NEWS

Coca-Cola HBC Hungary became the exclusive domestic distributor of Bacardi-Martini products

Today, Coca-Cola HBC Hungary has become the exclusive distributor of premium alcohol brands of the Bacardi-Martini company, the largest privately held spirits company in the world. As part of the agreement the portfolio of the country’s largest soft drink firm is expanding with about 60 products from nine premium and super premium spirit brands as of September. Due to this move Coca-Cola HBC Hungary continues to develop its 24/7 portfolio and takes another step towards becoming a leading distributor in the domestic premium alcohol market.

The premium spirits portfolio of Coca-Cola HBC Hungary is expanding with several market-leading brands that are well-known in Hungary from the 1st of September. Under the exclusive distributor agreement with Bacardi-Martini, the company will carry out the sales and logistics activities of the brand owner’s products, while the agreement between the parties also includes marketing support for premium and super premium brands.

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The market of premium spirits has shown dynamic growth in Hungary in recent years; between 2019 and 2021 the value of premium alcoholic drinks increased by 22%. The size of premium spirits market in 2021 has reached USD 650 million in value (26,1 million liters in 2021 in volume). Coca-Cola HBC Hungary and Bacardi-Martini will aim to become a top agent in the Hungarian premium imported spirits market in the coming years with the Bacardi brand already leading the rum category and Martini leading vermouth and imported premium sparkling wine categories.

As part of Bacardi-Martini’s business model, it works with a specific distribution partner in countries where it does not distribute its products through its own company. Coca-Cola HBC Hungary will be responsible for the distribution of specific brands as an exclusive distribution partner, thanks to successful negotiations with the partner.

Hungary is a key market that plays a major role in achieving Bacardi’s ambition to be among the Top 3 companies of premium spirits by 2030 - in Central and Eastern Europe, Baltics, and Balkans cluster. We aim to continue growing our brands and winning consumers hearts in all key geographies. Ambitious goals require redesign of our organization and new strategic partnerships that allow us to gain significant positions in those markets. There is a clear opportunity to leverage Coca-Cola HBC Hungary's proven route-to-market capabilities, executional excellence, and decades of experience to increase the penetration of Bacardi’s portfolio and drive category leadership. Bacardi has always had a consumer-first mindset that allows us to push the boundaries and innovate within our sector to give people a seamless way to experience our brands and delicious cocktails.

Ilya Kustov Country manager for Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia

As a result of the agreement, Coca-Cola HBC Hungary expands its range with premium and super premium spirit brands that are dominant in the domestic market and are favored by Hungarian consumers. This expansion allows the company to strengthen its position among domestic alcohol distributors. With the portfolio update, Coca-Cola HBC Hungary can also further develop its so-called mixing strategy, which is about offering different product combinations to its consumers from its impressive 24/7 portfolio.

A total of 9 brands and about 60 products is arriving in Coca-Cola HBC Hungary’s premium spirit range. From the September 1st, Bacardi rums, Martini vermouth and sparkling wines, Bombay Sapphire and Oxley gins, Grey Goose vodkas, Patrón tequilas, St. Germain liqueur and Bacardi Breezer products (in the ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage category) will be available in the distributor's offer.

Coca-Cola HBC has been present in the premium spirits market for 16 years in Hungary. Our business strategy aims to offer the right product to our customers and consumers at every hour of day for each consumption occasion that arises. Thanks to the dynamic development of our premium spirits and coffee business, we have become a major market player in recent years, and we strive to be seen as a leading distributor in the future. We are proud to be the sole Hungarian distribution partner of a globally dominant company that owns high-quality alcohol brands. Together, we will work to further increase the awareness and popularity of Bacardi-Martini products among domestic consumers.

Márton Vajda Coffee & Premium Spirits Business Director of Coca-Cola HBC Hungary

Following the recent changes, the distributor contract between Coca-Cola HBC Hungary and the Campari Group which was signed in 2016 is officially terminated on August 31, 2022. Aperol, Campari, Cinzano and Bulldog brands will no longer be part of Coca-Cola HBC Hungary’s premium spirits portfolio after this day.

We truly believe that our new strategic partnership will bring both companies success in Hungarian market and allow our consumers to truly enjoy this symbolic Bacardi and Coca-Cola “duo” on a larger scale.

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