Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits today announced a move to acquire WEBB Banks, a leading wines & spirits distributor in the Caribbean, Central America and South America, which has a strong presence in the travel retail and cruise sector.
Family-owned Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is a leading US drinks distributor with operations across the USA and Canada.
The acquisition, expected to close on 31 March, expands Southern Glazer’s reach in travel retail and other markets, and, said the company, “strengthens its logistical capabilities to deliver products more efficiently to complex markets in the region”.
Upon completion, the business will continue to operate during a transition period under the WEBB Banks name and management team, led by Chief Executive Officer Andy Consuegra, Chief Operating Officer Jose Castellvi and Chief Financial Officer Juan Carlos Rodriguez.
The team will report to Southern Glazer President, East Region Scott Oppenheimer. The existing Southern Glazer’s Travel Sales & Export team and associated portfolio will transition to WEBB Banks.
“This acquisition provides another connection point for Southern Glazer’s and our valued suppliers who are looking for expert route-to-market capabilities across the Atlantic Basin,” said Scott Oppenheimer.
“Combining the strength of our supply chain and logistics expertise, with WEBB Banks’ strong customer relationships and knowledge of the market, makes this acquisition an absolute game changer for our suppliers.”
Oppenheimer continued, “WEBB Banks has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years thanks to a collaborative company culture, strong strategic partnerships, and in-depth knowledge of the markets in their region. We’re excited to welcome their brands – many of which we already share – and their talented, experienced team into the Southern Glazer’s family.”
“Southern Glazer’s recognises the success we’ve achieved in the region, operating in markets that are particularly complex and fragmented,” said Andy Consuegra.
“In turn, we have found a great partner in Southern Glazer’s, like us a family-owned company that takes pride in a strong company culture and diverse workforce and shares our values and commitment to building world-class wine and spirits brands. Together, with our market expertise and Southern Glazer’s strong industry relationships, superior capabilities, and deep consumer and trade insights, we will significantly elevate the standard of services we provide to our valued suppliers, wholesalers, and retail customers.”
Consuegra founded WEBB in 2007 and then merged with Banks Channel in 2016 to create WEBB Banks, creating the largest wine and spirits distributor in the Pan-Caribbean market, operating in 34 markets with more than 200 distributor partners. Southern Glazer’s Travel Sales and Export Division launched in early 2017 and now serves 25 countries with nearly 70 distributor, cruise line and duty free retail partners.
The WEBB Banks regional portfolio of partners includes Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Jägermeister, Illva Saronno, Constellation Brands, Infinium Spirits, Freixenet/Mionetto USA, Sovereign Brands, Caymus and Treasury Wine Estates. ✈
