Australian Beer Co, the Yenda-based operation owned by Casella Family Brands, has made a move in the world of spirits and RTDs.
It has acquired Ampersand Projects, which produces a wide range of alcoholic beverages, specialising in RTDs featuring vodka and gin.
You can read more about the acquisition in the media release below.
MEDIA RELEASE: AUSTRALIAN BEER CO ACQUIRES CATEGORY INNOVATORS, AMPERSAND PROJECTS
Independent Australian liquor company, Australian Beer Co (ABCo), will take full ownership of Ampersand Projects as it advances its ambitions in the Spirits & RTD categories.
The Australian Beer Co which is the trusted name behind many of Australia’s much-loved beer, cider, seltzer and RTD brands – is a subsidiary of Casella Family Brands famously recognised for its global success of [yellow tail] wine.
In this new era in the Australian Beer Co’s brand portfolio, the founders of Ampersand will continue in their roles and propel the business forward with the ABCo team using the same passion and innovation that has defined the brand for the past five years. While the financial terms remain undisclosed, the strategic vision is clear - this enables the Ampersand Portfolio to access all the capability and resources of the ABCo business and importantly provide the investment and long-term approach to take the brands to reach their full potential.
Casella Family Brands Managing Director John Casella said “This is an exciting acquisition for Australian Beer Company as we continue to build our offering in the spirits and RTD categories. I look forward to the founders joining our business to continue the great success they have enjoyed to date.”
Ampersand Projects was founded in 2018 by Marcus Kellett, Shaun Rankins and Alex Bottomley, this trailblazing RTD/spirit startup, is known to many as the brand that created Vodka Soda & has embraced an innovation-first mindset, setting a high bar and being at the forefront of the better for you segment. By exceeding industry standards, they have not only established a distinctive market position but have demonstrated remarkable sales performance selling over 15 million cans since inception.
“I see this acquisition as more than just a business deal; it is a relationship that brings together the strengths of two independent companies with similar ideologies to continue to innovate the spirit industry.
With both companies valuing trust, integrity and respect, this acquisition will see unparalleled synergies and continued growth.
Utilising Casella Family Brands legacy and time-tested expertise – this new relationship will maintain and deepen our customer and supplier relationships remaining a proudly Independent Australian business”, said the co-founder of Vodka Soda & (Ampersand Projects) Shaun Rankins.
The Australian Beer Co. and Ampersand Projects are gearing up for an exciting Summer into 2024 with operations continuing seamlessly.
Experience the alcoholic beverage portfolio from Ampersand Projects at all good retailers, nationwide.
