SYDNEY, Australia — Australian beverages manufacturer Coca-Cola Amatil and The Coca-Cola Company today announced a joint acquisition of a 45 per cent minority interest in Australia-based Made Group.
Made Group is known for leading Australian beverage brands including Cocobella, Rokeby Farms, Impressed and the company’s first brand, NutrientWater, which was launched from scratch in 2005.
The Made Group’s portfolio appeals to Australians by providing a range of products including cold-pressed juice, high-protein smoothies, probiotic milk, yoghurts, coconut water and cold-brew coffee.
Through this partnership, Made Group will continue operating independently and with the same entrepreneurial spirit, while being supported by Coca-Cola Australia and Coca-Cola Amatil to grow market reach and distribution. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“Our aim is to bring the Made range of products to an even wider audience through our expertise and reach in distribution,” said Alison Watkins, Coca-Cola Amatil Group Managing Director.
“There’ll be no changes to the flavours or ingredients. Made Group co-founders Luke Marget and Matt Dennis will stay on in charge of the business and keep doing what they love – developing and producing a fantastic food and beverage range.” Made Group co-founder Luke Marget said the company established a strong culture of innovation, and its ability to move quickly and tap into emerging health trends has been a key driver for its success.
“We will continue to run the business with the same great people making the same products in the same way. What we will now be able to do is introduce our products to more people both locally and abroad.”
Ms Watkins said the investment is an important link in the Accelerated Australian Growth Plan for Coca-Cola Amatil and Coca-Cola Australia, which aims to bolster performance in attractive growth categories, embrace innovation and explore mergers or acquisitions where they fit with the existing portfolio.
Vamsi Mohan, President of Coca-Cola Australia, said that the investment is yet another example of
how Coca-Cola is transforming into a total beverage company. “We are always looking to offer the new beverages that Australians want,” he said.
“Globally Coca-Cola has shown that we can build successful new brands through both acquisition and our long history of innovation. This investment is a perfect example of our desire to keep doing this in Australia.
“The Made Group’s capability in agile innovation across its range, which includes premium juices, dairy and coconut water, is the perfect complement to our existing portfolio and growth plans and will help us ensure we provide Australians with beverages for all occasions,” he said. Made Group co-founder Matt Dennis said that the investment was a significant milestone in the company’s 13-year history.
“We are extremely pleased to have such experienced partners in helping unlock scale and growth, while we continue to focus on product innovation to match emerging consumer trends,” Mr Dennis said.
“Our focus on improving the everyday lives of Australians aligns perfectly with Coca Cola’s strategy of becoming a total beverage company.” “To help us accelerate this vision there are currently plans underway to significantly expand our manufacturing footprint in Melbourne with a new 30,000 sqm state-of-the-art production facility in the final stages of development.
“The winning partnership between the world’s leading non-alcoholic beverage enterprise and Australia’s most entrepreneurial beverage company is made for success.”
