New Zealand wine major Indevin has taken a minority stake in local vintner Invivo, pointing to “increasing global demand for premium wine” from the country.
Indevin has snapped up a 14% stake in Invivo for an undisclosed sum. An Indevin representative will join the Invivo board.
In a statement, Indevin, the owner of the Villa Maria brand, said its investment and a new supply deal between the two companies will help Invivo boost production and expand distribution. Invivo lists its key export markets as the US, UK and Ireland.
Tim Lightbourne, a co-founder of Invivo, called the investment “a game-changing partnership”.
He added: “We’ve always done things our way, and now we’re joining forces with the best in New Zealand. With Indevin’s investment, we’ll have the resources to take Invivo to the next level, while maintaining the entrepreneurial spirit that’s always driven us. We’re excited to build the next chapter of Invivo’s story.”
Set up in 2008 by Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne, Invivo’s portfolio includes GN Wines, made alongside Irish TV presenter Graham Norton, who has partnered with Invivo since 2014.
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By GlobalDataThe winery’s other key brands include SJP, produced with American actress Sarah Jessica Parker, Invivo X and Invivo Wines. It exports to 43 countries worldwide.
Headquartered in Auckland, Indevin is the largest wine producer in New Zealand, managing vineyards and wineries across Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Gisborne. Its wineries process 90 million litres of wine a year, according to its website.
Simon Limmer, Indevin’s CEO, said: “We’ve long admired Invivo’s creative approach to winemaking and the powerful, authentic brands they’ve built.
“Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with our values, and this investment complements our market-led strategy whilst reinforcing our vision to lead the global market for premium New Zealand wines.”
It acquired the Villa Maria wine brand in 2021 and began bottling for the business in 2023. Other brands in its portfolio include Esk Valley, Crux, Cowrie Bay and Thornbury.
Commenting on the investment, Rob Cameron, Invivo’s other co-founder added: “I’m looking forward to working with Indevin’s viticulture and winemaking teams to select the right vineyards for our ranges. Their extensive holdings give us the flexibility to explore new styles and sub-regionalities, while we maintain full control over winemaking.”
