Agri-food leadership case study: Patsy Bass and Reefton Distilling Co.

Abstract

This is the fifth case study in a series analysing leadership in New Zealand agri-food companies. It is part of the Unlocking Export Prosperity Research Programme led by the Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit (AERU) at Lincoln University. This case study examines how leadership contributes to successful value-adding at Reefton Distilling Co. Effective leadership has been instrumental to the success of the distillery and is closely connected to successful innovation, coordination and marketing. Patsy Bass provides an example of how effective leadership can positively contribute to value-adding processes. Her approach to leadership at Reefton Distilling Co. reflects the attributes discussed in the earlier literature review. Patsy and her team centre the distillery's core purpose, deeply held values and differentiation strategy in all the decisions made around their range of products and how they are developed.