USA: Heineken to acquire FIFCO’s beverage and retail businesses
Multinational Dutch brewer Heineken has announced that it has entered into binding agreements with its long-term partner Florida Ice and Farm Company (FIFCO) to acquire the remaining 75% of Distribuidora La Florida, as well as FIFCO stakes in certain other businesses, for $3.2 billion. Heineken’s stake in Distribuidora La Florida, encompasses its beverages, food, and […]
Ian Wright CBE, Co-Chair
Food and Drink Export Council
Gama spoke to Ian Wright CBE, Co-Chair of the Food and Drink Export Council. From your perspective, what makes the UK such a strategically important market for food and drink businesses – both domestic and international? The UK market remains one of the most accessible and innovation-friendly environments in Europe. For businesses looking to […]
USA: Gallo acquires ‘Gen Z oriented’ wine brand Whiny Baby
Gallo, the international wine major, has announced it has reached a deal to acquire Whiny Baby, a wine brand that is described as targeting a Gen Z audience. Launched in 2020, Whiny Baby promotes “a reimagined wine experience” that is claimed to help make choosing a wine “fun, easy, and engaging”. Shoppers are encouraged to “choose […]
UK: Casa Redondo acquires Sheridan’s liqueur brand from Diageo
Diageo, the global spirits firm, has announced it has agreed to sell its Sheridan’s to Casa Redondo, a Portuguese beverage alcohol company. Sheridan’s, which a distinctive dual-chamber coffee and cream liqueur, is a well-established brand available in more than 50 countries with strong distribution across Europe. Commenting on the move, Diageo president for Europe and chief commercial […]
USA: 21st Amendment announces closure
21st Amendment, a leading San Francisco craft brewer, has announced it is to close after 25 years of operation. According to reports, the company plans to slowly wind down operations at its San Leonardo production facility over the next two months with the goal of closing completely by early November. 21st Amendment is described as having faced challenges […]
Tradeshow Look Ahead: Jan Philipp Hartmann, Anuga 2025
Gama spoke to Jan Philipp Hartmann, Director, ahead of the latest edition of Anuga. What are your expectations for this edition of Anuga? Anuga 2025 will once again be the world’s most important platform for the food and beverage industry. From 4 to 8 October 2025, Cologne will be the global centre of the food […]
Canada: Diageo to close Canada bottling facility
Diageo, the UK alcoholic beverages multinational, has announced plans to close its bottling facility in Ontario, Canada by February 2026. In a statement, the company said the decision was part of its strategy to increase the efficiency and resilience of its manufacturing footprint in North America. The company will otherwise maintain its existing footprint across […]
Ireland: Cobblestone Brands acquires whiskey brands from Pernod Ricard
Irish drinks company Cobblestone Brands has announced the acquisition of the Knappogue Castle and Clontarf Irish Whiskey brands from Irish Distillers, a subsidiary of wine and spirits giant Pernod Ricard. Commenting on the move, Cobblestone Brands CEO Brian Fagan said: “We believe deeply in the future of the Irish whiskey category. Despite near-term industry challenges, […]
Italy: Caffo Group acquires Cinzano vermouth, sparkling wines from Campari
Italian spirit group Campari has agreed to sell its Cinzano vermouth and sparkling wine business, along with Frattina grappa and sparkling wines, to the privately-owned Italian firm Caffo Group in a €100 million ($117 million deal). This strategic move aligns with Campari’s plan to streamline its brand portfolio by offloading non-core assets, the company said in […]
India: Diageo to acquire Nao Spirits in $15 million deal
Diageo India (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo operating in India, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Nao Spirits, an Indian craft distiller, for 130 crore INR ($15.2 million). Founded in 2017, Nao Spirits makes premium Indian spirits using native botanicals. Its range includes Greater Than, India’s first craft gin, and Hapusa, made […]