Rotorua's Croucher Brewing has scooped a "massive" international deal with hopes its craft beers will change the way Kiwi beers are known internationally.
It has recently scored a deal to export its Pale Ale, Pilsner and Patriot beers to Canada and the first shipment of half a container load isdue to leave this week.
Croucher's brewer and founder Paul Croucher said they had wanted to tap into the North American market for some time and make their mark.
He said exporting to Canada would be a step in the right direction to an international stage.
Mr Croucher said he wanted his beers, particularly the pilsner and pale ale, to become the paradigm of New Zealand beer internationally, because they were made with New Zealand hops and were filled with flavour.
"The local market is growing really strongly but the international craft beers are a long way ahead, the opportunity to strike internationally is now."
Croucher Brewing also exports beers to Australia and Singapore.
Meanwhile, Croucher Brewing is now getting ready to represent the Rotorua region at New Zealand's biggest craft beer festival Beervana in Wellington on August 17 and 18. The event is expected to attract 6000 visitors over the two-day expo and introduces consumers to craft beer from across the country.
"Beervana is a brilliant way to showcase our beers alongside brews from all around the country. We have a great opportunity to represent Rotorua and the greater region and give locals a chance to own a couple of brews on the national stage," Mr Croucher said.
He said the festival provided people with an outlet to celebrate quality and flavour rather than drinking just to get drunk.
Mr Croucher first won a Brew NZ award as an enthusiastic home brewer in 2004, and the accolade started his professional brewing career. The brewery is known for producing speciality beers such as the Ethiopian Pale Ale Coffee stout (made out of Ethiopian roasted coffee) and a Raspberry Bock (a black lager with raspberries).
The Rotorua brews will be among more than 200 beers from 95 breweries on show at the 11th anniversary event, which will also feature food from Wellington's best restaurants and 20 seminars making the case for great beer. General admission tickets will cost $40 and include $8 worth of Beervana tokens, an event programme and tasting glass.
Beervana director David Cryer said New Zealanders had become passionate about craft beer.
