CUB to acquire Riot Wine in Australia

Australian brewing company Carlton & United Breweries (CUB) will expand its presence in the wine sector with the acquisition of Riot Wine.

Riot Wine sells wine exclusively in kegs and cans. The company’s wines are produced using South Australian grapes, supporting local producers in premium wine regions.

CUB Australia and New Zealand Sales vice-president Rose Scott said: “We are committed to being the best beverage company in Australia and expanding our portfolio to meet the evolving needs of Australian drinkers.

“Riot Wine Co is a truly innovative company and CUB shares its commitment to quality and sustainability. We plan to accelerate the expansion of this growing business through our large on-tap network and more than 100 years of draught experience.”

Using the investment from CUB, Riot intends to upgrade its urban cellar door in the Adelaide suburb of Brompton.

The upgrade will see the creation of a revamped hospitality space, allowing wine lovers to taste Riot products and food.

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.

“Our kegs prevent wine oxidising and our wine has a fun and fresh taste profile, with less sulphur making it cleaner than traditional wine.”

Financial details of the acquisition are yet to be disclosed by either company.

In July,  AB InBev agreed to sell CUB to Asahi Group Holdings for an enterprise value of A$16bn ($11.3bn).