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Clarity Distilling Company founders George White and Stephanie Downer with their world-leading Clarity Navy Gin.<\/p>\nA Tauranga craft distillery is preparing to pursue a major New Zealand gin export opportunity after its whey-based spirit was judged the highest-rated gin at one of the world\u2019s leading international competitions.<\/p>\n
Clarity Distilling Company\u2019s Clarity Navy Gin received 99 points and a Gold Outstanding medal at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition in London. It was the highest-scoring gin entered in the competition, placing the young Bay of Plenty producer ahead of established spirits brands from around the world.<\/p>\n
The result triggered a sharp increase in enquiries from overseas consumers and distributors, with interest coming from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and India.<\/p>\n
The story was covered by Scoop, bringing wider attention to Clarity Distilling Company\u2019s international award, distinctive use of New Zealand dairy whey and plans to develop a multimillion-dollar export business.<\/p>\n
Clarity Distilling Company founders George White and Stephanie Downer with their world-leading Clarity Navy Gin.<\/p>\n
World-Leading Award Creates New Zealand Gin Export Opportunity<\/p>\n
The International Wine & Spirit Competition\u2019s official 2026 results<\/a> confirmed that Clarity Navy Gin scored 99 points, the highest score awarded to any gin in the competition.<\/p>\n Co-founder George White says the international result could help Clarity Distilling Company make the transition from a small founder-led operation into a significant New Zealand gin export business.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have had enquiries go through the roof almost overnight. People in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia are contacting us directly asking where they can buy the product, and we are having to explain that we are not exporting yet. That tells us there is real demand if we can put the right distribution in place and a window to capitalise on this momentum if we can move quickly.<\/p>\n \u201cFor a small New Zealand producer to be competing against some of the most established spirits brands in the world and come out with this level of recognition is a significant moment for us.\u201d<\/p>\n The IWSC recognition follows a series of international and domestic awards for the Tauranga distillery. Clarity Dry Gin received Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Clarity Navy Gin was named Gin of the Year and Spirit of the Year New Zealand at the 2026 London Spirits Competition.<\/p>\n The company has also won Best London Dry Gin at the New Zealand Spirits Awards and Distillery of the Year at the 2025 Small Batch New Zealand Gin Awards.<\/p>\n Whey-Based Spirit Gives New Zealand Gin Export Brand a Point of Difference<\/p>\n Clarity Distilling Company uses ethanol derived from grass-fed New Zealand dairy whey as the alcohol base for its gin. The ethanol is sourced from regional suppliers and produced from casein whey, a natural by-product of milk processing.<\/p>\n The whey in this New Zealand gin export contains lactose, or milk sugar, which is fermented through an anaerobic process. Ethanol is then recovered through distillation and concentrated for use as the base spirit.<\/p>\n Most ethanol used in commercial spirit production is derived from grain, molasses or cane sugar. White says the use of casein whey gives Clarity a rare production story and a distinctive position in premium international markets.<\/p>\n \u201cThe locally sourced whey in our base spirit gives the gin a texture and softness that people notice, changing the mouth-feel of the product and giving us a point of difference in markets such as the United States, where the grass-fed New Zealand dairy story is already well understood and highly regarded.<\/p>\n \u201cMost gin globally is built on a grain or sugar-based spirit. We are starting from a very different raw material, and we think that is one of the reasons international judges are responding so strongly to the product.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNew Zealand has spent decades building a reputation around grass-fed dairy and clean food production. We are taking that same story into premium spirits,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n The company\u2019s production method also differs from that of many larger gin manufacturers. Each botanical is distilled individually before the components are blended into the finished spirit.<\/p>\n White says this process provides greater control over flavour, balance and consistency while remaining scalable if international distribution agreements are secured.<\/p>\n United States Identified as Premium Gin Growth Market<\/p>\n Clarity Distilling Company sees the United States as one of its most important potential export markets. Spirits account for a significant share of American alcohol sales, but the premium gin category remains less developed than whiskey, tequila and vodka.<\/p>\n White believes this gives differentiated products with credible provenance an opportunity to secure attention from consumers, distributors and retailers.<\/p>\n \u201cThat creates an opening for differentiated products with a clear point of origin. For us, the combination of New Zealand provenance, grass-fed whey-based ethanol and international award recognition gives us a story that is very different from what US consumers usually see in gin,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n The company is not yet exporting, but the direct enquiries received after the IWSC result have provided an early indication of consumer demand. Establishing suitable distribution, regulatory and logistics arrangements will be central to converting this attention into sustainable sales.<\/p>\n India Discussions Add to New Zealand Gin Export Potential<\/p>\n Clarity Distilling Company has also been approached by India-based importers and distributors, including a Mumbai retailer with more than 70 stores.<\/p>\n The discussions follow the signing of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement on 27 April 2026. The agreement has been signed but must complete the required legal and ratification processes before entering into force.<\/p>\n
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TVNZ Breakfast covers Clarity Distilling Company\u2019s international award and export growth plans.<\/p>\n