The foundation for Independent Liquor

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.