Liquorland
Liquorland was formed in New Zealand in 1981 as a wholesale liquor chain, growing to 18 stores in its first year of business. Although it shares the name, it is not related to Liquorland in Australia. Liquorland is a wholly owned subsidiary of DB Breweries who originated and owns the Master Franchise.
Through acquisition of rival Dalgety NZ Ltd in 1982, the national chain expanded to 29 outlets. Further expansion throughout the 1980s with the acquisition of the Wilson Neill business in 1989 saw Liquorland reach over sixty stores.
In April 2000 Liquorland’s business model changed from being managed stores to a total franchise chain called Liquorland Limited. Today Liquorland has almost 80 stores nationwide. Liquorland has grown to be a household name and is market leader in New Zealand with sales close to $300 million per year.
In November 2008, DB Breweries sold the company to Foodstuffs for an undisclosed sum. It is understood that DB was negotiating with both Progressive Enterprises (the holding company for Woolworths' New Zealand operations) and Foodstuffs. It was understood DB made it clear that consideration of future interests for franchisees and staff, as well as the continuation of the brand as a whole, formed a major part of the decision of whom to sell to.
DB officially confirmed that it was looking to continue its relationship with the franchise, retaining marketing and supply agreements.
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