Yesterday, Australia’s newest spirits importer and distributor Dispatch Imports was officially launched by Founders John O’Toole, Raul Gonzales, and Aaron Shuttleworth. According to O’Toole, the business was conceived as a direct response to the current absence of an Australian spirits distributor emphasising brands with strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

“We saw too few distributors carrying overly inflated portfolios, leaving no room for emerging brands that truly deserved a place in the hands of bartenders and consumers,” he said.

"Rather than continue to complain, we decided to create our own solution."

John O’Toole brings with him extensive experience in spirits distribution, including launching boutique distributor High Spirits Beverages in 2012, which he later sold.

“[At Dispatch], our vision is simple: build an exciting portfolio that reflects who we are and have fun with it – something this tired sector is in desperate need of.”

The initial six-brand portfolio includes Takamaka, a Seychelles rum with a reduced glass footprint; Two Drifters, a carbon-negative rum distillery based in the UK; Muyu Liqueurs, which donates proceeds to Amazonian reforestation; along with Mezcal Xaman, Compass Box Scotch whisky, and Zoppi Distillery Italian Vermouth.

“We don’t enforce strict ESG markers, but each brand we import must have a significant social, ethical, or environmental contribution,” said Co-Founder Raul Gonzales, who has been in the hospitality industry for over 18 years including the past eight years as owner and operator of the Tropicool PR agency.

Mult-business entrepreneur and third Co-Founder Aaron Shuttleworth added, “we’re here to have fun, stay dynamic, and be a trusted partner in this space.”

Aaron Shuttleworth, Raul Gonzales, and John O’Toole are being supported by an advisory board that includes Former CEO of Bellamy’s and Lark Distilling Laura McBain and Founder of Coruscent Co. and Tales of the Cocktail board member John Gakuru.

In addition to its focus on brands with strong ESG principles, Dispatch has invested in its own program with a fleet of electric vans, transactions managed by Bank of Australia, and a focus on reducing its point-of-sale footprint by producing high-quality, long-lasting brand merchandise.

To kickstart the launch of Dispatch, a series of activations have been scheduled. This includes a Takamaka party on 10 November at The Island, Sydney; a Compass Box event in February; and the portfolio addition of Supergay Vodka in the lead up to Mardi Gras 2025. Initially, Dispatch will be focusing on NSW and Victoria on-premise distribution, with plans to achieve national coverage of both on- and off-premise channels by 2026.

To learn more or to inquire about ranging, contact Aaron Shuttleton (NSW) or John O’Toole (Victoria):

NSW:
aaron@dispatchimports.com
+61 (0) 450 147 544

Victoria:
john@dispatchimports.com
+61 (0) 414 729 950

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