Carlton & United Breweries acquires canned wine company
Riot Wine Co launched in 2016 and now has products in hundreds of venues and retail stores across Australia. It says it is dedicated to leading a ‘wine revolution’ by encouraging consumers to switch from bottles to steel kegs and aluminium cans, with one keg saving around 23,000 bottles. The brand uses wine from South Australian grapes.
The new investment from Carlton & United Breweries will help the company upgrade its urban cellar door in the Adelaide suburb of Brompton, creating a revamped hospitality space with food and wine.
The acquisition marks Carlton & United Breweries' entry into the wine category, expanding outside its key beer portfolio which includes Foster's and Victoria Bitter and craft acquisitions Pirate Life and Four Pines.
Rose Scott, CUB Sales VP for Australia and NZ, said: “We are committed to being the best beverage company in Australia and expanding our portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Australian drinkers. Riot Wine Co will help us do that.
"Riot Wine Co’s rapid expansion in just three years shows venues and retailers agree that it can deliver great things for consumers.
“We plan to accelerate the expansion of this growing business through our large on-tap network and more than 100 years of draught experience.”
Riot Wine Co’s team and management will remain in place after the acquisition.
