Coca-Cola takes 45% minority interest in Australian beverage company Made Group
Launched in 2005, the Made Group’s portfolio now includes cold-pressed juice (such as Impressed), high-protein smoothies, probiotic milk, yogurts, coconut water (such as Cocobella) and cold-brew coffee (such as Schnobs). Its most recent launch is a new range of 100% plant-based, dairy-free almond milk yogurts under the Impressed Brand last month.
The company employs more than 100 people across four office locations (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth) and exports to Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Made Group has invested $17m AUD ($12m USD) since 2013 in its own manufacturing facility in Scoresby, Melbourne; and will open a new 30,000 state-of-the-art facility in Dandenong later this year as part of a $45m AUD ($31m USD) project to support growth.
Made Group co-founders Luke Marget and Matt Dennis credit the success of the company to date with its ability ‘to move quickly and tap into emerging health trends’. They will continue to run the business.
Announcing the partnership, Coca-Cola says that 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 have not been disclosed.
Last month The Coca-Cola Company acquired Australian kombucha maker Organic & Raw Trading Co, its first acquisition in the kombucha category, while last year Coca-Cola Amatil bought Western Australia craft brewer Feral Brewing Company.
