The transaction comes two and a half years after the two companies signed a marketing and distribution agreement.
Central Bottling Company Ltd. (Coca-Cola Israel) is entering the wine business. Coca-Cola Israel subsidiary IBBLS has acquired a 51% controlling interest in Tabor Winery for a few million dollars. The transaction comes two and a half years after the two companies signed a marketing and distribution agreement.
IBBLS is Coca-Cola Israel’s subsidiary for alcoholic beverages. It imports leading brands, including Johnny Walker and J&B whiskeys, Smirnoff vodka, and Gordon’s and Tanqueray gins. The company’s turnover is estimated at tens of millions of shekels a year.
Based in Kfar Tavor, Tabor Winery was founded eight years ago by four families of vintners. Each family is responsible for a different aspect of management of the winery. Tabor Winery produces and markets boutique wines, using innovative equipment and technology for reaping and processing grapes to make high-quality wines. The winery says that the transfer of control will make it possible to broaden marketing options.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on October 16, 2005