Proof & Company ANZ Managing Director Damian Kaehler has secured a new role following the independent spirits business’ Australian arm entering voluntary administration.

Kaehler has been appointed General Manager – Zonzo Estate Wines at Zonzo Estate Yarra Valley.

Zonzo Estate announced in March that it had acquired the Innocent Bystander hospitality venue in the Yarra Valley and would convert it into the home of its best-selling limoncello spritz, Zoncello.

Zonzo’s best-selling product, Zoncello, raced off the shelves during the festive season, selling a record 455,000 bottles in December.

Social media has been fuelling growth, with Zonzo Estate struggling to keep up with demand since launching the product in mid-2023.

Zoncello, which has been credited with putting the wine category back in growth, cracked the million-bottle sales mark in its first year on the market.

One of Asia Pacific’s leading independent spirits companies, Proof & Company has offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Auckland and Christchurch. Its Australian offices were in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

The company announced in a statement in late April 2025: “This week, we made the difficult decision to place Sa’Pere Drinks, trading as Proof & Company Australia, into voluntary administration. This decision was not made lightly. It reflects the challenges of a local economic downturn and a changing landscape in the spirits industry.

“As is customary in this process, the appointed administrators will explore all options and seek to achieve the best possible outcome for all involved.

“While this is a difficult period in the industry, it is also one of reflection, renewal and resilience. Proof & Company continues to operate as usual in our other markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, along with our award-winning Proof Creative team, and cocktail bar, 28 HongKong Street. We are committed as ever to our mission and to the people, customers and brands who make it all possible.

“To everyone who contributed, a heartfelt thank you for these last seven years in Australia.”