Photo credit Tuatara/Facebook
Tuatara Brewing Company has announced it has been sold to DB Breweries.
Tuatara will continue to produce its award-winning craft beer from the current premises located on the Kapiti Coast and the pilot brewery – The Third Eye, in Wellington.
Founder and Master Brewer Carl Vasta says he continues to be passionate about the New Zealand craft beer industry and is committed to being part of Tuatara and its future growth.
“We’re changing the shareholding, we’re not changing the recipe,” he says. “Brewing beer and talking about beer is my passion. With the support of my family, we have been able to grow Tuatara into a successful business.
“In order to take things to the next level we need assistance. That’s why we’ve teamed up with DB. Now, I intend to get back to the brewing and step out of the business end,” says Vasta.
Managing Director of DB Breweries Andy Routley says they are excited by Tuatara Brewery and the craft market. “Tuatara is the champion of Kiwi craft breweries,” he says. “Carl and his team are passionate about making great beer and their customers are equally passionate about enjoying it. Secondly, they have a focus on quality and innovation. And thirdly, we believe that the beers they produce have all the characteristics for their continued success in the wider local and global marketplace.
“We want to see Tuatara achieve its full potential, so we’re not going to mess with a winning formula.”
Simone Vasta will continue in her role as logistics manager and their son Adam, an accomplished brewer in his own right, will also stay at the Kapiti Coast brewery to ensure continuity and quality beer.
Tuatara, established in 2000 and based in Paraparaumu, has gone from a backyard operation out of Carl and Simone’s rural home, to one of the largest craft breweries in New Zealand. In 2016, more than two million litres of beer was produced out of the breweries.
