After nearly 15 years’ owning one of Otago’s oldest businesses, Alf Loretan is welcoming a new generation of fizzy drink producers.
In two weeks, Mr Loretan and his wife Kaye will hand over to Wests new owners, Angela and Craig McFarlane.
The Loretans bought the business in 2007.
Wests was founded in Dunedin in 1876 by Tom West, who produced brightly coloured cordials in hand-crafted bottles.
Ever since, the wide range of soft drinks has been quenching the thirst of people in Dunedin and beyond.
Given the significant history of Wests, Mr Loretan described owning the firm as being a "custodian".
"It was something we were aware of and it was quite important to make it work.
"We are proud to say we kept it going and improved it," he said.
The time was right to be passing the custodianship over, Mr Loretan said.
"I’m still getting get used to the idea but I think it is going to be good for us.
"We have grandchildren to look after and we want to enjoy the golden years after working quite hard for most of our lives," he said.
There had been many "ups and downs" along the way being in business.
Working with Wests’ "loyal, fantastic and salt of the earth" staff of six was one of the highlights, Mr Loretan said.
In 2016, the business lost its liquor licence after concerns about the layout of the shop, which allowed younger customers to be exposed to alcohol advertising and products.
"That was a challenge to manage a business without that income stream but
we made it work," he said.
Dunedin-born Mr and Mrs McFarlane moved back to Dunedin with their three children before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, after spending eight years living and working in Asia.
Mrs McFarlane has a background in administration, and Mr McFarlane was a plastics engineer.
Mrs McFarlane said they would be caretakers of Wests and had some idea of where they wanted to take it.
"We want to get it out there more to New Zealand as well, because I think it is a fantastic product Wests have and I think New Zealand needs to know about it," she said.
