Coca-Cola HBC, which bottles Coca-Cola products in Europe, has agreed to buy Italian mineral water maker and sparkling beverage company Lurisia in a deal worth 88 million euros ($97 million), it said on Wednesday.
The acquisition, made together with global beverage group Coca-Cola, will allow the London-listed group to add premium Italian brands to its portfolio, which includes iced teas and plant based drinks.
In addition to mineral water sourced from a spring in the mountains, Lurisia sells sparkling beverages based on ingredients sourced in Italy such as Chinotto and Gazzosa.
Coca-Cola HBC will buy the company from a group of investors, which include Italian private equity fund IDeA Taste of Italy and food retailer Eataly Distribuzione.
As part of the transaction, Lurisia CEO Piero Bagnasco and Alessandro Invernizzi will remain on the board of the company, the buyer said in a statement.
By Francesca Landini
Source: Reuters
Danone has appointed Carla Hilhorst to the newly created position of senior vice president of research and innovation categories and zones, as the company looks to make science the heart of its business. Hilhorst, who brings over 30 years of experience in research and innovation, will report directly to Isabelle Esser, Danone’s chief research, innovation, quality and food safety officer.
The move, part of Pernod Ricard’s strategy to enhance its premiumisation efforts, will allow the company to focus more resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands that drive the growth of its business. This decision aligns with the company’s commitment to delivering sustainable value for shareholders, employees, clients and partners.
Schai – who is the current CEO of Swiss chocolate company Lindt & Sprüngli’s Australian operation – has previously worked with Aryzta from 2015-2018, where he served in roles including managing director for Asia Pacific and global strategic business lead (McDonald’s). The fast-food giant McDonald’s is one of Aryzta’s significant clients.
