Refresco Acquires Plant-Based Drinks Maker Frías
Refresco, a global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and global, national, and emerging (GNE) brands in Europe, North America and Australia, has entered into an agreement to acquire Frías Nutrición from Alantra Private Equity and the founding family. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
Frías is a leading manufacturer of plant-based drinks with a production facility located in Burgos, Spain and employs around 250 people. Frías produces private label plant-based drinks, including almond, rice, hazelnut, and soy drinks, for key Spanish retailers and beyond.
CEO Refresco, Hans Roelofs, commented: “As part of our proven Buy & Build strategy, we are looking to expand our capabilities in existing and adjacent beverage categories. The acquisition of Frías significantly strengthens our position in the fast-growing plant-based drinks category. It complements our existing footprint in Spain with a production facility solely dedicated to plant-based products.
“In addition, acquiring Frías enables us to further expand our service offering to retailers and branded customers and retailers across Europe, accelerates our product innovation capabilities in the plant-based drinks category, and underscores our ability to capture opportunities in the market.”
Bruno Delgado-Luque, partner ,Alantra Private Equity, added: “Since we acquired Frías in 2019, the company has been on a remarkable growth trajectory, confirming its leadership position in the Iberian Peninsula, and expanding its international business. Together with the Frías family, we launched a major investment plan that resulted in the creation of one of the most modern and efficient plant-based drinks factories in Europe. We are confident that Frías has a bright future ahead and will continue its successful growth with the support of Refresco.”
Transaction highlights
- The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.
- Closing of the transaction is expected later this year.
- The financial terms of the transaction are not disclosed.
Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and global, national and emerging brands with production in Europe, North America and Australia. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations from juices to carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters in carton, PET, Aseptic PET, cans and glass. Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand, environmental responsibilities and market demand. Refresco is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has more than 14,500 employees.
Alantra Private Equity is a pioneer in the Iberian private equity market with more than 30 years of experience and investments of c. €2.0bn. It has a unique and proven track record in the food and beverage, healthcare, and industrial technology sectors throughout different economic cycles. Since 1990, Alantra Private Equity has led investments in more than 120 assets (60 platforms and 65 add-ons) and has completed more than 50 exits.
For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Maison Jospeh Drougin Ships Wines to US Via Sailboat
Maison Joseph Drouhin, renowned for the quality of its Burgundy wines, is taking a new step in its sustainability commitment by announcing its first wine shipment by sailboat. In partnership with TOWT, 15,000 bottles of 2022 Chablis and Côte de Beaune white wines will set sail in summer 2024 aboard the Anemos for a transatlantic voyage between Le Havre and New York.
This initiative represents a strong commitment for the Beaune-based company, adopting this innovative and sustainable mode of transport in line with its long-established environmental approach. This carbonless navigation allows for a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 98% reduction in sulphur oxide emissions while ensuring the quality and integrity of the wines during the 15-day voyage.
The USA holds particular significance for the Drouhin family, which has owned an import company in New York and 100 hectares of vineyards in Oregon for over 40 years. As pioneers in this region, the Drouhin family continues to affirm its strong connection with the American market, its first export market after France. This first transatlantic voyage by sailboat is set to become a regular occurrence, with two annual shipments planned in the coming years until the arrival of new boats.
This initiative by Maison Joseph Drouhin is based on its core values: Passion, Harmony, Audacity, Regenerative, Excellence (PHARE, “Lighthouse” in French).
Having long been committed to environmentally respectful practices, it was one of the first Burgundy houses to adopt organic and biodynamic viticulture practices in the late 1980s. It has introduced innovative initiatives such as creating a lightweight bottle in 2008.
Inspired by family values passed down through generations, Maison Joseph Drouhin has long been committed to embodying the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and actively contributing to sustainable development in all its aspects.
Frédéric Drouhin, chairman of the executive board and a member of the fourth generation, expresses this vision by stating: “Today, the employees of Maison Joseph Drouhin and I are proud of our actions that go beyond the CSR approach. It represents not only our core values but also our commitment to a better future for our planet and future generations. Our goal for 2030 is to be a model in our choices for preserving the wine heritage and ensuring its resilience in the face of internal and external climatic and human challenges.”
