia, and potentially beyond.”