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News
AB InBev buys Argentine winery Dante Robino
Argentine brewery Quilmes, which is owned by AB InBev, has acquired the Dante Robino winery with plans to double the producer’s share of the domestic market in two years.
According to reports from Argentine media, the sale was agreed on 17 February. A spokesperson from AB InBev told the drinks business: “We can confirm that Cervecería y Maltería Quilmes, our subsidiary in Argentina, closed the signing of the terms for the acquisition of Dante Robino Winery.
“The acquisition is part of the company’s plan to better understand and study the wine segment and to continue with the growth of the company’s brand portfolio. The transaction still needs to be approved by the local authorities.”
The sale includes the winery’s 5ha estate and vineyards in the Perdriel area of Luján de Cuyo. While the financial terms have not been disclosed, Martin Ticinese president of Quilmes brewery, told Los Andes that all 74 jobs would be retained and María Soledad Buenanueva would remain as head winemaker.
He also told the publication that he intends to boost the winery’s performance in the Argentine market.
He said: “Today the winery has less than a 1% share of the domestic market. Our idea is to double it in the next two years.”
It follows news that Quilmes had entered the canned wine market with a new pilot project backed by AB InBev’s innovation and investment group ZX Ventures.
The company launched a white and red wine, packaged in 375ml cans and called Blasfemia, in 130 trial outlets in Argentina.
Dante Robino produces around four million bottles of wine a year and currently exports around 30% of its production to 40 markets.
It is responsible for brands including Dante Robino, Capriccio, and Novecento, and has a portfolio which includes sparkling wine as well as still wine made from Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Quilmes was founded in 1888 and was bought by AmBev, a subsidiary of AB InBev, in 2006. It also produces, distributes and markets soft drinks, waters and juices in partnership with PepsiCo and Nestlé.
Back in July 2019, AB InBev announced plans to buy Babe Wine, a canned wine brand co-founded by influencer Josh Ostrovsky, better known as “The Fat Jewish”.