Pernod Ricard has closed out the year with a portfolio consolidation move, agreeing the divestment of Czech bitter Becherovka.
The herbal liqueur will move to the ownership of Polish conglomerate Maspex before the end of June. Financial details around the transaction were not disclosed.
Included in the sale is the full Becherovka range, comprising the original expression alongside Becherovka Lemond and Becherovka Unfiltered, as well as the production facility in Karlovy Vary in the west of the country near the border with Germany.
Speaking to Global Drinks Intel, a spokesperson for Pernod Ricard said the brand carries a retail price point of around EUR10 (US$11) per bottle and sells in the region of 500,000 nine-litre cases per year.
Central & Eastern Europe CEO Fabrice Audan added: “The sale of Becherovka is part of our active portfolio management. We will remain focused on our strong ambitions in Europe with a sharpened portfolio strategy.”
New owner Maspex hit the beverage alcohol headlines two years ago when it spent around US$1bn on the acquisition of Central European Distribution Corp from Russian Standard vodka owner Roust Corp. Included in the purchase was the Żubrówka brand, which along with vodka siblings Soplica and Absolwent had made CEDC the category market leader in Poland.
Back in June last year, Pernod Ricard hived off the Tormore Scotch whisky brand and distillery to Elixir Distillers, again for an undisclosed sum.
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