Cavalier partners with NZ Merino to develop design-led business model

Iconic New Zealand brand Cavalier has more than 50 years of history and in-depth knowledge of the carpet sector and considers natural wool the optimal choice for carpet design, innovation, and overall performance.

Cavalier Corporation Limited (NZX: CAV) has today announced a collaboration with The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) as Cavalier looks to develop and implement a transformative and design-led business model focused on connecting consumers with Cavalier's wool product.

Iconic New Zealand brand Cavalier has more than 50 years of history and in-depth knowledge of the carpet sector and considers natural wool the optimal choice for carpet design, innovation, and overall performance. In addition to this, consumers around the world are becoming increasingly environmentally aware and wool is well-positioned to capitalize on this movement.

To optimize this opportunity, Cavalier has appointed NZM to assist the company shift to a design-led business that is fit for the next 50 years. The core objective is to enhance Cavalier's commercial performance and deliver long term sustainable returns for shareholders.

NZM has a 20-year track record in transforming New Zealand's sheep industry from producing commodities to partnering with and supporting the growth of premium brands globally. It has extensive sales, marketing, and innovation expertise, applied through its ZQ ethical wool brand and has worked closely with leading brand partners including Icebreaker, Smartwool, Loro Piana, Reda, and Allbirds.

CEO of Cavalier, Paul Alston, said: "We are at a pivotal moment in our company's history. The quality and craftsmanship of our wool carpets is undeniable and is recognized by customers around the world. Together with NZM, we will be looking to revitalize the demand for wool carpets as a natural, more sustainable, healthier alternative to synthetic fibers, further delivering to our 'world of difference' vision."

CEO of NZM, John Brakenridge, commented: "The tipping point we've seen in apparel with consumers embracing new categories of natural products is a strong signal of broader behavior change. We applaud Cavalier's leadership in making moves to connect consumers with natural products in a more meaningful way and look forward to building on the strong platform established by Cavalier to add further value to the New Zealand wool sector."