Custom Merchandise Case Study: Wellington's Parrotdog Brewery
Some partnerships in New Zealand's custom merchandise industry evolve naturally. What started as a few simple screen printing runs with Wellington's Parrotdog Brewery has grown into a long-term collaboration across multiple branded merchandise collections.
Over the years, we've worked closely with Parrotdog's marketing team to create custom merchandise that reflects their distinct personality. From playful graphics to quality-focused branded apparel, every item has been designed with both their customers and brand in mind. Their latest drop, the Raptors Collection, continues that momentum, bringing a fresh angle to the custom merchandise story.
About Parrotdog Brewery - Wellington's Independent Success Story
Parrotdog Brewery began in a small garage in Wellington in 2011 and has grown into one of Aotearoa's most recognisable independent breweries. Based in Lyall Bay, Wellington, they're known for clean, balanced beers and a naming style that's uniquely their own, from Bitterbitch and Bloodhound to the ever-popular Nice. series.
What's helped build their loyal following across New Zealand isn't just the beer, but a strong sense of personality that runs through every release, event, and piece of custom merchandise.
Our Custom Merchandise Solutions for Parrotdog
Across multiple product drops and beer campaigns, we've helped Parrotdog roll out a wide range of branded merchandise. Some are seasonal releases, others have become permanent fixtures. The focus has always been on creating custom merchandise that fits with the beer release, the setting, and their community throughout New Zealand.
Screen Printed Apparel & Custom Clothing
Core Apparel Range:
- Custom logo t-shirts with screen printing
- Branded hoodies and sweatshirts
- Specialty drops including Nice. series and LB Beer designs
- Premium cotton garments with durable prints
Promotional Merchandise & Branded Accessories
Seasonal & Event Merchandise:
- Custom bucket hats for summer festivals
- Branded tote bags for retail and events
- Cotton sports socks featuring Parrotdog's signature four-stripe design
- Enamel pins and custom keyrings
- Branded koozies for outdoor events
- Custom dog leads (a perfect nod to the Parrotdog name)
All items are produced using high-quality materials and printing techniques, with many pieces custom manufactured to Parrotdog's exact specifications. Whether printed in-house at our New Zealand facility or sourced through our trusted manufacturing partners, we ensure durability and vibrant colours that represent the brand effectively.
Apparel has been a constant, from core logo tees to more specific drops like the Nice. and LB Beer designs.
Bucket hats and tote bags have added variety, often tied to seasonal releases or events.
We’ve also worked on smaller-format merch that reinforces the brand in more practical ways. The custom cotton sports socks feature Parrotdog’s birdseye four-stripe design, a throwback to 1970s tennis gear.
Enamel pins and keyrings offer compact ways to carry the brand.
Koozies have been a staple for summer events, and the custom dog lead, made in two colourways, was a fitting nod to the Parrotdog name.
Featured Project: The Raptors Collection Custom Merchandise
The latest custom merchandise drop channels vintage sportswear vibes, with a nod to old-school American varsity styling. This comprehensive branded apparel collection demonstrates our capability to execute themed merchandise campaigns that align perfectly with product launches.
The Raptors Collection Includes:
- Screen printed classic and raglan-cut t-shirts featuring the bold Raptors logo
- Relaxed-fit crew neck sweatshirts with varsity-style Parrotdog branding
- Two-tone cotton caps with raised satin stitch embroidery
- Premium materials and construction throughout
The collection represents a shift in tone from earlier merchandise lines while maintaining the authentic Parrotdog aesthetic that resonates with customers across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and beyond.
Client Spotlight: Q&A With Lucy – Marketing Manager, Parrotdog
We asked Lucy to share insights about Parrotdog's approach to custom merchandise and how it supports their wider brand strategy in New Zealand's competitive brewery market.
1. What sparked the idea behind the Raptors collection?
With sports teams being the theme behind the campaign for our new Core-Range release, Raptor APA, we looked to American baseball and football uniforms to inspire a merchandise collection that celebrates the American Pale Ale style.
2. Out of everything we've made together so far, which piece has been the crowd favourite and why do you think it hit the mark?
Our collaboration with Goodlids. A summer launch, collaborating with an iconic brand, made for a big hit across New Zealand!
3. Where does custom merchandise sit in the bigger picture for Parrotdog?
Merchandise is the only other product we have outside of beer, so it's a super fun way to showcase the brand and have a bit of fun, like we have with the Raptor collection.
4. When you're planning new merchandise, what's on your checklist? What makes something a 'yes' for you and the team?
Something new, something fresh, something we are excited to wear and that represents our Wellington roots.
5. Have there been any good surprises - pieces that took off more than expected?
The 'Glen' Boysenberry Sour t-shirt from our ReinCanation series and the Parrotdog rugby jerseys have been incredibly popular across New Zealand.
6. What's your favourite piece of merchandise you own that isn't Parrotdog?
My Sam Stephenson x Bad News Books 'Fake Nostalgia' t-shirt @5amoh 🖤
7. What's next? Any merchandise ideas or dream items you'd love to explore down the line?
We have lots of big merchandise dreams here, but next up, we'd love to do a run of stainless steel branded riggers.
Why This Partnership Works: Our Custom Merchandise Process
Parrotdog keeps things fun, focused, and always on-brand, which makes them an ideal client for our New Zealand custom merchandise services. Our collaborative approach ensures every piece aligns with their brand values while meeting practical requirements for durability and appeal.
Our Process:
- Consultation & Design - Understanding brand requirements and target audience
- Material Selection - Choosing premium fabrics and printing methods
- Prototype Development - Creating samples for approval
- Production & Quality Control - Manufacturing with attention to detail
- Delivery Across New Zealand - Timely fulfilment and distribution
Custom Merchandise Services Available Throughout New Zealand
Based in [Your Location], The Print Room provides comprehensive custom merchandise solutions to businesses across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin, and throughout New Zealand.
Our Services Include:
- Screen printing and embroidery
- Custom apparel design and production
- Promotional merchandise and branded accessories
- Event merchandise and seasonal collections
- Corporate uniforms and branded workwear
Ready to Create Your Custom Merchandise?
Whether you're a brewery like Parrotdog, a tech startup in Auckland, or a retail business in Christchurch, we're here to help bring your merchandise vision to life.
Get Started Today:
- Free consultation and quote
- Design support and material guidance
- Quality production with fast turnaround
- Delivery throughout New Zealand
Contact us: +64 3 425 9694 | hello@theprint-room.co.nz | Print Room, 21 Grosvenor Street, Kensington, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Looking for custom merchandise solutions in New Zealand? Whether you're planning your first branded apparel drop or expanding an existing range, Print Room has the expertise and equipment to deliver exceptional results. Contact us today to discuss your custom printing and merchandise needs.
Related Pages: Custom T-Shirt Printing | Custom Socks | Corporate Merchandise | Event Printing | Screen Printing Wellington | Custom Embroidery Auckland
