Wests began production in 1876 when Tom West created a range of cordials[1] in the back of his grocery store in Maclaggan Street, Dunedin.[3] These proved popular with the city’s inhabitants and provided growth for the fledgling business. Production expanded to include ginger beer in 1906, and in 1914 a purpose-built factory was constructed in Saint Kilda in the south of the city.[3]
The business was owned by Alf and Kaye Loretan from 2007, before they sold it to Angela and Craig McFarlane in 2021.[1]
Products
Wests today produces soft drinks and cordials in a range of flavours, many of them unique to the brand.[citation needed] These include Chocolade (chocolate-flavoured lemonade), RedZenergy (Energy drink), Cola and Raspberry, and Pineapple and Pear. Wests also produce milkshake and slushy syrups, as well as postmix concentrates and soda syrup refills in a large variety of flavours.[citation needed]
Sugar Free
Many of Wests' regular soft drink flavours are also offered in sugar-free varieties, which has led to the company offering New Zealand's largest range of sugar-free soft drinks.[3]Diet milkshake as well as soda syrup flavours have recently also been added to the companies Sugar Free Range.[citation needed]
Factory shop
Located next to the production factory, Wests Factory shop offers the range of Wests' products as well as general convenience store products.
