A glass filled with beverage. Credit: Elevate on Unsplash.

7-Eleven Group has acquired a majority stake in Australia’s on-demand alcohol delivery start-up Tipple.

7-Eleven Group is a Japanese-owned American international chain of convenience stores.

Launched in October 2015, Tipple currently provides its on-demand alcohol delivery service to more than 120 suburbs in Melbourne and Sydney. The start-up intends to expand its footprint by partnering with additional bottle shops over the next twelve months.

Tipple operates through its own technology platform, which was developed by its founders and an engineering team in order to allow smoother integration with local bottle shops and facilitate on-demand last-mile delivery logistics at a national scale.

“Tipple’s business model and platform is well-aligned with these interests, and has grown significantly since starting up less than three years ago.”

7-Eleven CEO Angus McKay said: “7-Eleven led the way in digital innovation with our world-first Fuel App, and continue to explore how we can best meet the evolving needs of our convenience customers through digital, delivery and in-store services.

“Tipple’s business model and platform is well-aligned with these interests, and has grown significantly since starting up less than three years ago.”

Tipple founder and CEO Ryan Barrington said: “We couldn’t be happier to be preparing for the next phase of Tipple’s growth alongside 7-Eleven.

“Their expertise and capabilities are unparalleled, but it’s our shared ambition to create new and engaging customer experiences on the cutting edge of convenience that excites us most.

“We’re very excited about the potential for this partnership to transform the landscape of both alcohol and convenience retailing in Australia.”

Tipple was represented by Hillside Capital and Gadens as financial and legal advisors for the transaction.