Parrot Dog Brewery
“People in the food and beverage industry are definitely innovative in Wellington,” says Matt Stevens, co-founder of Parrot Dog Brewery in Wellington. “Market outlets are willing to stock beers that are different from mainstream. People are really caring more about what they consume and will taste something new.”
“People in the food and beverage industry are definitely innovative in Wellington,” says Matt Stevens, co-founder of Parrot Dog Brewery in Wellington. “Market outlets are willing to stock beers that are different from mainstream. People are really caring more about what they consume and will taste something new.”
Wellington has a growing appetite for craft beer with the city rapidly gaining the reputation as the Craft Beer Capital of New Zealand.
“When we entered the market there was definitely good traction with Wellington being the largest consumer of craft beer nationwide,’” says Matt. “The leaders of the industry such as Tuatara had already carved out a big niche for other craft breweries.”
Other support followed from Grow Wellington who the company first met in August 2013 when it took part in Grow Wellington’s Brewers Group meetings.
In February 2014, Parrot Dog took part in the Visa Wellington on a Plate Supplier Showcase, run by Grow Wellington in conjunction with the Wellington Culinary Events Trust.
Matt says that this not only enabled them to gain vital exposure for their company from industry buyers but to make consumers aware of the diversity of product in their own backyard.
The company’s involvement with Grow Wellington stepped up in May this year, when Grow Wellington supported a number of brewers with a Craft Beer Capital stand at the Great Australasian Beer Spectacular (GABS). The event has up to 12,000 attendees, and provides New Zealand brewers with exposure in a key first export market, explains Matt.
“Going to GABS was a fantastic opportunity and such a valuable experience,” explains Matt. “We have already started in the Australian market, but we got quite a few new industry leads. It was a great chance to showcase our product to bar and restaurant owners too and we aim to go again.”
Parrot Dog Brewery began life in 2011 as a contract brewing company by Matt and his friends Matt Kristofski and Matt Warner. Six months later they built their own brewery in the middle of Wellington city and have been based there ever since.
“It’s great for distribution. Wellington is our main market and we have the van that can run around the corner and can drop beers off.”
As most of the staff lives in the first ring of suburbs bordering the city, getting to work is quick and easy. “A few of the boys have even started biking in.”
Parrot Dog brews five regular beers throughout the year and two limited beers per month. It has its own retail outlet based alongside their brewery and their range of beers is stocked in many supermarkets and liquor stores nationwide.
Check out their video clip below.