1987

The foundation for Independent Liquor

In 1987, New Zealand entrepreneur and innovator, Michael Erceg founded the Calypso Beverage Company Limited, the forerunner to Independent Liquor.  Seizing opportunities in a deregulated market, he took on the big brewers with a range of beers, along with spirit-based products that were to set the scene for the company’s core business - RTDs (ready to drink beverages).   Unfortunately Michael was killed in a helicopter accident in 2005 and most of the company was later sold to private equity partners.