Pernod Ricard has announced its latest portfolio consolidation move, lining up the divestment of the Californian assets of the Mumm brand to Trinchero Family Wine & Spirits.
The “definitive agreement”, announced separately by both parties today (16 December), concerns the Mumm Napa winery and associated assets near St Helena in California’s Napa Valley region, as well as its range of sparkling wines. Not included are the GH Mumm champagne house in France, which is one of Pernod Ricard’s strategic international brands, nor the mark’s operations in Argentina and Australia.
The news comes just over ten months after speculation around Pernod Ricard’s ownership of GH Mumm, with Reuters citing five unnamed sources as claiming a sale was being investigated.
“This transaction … will enable Pernod Ricard to continue focusing its resources on its portfolio of premium international spirits and champagne brands, in line with its premiumisation strategy,” the group said. “It reflects Pernod Ricard’s continuous assessment of its strategic opportunities and active portfolio management … .”
The company’s efforts on the portfolio front have been quiet for the better part of a year; Finnish liqueur Minttu left its ranks bound for Royal Unibrew’s Hartwall unit in October 2024, prior to which the bulk of its wine presence, including the Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Jacob’s Creek brands, was lined up to head to Accolade Wines (now known as Vinarchy) in July last year.
In its announcement, Trinchero said: “Mumm Napa is widely recognised as one of California’s premier sparkling wine producers. Its portfolio includes the California Sparkling range, Terroir Series and numerous direct-to-consumer exclusives, featuring Brut, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs, with current suggested retail prices ranging from US$18 to $105.
“Mumm Napa winemaking will continue uninterrupted, with fruit sourced from long-standing grower partners – including the notable Devaux Ranch in Carneros. Trinchero will sell Mumm Napa and Mumm Sparkling wines across the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.”
Trinchero, which owns the Sutter Home wine and Tres Agaves tequila brands among a portfolio of around 50, is one of the five largest wineries in the US.
