New Zealand Wine Titans: Meet the Big Three

When you pour yourself a glass of New Zealand wine, you might not realize you're sipping from the vineyards of one of three powerhouse companies quietly steering our industry’s global reputation.

Sure, the label might whisper artisanal charm or whisper tales of boutique vineyards, but behind the scenes, three industry giants - Indevin Group, Delegat Group, and Pernod Ricard NZ, shape the taste, scale, and innovation of Kiwi wines worldwide.

As a proud Kiwi hospitality veteran and relentless foodie, I'm fascinated by these companies and their vineyards - let me tell you, their influence stretches far beyond the grapevine.

1. Indevin Group

Founded in 2003 by Duncan McFarlane down in Marlborough, Indevin started out humble—but boy, have things changed! Today, they're comfortably New Zealand's largest wine producer by volume, handling over 100,000 tons of grapes each year—that's enough for around 75 million liters of wine. Privately owned, fiercely Kiwi, and quietly thriving, Indevin keeps a low profile yet operates an enormous 3,000 hectares across prime regions like Marlborough, Gisborne, and Hawke's Bay.

Their portfolio includes household names such as Villa Maria, Esk Valley, Thornbury, and the popular Insider Wine Club. Their acquisition of Villa Maria in 2021 catapulted Indevin into a new league, dramatically enhancing their international reach. Villa Maria wines, beloved both locally and abroad, consistently score top rankings in global wine lists, bringing serious prestige to New Zealand's wine scene.

From an operational standpoint, Indevin blends traditional Kiwi winemaking craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Their "Bulls-i" winery management system, powered by cloud technology from Amazon Web Services, recently boosted their winery efficiency by 30%. The company also embraces sustainability across its vast 3,000 hectares, certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Recent initiatives include recycling over 13 tonnes of plastic and moving toward net-zero emissions—a genuine commitment to our environment.

Indevin isn't just chasing scale; they're laser-focused on sustainability and innovation. Whether it’s their recent partnership with the New Zealand Olympic team for the Paris 2024 Games or their efforts to recycle over 13 tonnes of plastic, they’re clearly committed to combining Kiwi ingenuity with global ambition. As someone who lives and breathes hospitality, it's reassuring—and frankly exciting—to see Indevin investing in a future that balances tradition, sustainability, and innovation.

2. Delegat Group

Since Jim Delegat first planted vines back in 1976, Delegat Group has blossomed from family vineyards into a publicly listed giant worth over a billion dollars. They might not boast the volume of Indevin, but Delegat certainly packs a premium punch, producing approximately 12 million liters annually from their meticulous 500 hectares in Marlborough, Gisborne, and South Australia.

Delegat is publicly traded on the NZX, offering a clear window into their impressive financial health. Over the last three years, their revenues climbed steadily—from $295.5 million in FY21 to $334.7 million in FY23, with profits holding steady around $45 million annually. Their market cap recently cracked the billion-dollar mark, affirming their reputation for consistency, reliability, and solid business sense.

If you've enjoyed Oyster Bay wines, you're already a Delegat fan. Oyster Bay consistently earns international acclaim, finding its way onto global "most admired wine" lists year after year. Alongside brands like Stoneleigh, The Ned, and Chard Farm, Delegat wines proudly represent New Zealand in major international markets like the U.S., the UK, and Australia.

Sustainability and innovation are also central to their DNA. Every Delegat vineyard meets the rigorous Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand standards. Their latest moves include acquiring Stoneleigh Wines from Lion Nathan and significant investments in digital tech and vineyard expansion. Delegat may be big business, but their Kiwi spirit and deep commitment to quality remain strong as ever.

Pernod Ricard New Zealand

You might hear "Pernod Ricard" and picture French sophistication, but their New Zealand subsidiary, established in 2005 after acquiring Allied Domecq, is deeply rooted in local soil. Pernod Ricard NZ expertly manages around 1,500–2,000 hectares in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, producing around 20–25 million liters of wine annually under beloved local labels like Brancott Estate, Stoneleigh, Church Road, and Montana.

But wine is just part of the story. Pernod Ricard also handles globally acclaimed spirits such as Absolut Vodka, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and Chivas Regal. Financially, they're back on solid ground after bouncing from a challenging year in 2020 (a hefty $119 million write-down) to posting a profit of $17.6 million in FY21.

What truly sets Pernod Ricard NZ apart is their blend of international know-how with genuine Kiwi heart. From vineyard operations across 1,500–2,000 hectares to innovative technologies like AI-powered yield predictions and SCADA automation, they're continually fine-tuning quality and efficiency. Plus, they're dedicated to sustainability—recently planting thousands of native trees at Kaituna Wetland and certifying all their vineyards under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

They might be part of a global empire, but Pernod Ricard NZ remains rooted deeply in the local community, with a portfolio reflecting both international prestige and true Kiwi authenticity.

Final Sip

As someone deeply embedded in hospitality and fiercely passionate about New Zealand’s food and wine scene, I can't help but feel proud when exploring the stories of these three giants. Each, in their unique way, amplifies Kiwi culture, sustainability, and innovation, all while making sure our wines continue to turn heads internationally.

Whether it's Indevin redefining scale and sustainability, Delegat refining premium wines with precision, or Pernod Ricard blending international expertise with local passion, these wine giants aren't just building businesses—they're crafting New Zealand’s legacy one bottle at a time.

And from where I'm standing, our wine future is looking very bright indeed.

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About the Author
Joshua Thomas is the founder of Hospo HR, an experienced hotelier, and an advocate for New Zealand's vibrant hospitality sector. Always immersed in the latest hospitality trends, news, and updates, his passion stems from his lifelong love as a devoted foodie. Connect with Joshua and join his community of hospitality professionals.