Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) is expanding into wine with the purchase of Adelaide-based Riot Wine Co announced on Monday.
The innovative company launched in 2016, selling wine exclusively in kegs and cans, which Riot says creates a fresher and more sustainable product.
The business has expanded rapidly in a short period of time, with a presence now in hundreds of venues and retail stores nationwide.
Riot co-founder and chief winemaker Tom O’Donnell said CUB’s “investment, expertise and customer relationships” will help the business to continue its rapid expansion.
The investment will see Riot’s urban cellar door in Brompton upgraded to offer a new space for consumers to sample Riot products.
“We launched Riot Wine Co to start a wine revolution in Australia by getting venues and consumers to switch from bottles to steel kegs and aluminium cans,” Riot co-founder and general manager Joe Cook said.
“Wine drank this way is fresher and easier plus it’s more sustainable because one keg saves roughly 23,000 bottles from entering the environment. Our kegs prevent wine oxidising and our wine has a fun and fresh taste profile, with less sulphur making it cleaner than traditional wine.”
CUB Sales VP – Australia and NZ, Rose Scott said the addition of Riot Wine will help CUB meet the evolving needs of Australian drinkers.
“Riot Wine Co is a truly innovative company and CUB shares its commitment to quality and sustainability. Its rapid expansion in just three years shows venues and retailers agree that it can deliver great things for consumers,” she said.
Scott said CUB will use its network and experience to help accelerate the expansion of the business. The Riot Wine Co team will remain unchanged to ensure the continued success of the business.
Meanwhile, CUB is still waiting on the green light from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for a proposed $16 billion buyout by Japan’s Asahi Beverages.