Joseph Drouhin is the first wine company to have signed the Climate Business Convention, reaffirming its commitment to reducing its ecological footprint.
For Diana Mesa, General Manager, and Guillaume Le Grand, President of TOWT, this commercial partnership is a true success: “Joseph Drouhin, through its high-quality products and commitments to respecting our environment, is an exceptional partner for TOWT. Today, we are proud to collaborate together to decarbonize the maritime sector and promote sustainable maritime transport.”
Founded in 1880, Maison Joseph Drouhin has five generations of experience and expertise and relies heavily on family tradition. The estate comprises 100 hectares of vineyards, 14 of which are Grand Cru and 30 Premiers Cru, all managed according to organic and biodynamic viticulture principles since 1988. Additionally, the Maison purchases grapes from loyal suppliers to complete its range where it does not own vineyards. Respect for the originality of the terroir and vintage, finesse, elegance, and harmony: this defines the Joseph Drouhin style.
The Anemos is part of the new generation of sail cargo ships from TOWT (TransOceanic Wind Transport) for transporting wines by sail cargo ship. Currently being completed in Concarneau, this ship will be inaugurated shortly in Le Havre before departing for New York. The Anemos promises to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 90% compared to traditional cargo ships thanks to its primarily wind-powered propulsion. At 80 meters long with a cargo capacity of 1100 tons, Anemos is the largest and most efficient sail cargo ship in its category. It is the first of eight vessels for the company.
For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Blume Super Food Lattes Expand Into Whole Foods Markets
Blume, the leading functional beverage brand focused on creating a kinder wellness world, is expanding into Whole Foods stores across the United States. Two of Blume’s most popular flavors, Matcha Coconut and Reishi Hot Chocolate, are available in 270 stores nationwide. This expansion comes on the heels of an explosive growth year for the brand, achieving their first eight-figure revenue and 50 percent year-over-year growth. The brand is now available in more than 4,000 stores across North America including: Target, Erewhon, and Anthropologie.
“Continuing to expand Blume’s U.S. presence by launching into Whole Foods marks a significant milestone and has been a dream retail partner for the brand. Whole Foods’ ethos aligns with our vision to create kinder wellness rituals that consumers will feel good about indulging in. We believe wellness is incredibly personal and we’re trying to find a better balance and create products that are attainable for everyone,” said Karen Danudjaja, CEO and Founder of Blume. “With our growing consumer demand in the U.S., Whole Foods is the perfect partner to further maximize our reach and enhance accessibility to Blume’s superfood lattes nationwide.”
Earlier this year, Blume ventured into the water elixir category with the launch of SuperBelly, a gut-friendly hydration multiplier, which has since sold out twice—equaling more than 20,000 units since February. Blume’s decision to expand to categories beyond superfood lattes was accelerated by the rise of the gut health movement and direct consumer feedback. In addition to SuperBelly, Blume’s hero superfood latte blends are refined sugar-free, certified organic, plant-based, and packaged in plastic neutral plus pouches.
Blume is a purposeful and mission-driven wellness brand focused on helping consumers create indulgent rituals they can feel good about. Founded in 2017 by Danudjaja after she struggled to find a palatable caffeine alternative while working in commercial real estate and taking several coffee meetings a day, the superfood lattes were originally available in coffee shops in Canada before growing rapidly into retail stores and direct-to-consumer over the last six years. Blume’s continued expansion across the United States amplifies the brand’s commitment to democratizing holistic wellbeing.
To learn more about Blume, visit the website or Instagram.
Blume is the leading Vancouver-based functional beverage brand focused on creating a kinder wellness world, and what happens when you pair the benefits of the wellness aisle and the experience of a cafe. Created amidst the budding craze for functional beverages in 2017, Blume aims to offer products that taste good and provide nutritional benefits. Originally exclusively sold in coffee shops, the brand has now expanded into more than 4,000 stores across North America, and recently expanded into the water elixir category with the launch of SuperBelly – a gut health-building gentle hydration multiplier that consumers can take on the go to complement their wellness rituals.
For more news of interest to the functional beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
