Carlsberg Group, a leading global brewery, recently announced the formation of a new business entity called Carlsberg Britvic in the UK. This new venture aims to become a highly attractive supplier of beer and soft drinks in the UK market by leveraging an efficient supply chain and distribution network. The merger brings together the facilities and logistics operations of Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company with the packaging and production capabilities of Britvic, a renowned soft drink manufacturer.
The strategic partnership between Carlsberg and Britvic is expected to create a formidable presence in the UK beverage industry, offering a portfolio of market-leading brands and world-class service to customers. This collaboration also strengthens Carlsberg’s relationship with PepsiCo, as Carlsberg Britvic becomes the largest bottling partner for PepsiCo in Europe.
Carlsberg’s acquisition of Britvic in July last year marked a significant shift for the brewery into the soft drinks market in the UK. Britvic’s portfolio includes popular British brands such as Robinsons, Tango, and J2O, as well as an exclusive license with PepsiCo to produce and distribute brands like Pepsi MAX, 7UP, Rockstar Energy, and Lipton Ice Tea. Additionally, Britvic has diversified into new categories such as plant-based milk and iced coffee, exemplified by its acquisition of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee in 2023.
The combined entity, Carlsberg Britvic, will integrate the beer and soft drink businesses of both companies to create a unified beverage company in the UK. With a diverse portfolio of leading brands across beer and soft drinks categories, Carlsberg Britvic is poised to deliver innovative products and exceptional service to consumers.
Paul Davies, formerly CEO of Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company, has been appointed as the CEO of Carlsberg Britvic in the UK. Davies brings a wealth of experience in the beverage industry, having held various leadership roles within Carlsberg Group. He expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture and highlighted the shared ambition of Carlsberg Britvic to drive growth and innovation in the UK beverage market.
The executive team of Carlsberg Britvic includes seasoned professionals in key roles such as Chief Financial Officer, VP Sales, VP Marketing, and VP Production, among others. The team is committed to leveraging the strengths of both companies to create a successful and sustainable business model that caters to the evolving needs of consumers.
While the primary focus of Carlsberg Britvic is in the UK, Britvic also has operations in Ireland, France, and Brazil. The integration of these markets into the Carlsberg Group will further enhance the company’s global footprint and market presence.
Carlsberg recognizes the importance of diversifying its product offerings beyond beer and sees soft drinks as a crucial component of its growth strategy in Western European markets. By combining the expertise and resources of both beer and soft drink businesses, Carlsberg aims to achieve synergies and cost savings that will drive operational efficiency and innovation.
The merger of Carlsberg and Britvic represents a strategic alliance that combines the strengths of both companies to create a powerhouse in the UK beverage industry. With a focus on delivering quality products, exceptional service, and sustainable growth, Carlsberg Britvic is poised to become a key player in the evolving beverage market landscape.