The Hancocks Story traces its way back to 1859. Thomas Hancock, a man with a vision and a love for good ale, purchased the Captain Cook Inn in Newmarket. Little did he know that this would mark the beginning of a legacy that would last more than a century and a half.
Hancocks Wine & Spirits Merchants started as a humble brewery and pub, but it quickly evolved into something more. From manufacturing and distributing spirits to operating as a retailer, On-Premise distributor, ships provider, and business house supplier across Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, the company went through many changes and even changed names several times.
In 1991, the Jakicevich family, with a vision for restoring Hancocks' rich and proud heritage purchased the business. Since then, Hancocks has remained 100% New Zealand Family Owned & Operated - a rarity in an industry dominated by big corporations.
Throughout the 1990s, Hancocks' portfolio of wine and spirit agencies grew, building on a strong foundation as a distributor for many fine New Zealand wine companies. Then, in August 1999, the liquor distribution business was set up on its own under the Hancocks name. Shortly after, the business secured the exclusive distribution rights for Brown-Forman's family of premium products, including Jack Daniel's, Chambord, Finlandia Vodka, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Herradura, and El Jimador Tequilas. The success continued, with the Remy Cointreau Group joining Hancocks and bringing their esteemed brands such as Remy Martin Cognac, St Remy Brandy, Cointreau, and Mount Gay Rum.
Today, Hancocks are exclusive distributors in New Zealand for many renowned local and international spirit brands, including Dalmore Whisky, The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse, Scapegrace, Quick Brown Fox and De Kuyper Liqueurs. Not to mention, the company distributes many local & imported wine brands, craft beer, glassware from Eisch in Germany and Lindr beer dispensing systems from the Czech Republic.
Hancocks moved into new purpose-built premises in 2021, with our new home being named Te Whare Tuuranga.
It has enabled our family business to operate in a purpose-built facility that allows for efficiency and productivity whilst in a safe environment for our team. It also has allowed us to be a Better Business from a wider community basis with our Solar Power, Rain Harvesting, Staff and Community Vegetable Garden and Fruit Trees.
We are exceptionally proud of the building and site from its functional design, visual impact and inclusive layout and facilities for our people while aligning the build and fit-out to the values of our family business:
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