Cricketer Adam Zampa invests in limoncello brand as Ambra crowdfunds $700k

A 27-year-old limoncello brand from Adelaide that has more than doubled its revenue in the past year has secured close to $700,000 in an ongoing crowdsourced equity funding raise, as well as an investment for an undisclosed sum from Australian cricket star Adam Zampa.

Now stocked in more than 1,200 venues nationally and with its own distillery and cocktail bar in Thebarton, Ambra saw its revenue reach $3.1 million in the past 12 months with more than half a million spritzes sold, in addition to claiming a gold medal for its limoncello at the 2025 London Spirits Competition.

"Today, Ambra limoncello continues to embody the essence of Italian summers and is still made using juicy, fresh, preservative-free lemons, and follows the same cherished recipe which to this day is only known by two people," says co-owner Peppe Fusco.

"Right now we’re riding a global spritz boom," adds co-owner Nando Focareta. "Can you believe we sold over 500,000 spritzes last year? This success brings us to capacity in our production and our venue, so we are seeking investors to help write the next chapter."

Fusco and Focareta took over the business in 2013 from founder Libero De Luca, who established the company in 1998 after a sabbatical in Italy where he had learned his craft at a distillery on the Amalfi Coast

In 2023 the original cellar door was converted into a distillery, restaurant and events space, while the following year former Bacardi exec Finn Healey joined as a new co-owner and managing director.

"Limoncello spritz is the next big thing. With our 27-year heritage and brand recognition, we’re perfectly placed to own it," Healey says.

"This is a category in explosive growth and Adam’s involvement brings real cultural weight. He’s authentic, he’s passionate, and he shares our pride in putting South Australian lemons and craft on the global map."

The company's raise with the platform OnMarket is targeting $3 million at a pre-money valuation of $21.4 million, with proceeds intended to support export expansion into New Zealand, China, Europe and the US, and the launch of new products such as a pink limoncello and ready-to-serve spritzes.

The Ambra management also has its sights set on scaling the national sales team and marketing activations, alongside venue upgrades including a rooftop bar and expanded event capacity.

Cricketer Adam Zampa was already heavily invested in limoncello on an emotional level before it became financial with Ambra. He has a bottle tattooed on his arm and has held the Instagram handle @Limoncello.Papi for years.

"Teammates and officials have often asked me to change it, but I never wanted to because for me limoncello has always meant good times," he says.

"My wife and I travel to Italy often and aperitivo hour was never missed, we even had little bottles of limoncello as bonbonniere presents for each guest at our wedding. I’ve even got a bottle tattooed on my arm two years ago! So this isn’t just a drink to me, it’s part of my story.

"What excites me about Ambra is that it was the first limoncello ever made in Australia 27 years ago, and it’s still held to incredibly high standards today. Every South Australian lemon is hand peeled, and the spirit base comes from Barossa Valley grapes."

Zampa says dedication to authenticity and quality at Ambra are very important to him.

"Ambra is also the number one selling limoncello in bars and restaurants around Australia, and I’m blown away by the brand’s extraordinary growth over the last twelve months with 123 percent revenue growth," he says.

"I don’t usually put my name to brands, but this was a no brainer. Ambra is proudly South Australian, it’s authentic, and it’s leading the charge in one of the fastest-growing drinks trends in the world. I’m proud to now be a part-owner and help take this brand to the global stage."