High-value crops that have potential for both domestic and global markets
The Branching Out project has made significant progress in evaluating and developing two key gin botanicals: angelica root and liquorice root.
Growing trials have yielded promising signs that Taranaki can grow high-quality botanicals suited to gin production, as well as broader natural health and wellness markets.
Market research conducted by the project confirmed that there is significant domestic appetite for locally grown botanicals, with many distillers coveting quality, reliability, sustainability, and storytelling opportunities.
Two years into the three-year Phase 2 of Branching Out, the project celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of a regionally crafted gin, developed in partnership with award-winning BeGin Distilling, and featuring locally grown angelica. This success has not only demonstrated the viability of cultivating high-quality botanicals locally but has also highlighted the market potential for regionally distinctive ingredients valued by both domestic and international distillers
With the establishment of a pilot-scale drying facility underway, the project is advancing the full value chain opportunity for Taranaki, alongside an engaged network of growers.
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Growing trial results
Trials have focused on scientifically testing the performance of angelica (Angelica archangelica) and liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) across multiple regional sites to determine their viability as commercial crops. These trials are helping to inform best-practice guidelines for future growers and laying the groundwork for commercial supply chains.
Angelica
Lab analysis indicates that Taranaki-grown angelica varieties contain high levels of essential oils when compared to imported varieties, and they are particularly rich in aroma-enhancing compounds like α-pinene and limonene.
- Angelica has proven particularly well-suited to local conditions, supporting strong yield potential and high-quality root development.
- Grown at four trial locations, angelica has shown strong agronomic performance, with attention to variables like plant spacing, propagation method (direct seeding vs transplants), and seed lines.
- Transplants grown in specialist nurseries have delivered promising early results.
- Lab tests have confirmed a consistent presence of α-pinene (21%) , δ-3-carene(16%), limonene(16%), and α-phellandrene(8%) in Taranaki-grown angelica root. These compounds influence the overall aroma and flavour profile of gin and are coveted by distillers.
Liquorice Root
The first harvest of liquorice, a three-year crop, is expected in 2025 after showing significant growth throughout 2024.
- Soil and site management practices have been tailored to support the crop’s long growth cycle (18–24 months), and trialists have reported positive establishment in selected plots.
- Ongoing work includes observation of weed suppression, root morphology, and plant health under regional conditions.
Domestic market validation insights
A 2023 market study, commissioned by the Branching Out project, involved 15 New Zealand gin distillers and confirmed a high level of interest in locally grown botanicals. Most, if not all, of the botanicals used in gin production are currently imported by participants.
Key findings:
- Distillers want reliable, local alternatives to imported gin botanicals such as liqourice root, angelica root, orris root and juniper berry, among others.
- There is willingness to pay a premium for high-quality, NZ-grown botanicals with verified provenance and unique flavour profiles.
- Distillers see brand storytelling and traceability as major marketing advantages, especially for export-focused gins.
- Barriers include concerns about scale and consistency — areas that Branching Out is actively addressing through trials and propagation work.
This validation reinforces the commercial pathway for these two crops, with interest from both established and boutique distillers.
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Paddock-to-Product success: Branching Out Gin
Venture Taranaki recently partnered with BeGin Distilling, makers of Juno Gin, to create a small-batch gin using Taranaki-grown angelica - the first complete commercialisation milestone for the project.
- The gin was launched at a showcase event in New Plymouth and sampled by stakeholders, media, and collaborators.
- Jo James, co-founder and distiller at Juno Gin, praised the quality of the local angelica, describing it as “special,” with elegant complexity and flavour distinction.
- While this gin was not available for public sale, it powerfully demonstrates the region’s capability to grow, process, and market premium gin ingredients.
The project was also featured on national television via Seven Sharp, highlighting the region's diversification journey and innovation in the food and beverage sector.
Commercial drying facility: Scaling for market readiness
A critical enabler of the gin botanicals value chain is the development of a pilot-scale commercial drying facility, which is funded largely by the Three Waters Better Off Grant Fund package.
- Drying is essential to preserve aroma, quality, and active compounds in these botanicals - and is a key step in producing a distiller-ready ingredient that meets industry specifications.
- This facility will provide post-harvest drying services for crops such as the gin botanicals and medicinal plants under trial.
- The selected dryer is widely used across industries in New Zealand to produce value-added products and is capable of pilot-scale drying of a diverse range of materials - from root crops and hops to meat, fruit, vegetables, and nuts.
- Until now, drying related to the project and new crops had been carried out by research institutions or at toll-processors. The facility represents a significant leap forward in processing capability and quality assurance for Taranaki-grown botanicals, further derisking the opportunity.
- It also unlocks the potential to aggregate product from multiple growers, supporting larger batch production for both domestic and export distilleries.
Find out if your land is suitable for gin botanicals
Compare land use opportunities by viewing the PDF or using the links below to access the interactive GIS maps (enter your address to get a more accurate understanding of the suitability of your land).
Please note: Maps are indicative only. Further research and professional advice should be sought if you wish to pursue this opportunity further.
Download our blueprint for gin botanicals in Taranaki
This blueprint provides an overview for commercial production and processing of gin botanicals and their value chain in Taranaki, and an indication of potential returns.
Please note: This blueprint was produced in 2022.
What’s Next: Building a premium supply chain
As Branching Out transitions into its next phase, work will continue to build a robust, regionally distinctive supply chain for angelica and liquorice root:
- Refinement of cultivation techniques through Year 3 trials to further optimise yield, oil content, and root quality.
- Building a regionally distinctive supply chain for angelica and liquorice, supported by successful seed propagation and saving post-harvest handling and drying assessments to maintain quality across multiple growers.
- Buyer engagement and export readiness, including development of pricing models, provenance tools, and grower-buyer frameworks.
The aim is to de-risk these crops for landowners and enable commercial agreements with distillers — creating a new value chain that blends premium product with regional storytelling.
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