Coca-Cola Amatil and The Coca-Cola Company have announced joint acquisition of a 45 per cent minority interest in Made Group.
Made Group is responsible for Australian beverage brands including Cocobella, Rokeby Farms, Impressed and the company’s first brand, NutrientWater.
Through this partnership, Made Group will reportedly continue operating independently. But Coca-Cola Australia and Coca-Cola Amatil will support it to grow its market reach and distribution. The firms did not disclose the financial terms.
“Our aim is to bring the Made range of products to an even wider audience through our expertise and reach in distribution,” Coca-Cola Amatil Group Managing Director Alison Watkins said.
“There’ll be no changes to the flavours or ingredients. Made Group co-founders Luke Marget and Matt Dennis will stay on in charge of the business. They’ll keep doing what they love – developing and producing a fantastic food and beverage range.”
All part of a larger plan
Ms Watkins says the investment is important for the Accelerated Australian Growth Plan for Coca-Cola Amatil and Coca-Cola Australia. This aims to bolster performance in attractive growth categories, embrace innovation and explore mergers or acquisitions where they fit with the existing portfolio. Only last month, Coca-Cola acquired Organic & Raw Trading Co, the team behind Mojo Beverages.
“We’re always looking to offer the new beverages that Australians want,” Coca-Cola Australia President Vamsi Mohan said.
“Globally, Coca-Cola has shown that we can build successful new brands through both acquisition and our long history of innovation. [The] investment [in Made is] a perfect example of our desire to keep doing this in Australia.
“The Made Group’s capability in agile innovation across its range … is the perfect complement to our existing portfolio and growth plans. It will help us ensure we provide Australians with beverages for all occasions.”
A major milestone for Made
Made Group co-founder Matt Dennis says the investment is a significant milestone in the company’s 13-year history.
“We’re extremely pleased to have such experienced partners in helping unlock scale and growth,” he said.
“Our focus on improving the everyday lives of Australians aligns perfectly with Coca Cola’s strategy of becoming a total beverage company.
“To help us accelerate this vision, there are currently plans underway to significantly expand our manufacturing footprint in Melbourne with a new 30,000sqm state-of-the-art production facility in the final stages of development.”