Common ambitions

Hannah Sweeney and Anna Campbell have brought their ‘can do’ attitude to a new business marketing premium New Zealand wine in a can.

The Uncommon Wine of New Zealand, which comes in cans, is leading the way in terms of its sustainable format, with premium wines made to be enjoyed effortlessly, and with the smallest carbon footprint.

The can also makes it an ideal tipple for moments when a bottle doesn’t suit.

The Uncommon has already expanded into all Farro stores across Auckland and retailers such as selected Liquorland stores across the country.

And this, says co-founders Hannah Sweeney and Anna Campbell, shows Kiwis are embracing the brand, and see a place for the format in their wine repertoire.

The co-founders (pictured) have also seen steady sales from their e-commerce site, wearetheuncommon.co.nz.

Hot off the back of a series of successful events including Synthony in the Domain, the brand is continuing to grow in popularity. The Uncommon Garden Bar was front and centre to provide all 18,000 festival goers at Symphony in the Domain with the wine – plus Auckland’s Indulge Festival and Outfield Music in Hawkes Bay where The Uncommon was the exclusive wine partner.

“With the outdoor lifestyle so engrained in New Zealand’s culture, and a love of local, award-winning wine, The Uncommon provides a premium format for those moments when a bottle just doesn’t suit – such as festivals, beaching, boating, hiking, camping, BBQs, picnics, or even après ski,” explains Hannah, who adds that the duo have been blown away by the response they have received since the brand’s launch in November 2022.

UK origins

Originating in the UK, The Uncommon Wine of England has been making award-winning sparkling wine in cans since 2017. Hannah Sweeney helped launch the brand in the UK and witnessed first-hand its success and popularity. The Uncommon Wine of England now makes up under 25 percent of all canned wine sales in the UK.

Hannah, a tenacious Kiwi entrepreneur, has worked in the drinks industry across wine, spirits and beer for more than 12 years and gained a Distinction in WSET Level Two and her Advanced Certificate in New Zealand wine. She returned home to launch The Uncommon Wine of New Zealand with Anna and the duo have grand plans for the brand.

Anna comes from a corporate background where she works fulltime as a senior marketing strategist, juggling this busy role with motherhood and the growing success of their ‘side-hustle’ which continues to grow from strength to strength.

“Our ambition is to help grow this emerging category in New Zealand and showcase to wine lovers the key moments in which this format really thrives,” says Hannah.

“It’s not about replacing the bottle, but rather adding a convenient, portable, breakproof and sustainable choice to Kiwis’ wine repertoire.”

Sustainability is not just a buzzword but underscores everything at The Uncommon, along with its sustainable winemaking practices, the brand’s entirely domestic supply chain keeps their carbon footprint low and their multipacks are 100 percent recyclable and made with PEFC-certified board.

https://wearetheuncommon.co.nz/