Meet tomorrow’s next big thing, today.
Mack Brands stands as a unified house of high-end, revolutionary spirits and beverage brands, all supported by the Mack & Schühle Group.
Our mission is to foster a cohesive approach to brand building, breaking away from fragmentation to create a formidable portfolio that achieves global recognition through innovation, storytelling, and quality.
Mack Brands delivers innovative, high-quality brands that stand out. We build lasting relationships with a youthful, adventurous audience through authentic and memorable experiences that celebrate life.
To become a sustainable hub of innovation, inspired by our community, where extraordinary ideas and game-changing concepts converge to redefine the beverage industry.
The Team
Meet the team behind the brands.
Nic Mack
Nic Mack, aka The Creator, is the founder of Mack Brands.
In the summer of 2020, Nic launched his first brand, Brooks Hard Seltzer, in South Africa. While building Brooks, Nic began dreaming of creating a hub for cutting-edge beverage brands that break the mold in their respective categories on a global scale.
After three years of planning, he founded Mack Brands with the support and guidance of the Mack & Schühle Group. Today, Nic leads Mack Brands from his office in New York, alongside his cousin, Ronnie Melck, and serves on several boards across the Mack & Schühle Group.
Ronnie Melck
Ronnie Melck, aka The Operator, is the Chief Finance and Operations Officer of Mack Brands.
With a background as a CA(SA) and experience as a manager in mergers and acquisitions at PWC, Ronnie is a formidable force in his trade.
His favorite saying, "let's keep the kitchen squeaky clean," is a motto he lives by. The friendship and cousinship between Nic and Ronnie create a dynamic duo, seamlessly balancing creativity, and practicality.
Beyond his role at Mack Brands, Ronnie also lends his expertise to the board of MAI24, further showcasing his commitment to excellence in the industry.
Aurora Ricciardi
Aurora Ricciardi, aka The Coordinator, is the Executive Assistant at Mack Brands and the first person to join Nic’s team.
With her exceptional organizational skills and knack for multitasking, Aurora keeps everything running smoothly. Her dedication and efficiency make her an indispensable part of the Mack Brands family.
Aurora's proactive approach and support are key to the team’s success, blending professionalism and enthusiasm. Aurora is the glue of the team, ensuring everything is well-organized and on track.
Heinrich Badenhorst
Heinrich Badenhorst, aka The Accelerator, serves as Head of Market Expansion at Mack Brands.
His role is to increase sales and brand visibility while working alongside the team in existing markets and identifying new opportunities. Heinrich's love for wine and his WSET Level 3 certification fuel his passion for the industry and his drive to learn more every day.
With a keen eye for market trends and a desire for building strong relationships, Heinrich is dedicated to expanding Mack Brands' presence globally.
His enthusiasm and expertise make him an invaluable asset to the team, always pushing the boundaries to ensure the brand's growth and success.