Carlton and United Breweries acquire Riot Wine

AB InBev-owned Carlton and United Breweries (CUB) has expanded its portfolio by acquiring Riot Wine, the ‘only’ company in Australia that sells wine exclusively in kegs and cans. The purchase represents CUB’s commitment to sustainability as the AB InBev subsidiary aims “to meet the evolving needs of Australian drinkers.”

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Adelaide-based Riot Wine launched in 2016 and its range of wines have since been sold in hundreds of venues and retail stores nationwide with its exclusive packaging method apparently creating a fresher and more sustainable product.

Riot co-founder and general manager Joe Cook said: “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.

“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.”

By offering a range of wine produced from South Australian grapes, Riot Wine supports local producers in premium wine regions.

CUB’s vice president of sales in Australia and New Zealand, Rose Scott said: “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 that it can deliver great things for consumers. We plan to accelerate the expansion of this growing business through our large on-tap network and more than 100 years of draught experience.

“The Riot Wine Co team won’t change and management will stay on to ensure the elements that have helped drive the business’ success – a focus on quality wine from grape to glass, disruption and innovation, and the quality of its people and outstanding customer relationships – remain in place.”

The recent deal continues CUB’s investment into South Australia while following the construction of a new Pirate Life brewery in Port Adelaide last year.

By adding Riot Wine to its portfolio, CUB develops its sustainability agenda. This move follows on from the company’s decision to scrap plastic rings on beer cans and the renewable energy deal it secured earlier this year.