Moa claims first duty free craft beer

Moa is already on sale at Auckland Airport. Photo / Supplied

Moa Beer says it has become New Zealand's first craft brewery to sell its products in duty-free stores.

The Blenheim-based company's beers are now being stocked alongside champagne and premium spirits at JR/Duty Free stores at Auckland International Airport.

And they are expected to be available at Christchurch and Wellington airports before Christmas.

Moa general manager Gareth Hughes said the deal with the retailer was good news for the brewery, which in July reported that it had tripled sales between the beginning of 2010 and early 2011.

"We know the powerful impact duty-free stockists have on liquor sales and product consideration, so we couldn't be in a better place than the JR/Duty Free stores at the nation's busiest airport," Hughes said. "It's the first time a craft beer has been offered in duty-free in New Zealand and, we're told, the world."

He said being stocked in airports would allow Moa's brand to be exposed to travellers who might otherwise not have come into contact with it.

"It's also great news for travellers because they can get decent beer when they arrive on or take off from our shores," Hughes said.

Kate Gorman, JR/Duty Free's general manager for Australia and New Zealand, said Moa is perfectly suited to airport shoppers' tastes.

"Our customers love products that represent a little piece of New Zealand for gifting to friends and family, or as souvenirs," she said. "They also enjoy products that feel unique and exclusive, something they can't necessarily buy everywhere on the high street."

To cater for the different shopping patterns of arrivals and departures customers, the company said different products would be ranged in each location. "Because arrivals customers are after convenience, we've ranged Moa 750ml bottles and triple packs so they can grab and go," Hughes said. "Departures customers have more time ... and make more considered purchases for gifting or souvenirs, such as our Moa magnums."