Reefton Distilling Co. first NZ whisky distillery to be Bcorp certified

West Coast-based Reefton Distilling Co. has become the first New Zealand whisky distillery and first West Coast business to achieve Bcorp ceritifcation.

Founder Patsy Bass, established Reefton Distilling Co. in 2017 with the goal of setting up a sustainable business to help revitalise Patsy’s hometown of Reefton and to create jobs for local people.

On receiving confirmation of their Bcorp certification, Bass said, “This is a hugely proud moment for all of our team. We established the business for social good, to create sustainable employment on the West Coast and well-paying careers.”

Bass went on to add, “To now be a Bcorp business is tangible acknowledgement of that early vision and a benchmark we will continue to build from.”

Reefton Distilling Co. began its journey with the Bcorp movement over 18 months ago as a way of benchmarking its social and environmental commitments and practices.

Bass founded Reefton Distilling Co. with a 100-year vision. She speaks of its positive impact on the local economy continuing as the years go by, with special reference to generating roles for young people.

She said, “This business is not just about whisky and gin, it’s about helping to regenerate a town, providing jobs for the next generation, so that they might have a future on the Coast, stay here, raise their own families, keeping the community alive and vibrant. It’s also about attracting new people to the region.”

From the outset, Bass says she wanted to create a business that offered visitors a unique experience and provide a reason for tourists to add Reefton to their itineraries as a ‘must-do’ location.

Mindful of its environmental impact, the distillery operates a bio-diesel boiler, a closed loop cooling system to reuse water, saving hundreds of thousands litres per year going to waste.   

The minimal waste water created is used to irrigate their own and neighbouring farmland, and the spent grain from whisky production is used to feed the local farmers cows.

Bass commented that smart business looks at a holistic view, combining profit and purpose, adding that joining the Bcorp movement was a logical next step. The company was inspired by other Bcorp’s such as Chia Sisters, Ethique, Kowtow Clothing and Sharesies.

Bass added that they are committed to becoming carbon zero and continuing their journey to become planet positive in time.

The distillery currently has 13 employees plus several students from the local area school. 

Patsy commented, “We work closely with the local high school to identify students interested in after school roles hand labelling our products. One of those students, Emma, joined us as an Assistant Distiller when she left school last year and we look forward to creating more opportunities for young people over time.” 

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