Coca-Cola HBC has acquired a 30% minority stake in Italian coffee company, Casa Del Caffè Vergnano, for an undisclosed sum. The agreement was made by Coca-Cola HBC’s wholly-owned subsidiary CC Beverages Holdings II and marks an important step in its strategy of becoming the ‘leading’ 24/7 beverage partner across its markets.
As part of the deal, the companies will enter into an exclusive long-term distribution agreement, which will see Coca-Cola HBC distribute the Italian company’s products in its 27 territories outside of Italy.
The acquisition will see Coca-Cola HBC strengthen its coffee portfolio with Caffè Vergnano’s range of products – including traditional espresso in various blends, packages and formats such as beans, roast and ground coffee and single portioned pods – which will join its existing Costa Coffee collection.
CAFFÈ VERGNANO, THE ITALIAN COFFEE TRADITION
Headquartered in Santena (Turin), Caffè Vergnano is one of the oldest coffee roasters in Italy with roots dating back to 1882. In 2020, Caffè Vergnano reportedly sold approximately 7,000 tons of coffee in more than 90 countries worldwide.
“Our investment in Caffè Vergnano is aligned with The Coca-Cola Company as we have worked together on this opportunity”, said Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC.
Meanwhile, Caffè Vergnano will utilise Coca-Cola HBC’s route-to-market network and commercial capabilities to aid its significant expansion. Franco and Carlo Vergnano, CEO and chairman of the Italian coffee company, said: “By combining Coca-Cola HBC’s expertise, know-how and critical mass, with our heritage coffee brand, great products and deep knowledge of the industry, we are confident this will prove a powerful partnership in growing our business further.” The goal, in fact, is to strengthen the presence of the brand outside Italy.
