Huski Wine Cooler Technology Drives Global Growth During Record Heatwaves

Innovative Kiwi design keeps drinks colder for longer, capturing international demand

A New Zealand start-up that began life in a Taranaki garage has transformed into a global success story. Huski, the Kiwi brand behind a world-first ice-free champagne cooler, is experiencing unprecedented demand for its patented wine and beer cooling products as the Northern Hemisphere battles record-breaking heatwaves. The company’s innovative approach to beverage cooling has seen it secure multi-million-dollar export sales, earn international design awards, and become a top-selling brand on Amazon in multiple markets.

Huski Surges as Global Heat Intensifies

With temperatures reaching historic highs across Europe and the United States, consumers are searching for ways to keep their beverages cool. Huski’s insulated wine and beer coolers have proven a hit, propelling the brand to the number-one seller position in its category on Amazon across the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. The company has recently secured its largest-ever single order: 76,000 units shipped to the UK. With millions of coolers sold in over 40 countries, Huski is on track to double its annual revenue this year.

From Garage Prototype to Global Brand

The company’s journey began less than a decade ago, when co-founder Simon Huesser built a prototype using PVC pipe to solve the problem of warm drinks. What started as a DIY solution is now a globally recognised product range stocked in more than 500 retail stores across Australasia and the UK. Huski has been featured in Rolling Stone, Vogue, GQ, and Oprah’s Favorite Things, demonstrating the broad lifestyle appeal of the innovation.

Reinventing Beverage Cooling

While insulated beer coolers existed in the US, New Zealand’s different bottle and can sizes meant there was no universal solution locally. Huski’s founders developed a design that could adapt to multiple formats, using vacuum-insulated stainless steel technology to keep drinks cold for hours without ice. Sparkling wines such as Champagne and Prosecco are particularly temperature-sensitive, requiring serving between 6°C and 10°C to maintain flavour and carbonation. The Huski Champagne Cooler not only achieves this but also incorporates a patented stopper that slows the loss of bubbles, extending the drinking experience.

Award-Winning Design Recognition

Huski’s Champagne Cooler captured international attention by winning the prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award in 2025. The recognition, judged by more than 40 global experts, placed Huski alongside design leaders such as Apple, Dyson, and Google. This accolade highlights the innovation, functionality, and aesthetic excellence at the heart of Huski’s product range.

Defending Innovation Through IP Protection

With global popularity comes the challenge of intellectual property protection. Huski runs regular sweeps to identify counterfeit products and has successfully removed hundreds of infringing listings. In one case, action against a shipment of fake coolers in Australia led to a legitimate order from the distributor for thousands of units, turning a potential problem into commercial growth.

Scaling Through E-Commerce and Retail Partnerships

Huski’s growth strategy relies on entering markets through Amazon before expanding into branded websites, retail partnerships, and loyalty programmes. This model has delivered exponential growth in regions like Australia and the UK, where sales have surged by several hundred percent in the past year. Today, more than 75% of Huski’s revenue comes from international markets, reflecting the scalability of its direct-to-consumer approach.

Media Coverage and Public Recognition

The success of Huski’s wine and beer coolers has been widely covered in the media, including NZ Herald, 1News, and Newshub. International outlets such as Vogue and Rolling Stone have also featured the product, cementing Huski’s reputation as a global lifestyle innovation. You can learn more about the importance of strong communications in scaling consumer products with our PR agency Auckland services.

Impact PR Perspective on FMCG Growth

At Impact PR, we understand the unique challenges faced by FMCG and lifestyle brands like Huski. Breaking into international markets requires more than a strong product; it demands compelling storytelling, media visibility, and a carefully managed reputation. Our experience in helping Kiwi companies reach global audiences ensures that brands like Huski not only capture attention but also build long-term consumer loyalty.

Learn More

To explore more about Huski’s innovative approach to beverage cooling, visit the official Huski website. For insights into how strategic communications can elevate New Zealand brands globally, explore our PR agency Auckland expertise.