Gin botanicals are high-value ingredients that could yield promising returns for small-scale 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 in the food and beverage industry.

Currently most of the ‘core’ gin botanicals (juniper berries, angelica, liquorice root and orris root) used by New Zealand gin producers are sourced from overseas. Growing these botanicals locally could shorten supply chains, add value for New Zealand growers, and provide opportunities for provenance, quality assurance, and market differentiation that our gin industry is seeking.

The climate and soils in Taranaki are well-suited for growing a wide variety of gin botanicals, namely angelica, and liquorice root. With New Zealand-grown botanicals, producers can tap into both local and international markets, where demand for unique, high-quality, and organically grown ingredients is on the rise.

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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 year

Domestic opportunity for core gin botanicals

$2m Current approximate evaluation

Net annual return per hectare for liquorice root

$44k As per financials prepared by The AgriBusiness Group

Existing spirits market

134 Producers in New Zealand for the 2022 calendar year

Wondering 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.

Request a call

Download 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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News Links

Branching Out project assesses market potential of NZ grown gin botanicals
Taranaki land diversification project delivers first ‘paddock-to-product' success
Seven Sharp: Taranaki farmers trial growing versatile angelica herb
Time to Branch Out
BeGin Distillery and the craft alcohol value chain

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